Research Methods – Assessment and Evaluation Approaches & Qualitative Methods
7 ECTS
Research Methods - Assessment and Evaluation Approaches & Qualitative Methods
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Module Description
This module is split into two parts – Assessment and Evaluation Approaches and Qualitative Methods.
The first part of the module provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess health care needs, analyse utilisation patterns, evaluate health outcomes, and conduct comprehensive evaluations of health and healthcare services. Students will learn to apply various assessment and evaluation methods to inform public health practice and policy to be able to address real-world public health challenges effectively.
The second part of the module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of qualitative research methods and their application in public health, including theoretical foundations, data collection techniques, analysis strategies, and ethical considerations of qualitative research.
Students will learn to design and conduct qualitative studies, analyse qualitative data, and apply their findings to inform public health practice and policy. Through firsthand experience and critical appraisal of qualitative research, students will gain the skills necessary to address complex public health issues from a qualitative perspective.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will hold a:
- Level 6 Degree related to the subject area of the programme.
OR
- Level 6 degree not related to the subject area of the programme and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience (subject to interview by admissions board)
OR
- Level 5 Diploma or Higher Diploma related to the subject area of the programme and 2 years of work experience in a position related to the subject area of this programme (subject to interview by admissions board).
In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.
Target Audience
This programme targets:
- Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in the sector of public health.
- Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of career paths within the public health industry.
- Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess and communicate public-health related information.
Career Paths
This programme aims to equip target audience with the knowledge, skills and competencies listed in this application. The programme prepares for positions such as:
- Consultant in Public Health
- Leadership, management and administrative roles of health services, programmes or facilities
- Epidemiologist/biostatistician
- Health promotion and communication specialist
- Health Policy Analyst/Planner
- Global public health professional
- Environmental health scientist
- Public health educator/researcher
How you’ll be assessed
The module comprises of:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Assessment 1
- Assessment 2
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Module Intake Dates
TBA 2025
Learning Outcomes
Competences
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Conduct healthcare needs assessments.
- Analyse healthcare utilisation.
- Evaluate health outcomes.
- Conduct comprehensive health programme evaluations.
- Critically evaluate the theoretical foundations of qualitative research.
- Design qualitative studies for public health.
- Collect qualitative data.
- Analyse qualitative data.
- Critically appraise qualitative public health research.
Knowledge
By the end of the module/unit, the students will be able to:
- Conduct healthcare needs assessments.
- Analyse healthcare utilisation.
- Evaluate health outcomes.
- Conduct comprehensive evaluations.
- Critically evaluate the theoretical foundations of qualitative research.
- Design qualitative studies for public health.
- Collect qualitative data.
- Analyse qualitative data.
- Critically appraise qualitative public health research.
Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Use the results from health needs assessments and evaluations to inform health planning and resource allocation.
- Develop strategies to optimize healthcare utilisation and address disparities.
- Implement interventions to improve health outcomes based on evaluation findings.
- Translate evidence from evaluations into policy recommendations and practical applications.
- Apply ethical principles in the conduct of health needs assessments and evaluations.
- Ensure that ethical considerations are integrated into the design and implementation of assessment and evaluation studies.
- Use qualitative research to inform public health interventions, programmes, and policies.
- Identify and address ethical issues in qualitative research, including informed consent, confidentiality, and the potential for harm.
- Apply ethical principles and guidelines to the design and conduct of qualitative studies.
- Demonstrate the acquisition and application of important soft skills including peer working, a strong sense of responsibility, a professional work ethic, critical thinking, autonomy, and problem-solving skills.
Module-Specific Learner Skills
The learner will be able to:
- Recognise and address cultural and social factors that influence healthcare needs, utilisation, and outcomes.
- Integrate qualitative findings with quantitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of public health issues.
- Ensure cultural competence and sensitivity in qualitative research practices.
- Communicate statistical information and evaluation findings to diverse audiences, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public.
- Communicate qualitative research findings effectively to diverse audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and the public.
- Write comprehensive reports and research papers that accurately convey assessment and evaluation results.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
The learner will be able to:
- Create clear and effective data visualisations and presentations.
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.