Qualitative Research Methods unit (KGA520)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

Qualitative Research Methods provides Honours, Masters and HDR candidates with grounding in qualitative research methodologies and associated methods. Students will develop abilities in framing research questions; developing, critiquing and applying qualitative research methodologies; defending method choice; and the practicalities of method use such as interviewing. The unit is based on an expectation that students will engage in close and critical reading of key texts; participate in class discussion and group work; and position their own research in relation to historic and current trends in qualitative research. Students’ own research will be central to class-based discussion, and students are expected to demonstrate a developing research methodology specific to their own research.

Summary

Unit name	Qualitative Research Methods
Unit code	KGA520
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Discipline	Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Coordinator	Doctor Andrew Harwood
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	23/02/2026	17/03/2026	20/04/2026	14/06/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate qualitative research methodologies relevant to your research
• Justify the selection and application of qualitative research methods to your research
• Analyse your qualitative research taking into account ethics, representation, legitimacy, validity, and trustworthiness
• Frame your research in relation to historic and current trends in qualitative research

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
050999	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,382.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Complete required readings and engage with pre-recorded materials. Attend 5 days of classes (equivalent to 5 x 1-hour seminars for 5 weeks of semester, consisting of various learning activities). Please note that both 'On-Campus' and 'Off-Campus' enrolled students are required to attend these classes synchronously, either in-person or on-line.
Assessment	Methodology outline/plan (20%)|Methodology seminar and peer review (30%)|Methodology essay (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings are supplied at the commencement of the unit, on MyLO and via reading lists in the UTas library.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.