NORED922: Qualitative research in higher education

NORED922 – Qualitative research in higher education introduces doctoral students to the theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and practical application of qualitative research in educational contexts. The course explores major qualitative paradigms and contemporary debates, with particular attention to rigor, reflexivity, ethics, and trustworthiness. 

Students will develop skills in designing qualitative studies, formulating research questions, collecting and analyzing data using a range of qualitative methods, and synthesizing evidence across sources. Through hands-on work and critical reflection, the course prepares participants to plan, conduct, and evaluate qualitative research that can inform both scholarly inquiry and educational practice in higher education. 

ECTS

3 or 5

Course dates (Wednesdays)

February 4, 09:00-11:30

February 11, 09:00-11:30

February 18, 09:00-11:30

February 25, 09:00-11:30

March 4, 09:00-11:30

March 11, 09:00-11:30

March 18, 09:00-11:30

March 25, 09:00-11:30

April 1, 09:00-11:30

April 8, 09:00-11:30

Knowledge

By the end of the course, the student will be able to: 

• Identify major approaches to qualitative research in education.
• Compare and contrast fundamental theories that underpin research paradigms.
• Explain the principles that guide the use of qualitative research methods.
• Justify qualitative research processes based on their robustness and rigor.

Skills

By the end of the course, the student will be able to: 

• Formulate and design research topics for a detailed investigation of phenomena.
• Develop research questions using qualitative methods.
• Implement procedures related to research design, participant selection, and context.
• Collect and analyze data from various qualitative methods.
• Synthesize and integrate data from multiple sources.
• Compose individual or collaborative qualitative research reports.
• Plan, conduct, and assess qualitative research as part of professional development.

Competence

By the end of the course, the student will be able to: 

• Demonstrate an understanding of key terms and contemporary issues in qualitative research within higher education, such as reflexivity, voice, authority, representation, credibility, trustworthiness, and ethics.
• Apply a critical lens to address educational issues through qualitative inquiry.
• Interpret data to inform educational practices.
• Evaluate address the challenges associated with qualitative research methods.