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Programmes by Topic

Program Description

Qualitative methods complement big data research by providing a framework within which to explore patterns and trends in a nuanced and in-depth manner. In the healthcare context, qualitative methods are essential in understanding and probing the perceptions, experiences, and motivations of students, trainees and patients.

For example, it is universally acknowledged that poor teamwork among different health professionals constitutes a major cause of medical errors (Institute of Medicine, 2001). 

While quantitative studies can use validated tools to measure teamwork, only qualitative studies have the power to unveil the social dynamics that undermine teamwork (Reeves et al., 2010). By unveiling the elements driving social behaviors, suitable intervention programmes can be designed and implemented to improve teaching and learning, as well as patient care outcomes.


The Executive Certificate in Qualitative Methods for Education Research & QI Projects program consists of 4 courses with a total of 4 academic units.
Do contact us at lifelonglearning@duke-nus.edu.sg for any enquiries.

Course Descripton
GMS5401 Understanding the fundamentals of Qualitative Methods
GMS5402 Collecting Qualitative Data
GMS5403 Analysing Qualitative Data
GMS5404 Disseminating Qualitative Scholarship
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Core Courses

GMS5401 

Understanding the fundamentals of Qualitative Methods 

This course covers the fundamentals of qualitative methods. Four topics will be discussed. The first is the research philosophy employed to study the social world. The second explores how and why quality inquiry is relevant to health professions education and quality improvement. The third focuses on the critical appraisal of qualitative literature. The fourth examines issues related to the quality criteria that ensure rigour in qualitative inquiry. 

 

GMS5402 

Collecting Qualitative Data 

This course covers the methods of collecting qualitative data. Three topics will be discussed. The first pertains to ethics concerning research participants recruitment. The second explores when and how to conduct qualitative interviews, facilitate focus group discussions, or collect other forms of textual data including but not limited to observations, qualitative surveys, and stories. The third explores a range of purposive sampling strategies such as maximum variation, emergent-subgroup and sensitising concept exemplars sampling. 

 

GMS5403 

Analysing Qualitative Data 

This course covers the methods of analysing qualitative data. Three topics will be discussed. The first pertains to preparing audio data for analysis by means of transcription. The second introduces a range of qualitative methodologies and methods including but not limited to grounded theory, ethnography, and thematic analysis (TA). The third focuses on TA, and how it can be applied to analyse qualitative data. 

 

GMS5404 

Disseminating Qualitative Scholarship 

This course covers the methods to disseminate qualitative data. Three topics will be discussed. The first focuses on how to write a qualitative manuscript (education research and quality improvement papers). The second discusses issues pertaining to journal selection. The third provides guidance on how to respond to peer reviewers’ comments. 

Course Fees

Individual course costs:  $1,350.00 subject to prevailing GST.

Note

  1. Student Service Fee (SSF): Students are required to pay an additional SGD25.70 (inclusive of GST) per semester. In the event that students do not take any courses that semester, they would not have to pay this fee.
  2. Please note that the Tuition Fee and Student Services Fee (SSF) are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  3. All requests for withdrawal must be received 6 weeks before the start of the course. Late withdrawals will be subjected to payment of the FULL course fees. Any access to learning materials (online preparatory materials and course materials) will be considered as participation and no refunds will be allowed.
  4. Contact us for possible financial assistance. 

Registration Details

You can also find out more here or contact us at lifelonglearning@duke-nus.edu.sg.

Apply now!