IR5734 Qualitative Research Encounters

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Priority enrolment will be available to students in the MLitt in peacebuilding and mediation. The module will then be open to enrolment to any PGT students at the School of IR.

Planned timetable

Monday 10am-12noon

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr R C Krystalli

Dr R C Krystalli
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Roxani Krystalli

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

All research is based on encounter with texts, ideas, images, places, and ways of life. This module focuses specifically on encounters with other humans as part of the research process. How can we ethically and rigorously understand how other people experience the world? Focusing specifically on qualitative research, the module considers the processes by which we generate knowledge. It approaches the research experience and encounter from the perspective of research participants, researchers, communities, and other standpoints. Students will have the opportunity to build practical skills associated with the qualitative research encounter, including interviewing, ethnographic observation, and active listening. The module also engages with the ethical dilemmas and practical decisions that arise throughout the research cycle.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

A two-hour weekly seminar (x 11 weeks), and a one-time three-hour workshop. Prior to completing the second essay assessment, students are required to meet with the module coordinator during Office Hours to discuss their ideas and receive feedback.

Scheduled learning hours

47

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

246

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Recognise the benefits, risks, limitations, and possibilities that arise when conducting research based on encounter with other humans
  • Understand the ethical and methodological principles underpinning encounter-based research
  • Develop a reflective, critical approach to research that considers how different people experience the research encounter
  • Build practical skills that relate to encounter-based research, including interviewing, active listening, note-taking, and observation
  • Strengthen data analysis and writing skills