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Course syllabus - Qualitative Methods in Public Health

Scope

5.0 credits

Course code

FHA047

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

Second cycle

Progressive Specialisation

A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Science of Public Health

Organisation

Department of Health Sciences, Innovation and Design

Ratified

2025-12-09

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

Objectives

The aim of the course is for the student to acquire in-depth knowledge of qualitative methods within public health science.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

  1. explain and discuss principles of qualitative research designs
  2. develop and justify research questions grounded in qualitative methodology
  3. describe and discuss various qualitative strategies for recruitment and data collection
  4. apply qualitative data analysis and interpret and discuss findings of qualitative research
  5. identify and apply criteria to assess the quality of qualitative research
  6. identify and reflect on ethical aspects of qualitative research

Course content

  • Qualitative research design and qualitative approaches
  • Philosophy of science
  • Recruitment
  • Qualitative data collection methods
  • Qualitative data analysis
  • Quality in qualitative research
  • Research ethics

Specific requirements

A completed Bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 ECTS credits with a major in public health sciences, caring sciences, medical sciences, psychology, physiotherapy, political sciences, or an equivalent academic field. In addition, at least 5 ECTS credits in public health sciences, either as part of or outside the degree and English course 6 or English level 2 or A TOEFL test result with a minimum score 575 and a TWE score of at least 4.5 (PBT) or 90 with a TWE score of at least 20 (iBT), or an IELTS test result with an overall band score of at least 6.5 and no band score below 5.5, or equivalent, are required.

Examination

INL1, Assignment, 5 credits, Grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).

The course includes components with mandatory attendance. For further information, please refer to the course’s learning platform.

For a Pass on the course, a grade of G on INL1 and attendance at mandatory components are required.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

Two-grade scale