Mixed Methods Research Designs20 credits

Over the past 25 years there have been numerous calls for increased methodological diversity in integrating quantitative and qualitative research approaches which has spawned varied typologies of a mixed method design.

There are various types of mixed method including distinguishing features which focus upon methods of data collection and analysis, the relative contribution of quantitative and qualitative, and how these are sequenced within an overall research design. Hanson et al (2005) consider that mixed methods research has become increasingly popular and maybe now considered as a legitimate, stand-alone research design within health and social sciences. Examples of mixed methods research include the development of health surveys, assessing health outcomes, assessing health service provision and healthy quality improvement initiatives.

The distinct advantage of a mixed method approach is that research findings can be enriched by the effective utilisation of concurrent and sequential quantitative and qualitative data which in turn allows researchers to gain a much deeper understanding of the phenomenon of interest.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Critically evaluate the key concepts involved within mixed methods research designs in relation to its origins and philosophy of knowledge.
• Critically appraise and interpret the different methods and techniques of mixed methods research.
• Explore the essential research skills in mixed methods research for research projects designed for a health and social sciences population.
• Critically consider the challenges in both the presentation and dissemination of mixed methods research in relation to reliability, validity and ethical consideration.

Attendance required

40 hours

Course dates

Study dates

24 to 28 March 2025

Presentations over two days

1 May 9-4pm

2 May 9-4pm

Assignment submission

6 May 10am

Assessment

• PowerPoint presentation of a research proposal utilising a specific mixed method approach to a current health care related issue. 20 minutes for presenting and 5 minutes for questions (100%).

Credits

20 credits

Academics involved in the delivery of this course

• Module lead: Dr Kanta Kumar
• Professor Caroline Bradbury-Jones
• Dr Nikolaos Efstathiou

Degree needed.

For more information please contact the Programme Administrator:

Tel: +44 (0)121 414 6014
Email: acp@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Why choose a Postgraduate Microcredential short course?

• Microcredentials offer the perfect opportunity to boost your CV without the commitment of a full degree
• Usually taken from existing modules within a Masters, they can be used as standalone credentials with some also counting as academic credits at postgraduate level
• Add a postgraduate level qualification to your CV
• Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals
• Alumni status with the University of Birmingham
• Learners will have the same access to our student support and campus facilities as our students on full degree programmes.

Please note the deadline for submitting an application:

• Applicants eligible for Home fees are to apply a minimum of 6 weeks before the module start date.
• Applicants eligible for Overseas fees are to apply a minimum of 3 months before the module start date.

Please note that once registered for the microcredential you cannot swap for the non-credit short course version.

Non-credit short course

The microcredential and the non-credit short course follow the same course structure, the difference between them both is with the non-credit short course you do not take the assessment at the end therefore you will not receive credits but will receive a certificate of completion, this certificate cannot be converted to credits.

Please note if you apply for the non-credit short course, you cannot swap to the microcredential version once registered.

Places on the non-credit short course are limited so please enquire before if spaces are available.