Outline

Overview

This unit of study introduces you to foundational concepts and skills in qualitative research in global health. It is designed for beginners and people who want an advanced-level introduction. The unit emphasises community-based participatory methods and co-design principles and how these are applied in practice in a range of settings, for example how do we understand a problem locally from a range of perspectives and collaborate with stakeholders to design solutions. Over the course of the unit, we address: What is qualitative research and how can it contribute to addressing health inequities? How is qualitative research different from quantitative research, and how can they complement one another? What research problems can it address? How do I design a qualitative study? What are the different (and best) ways to generate data to ensure that the voices of affected communities get heard? How do you start to analyse qualitative data? What are the ethical issues? How can we ensure qualitative research aligns with community objectives? What is good quality qualitative research? How can I use qualitative evidence in policy or practice to maximise impact and centre community knowledge? You will gain practical experience and skills through carrying out an observation, participating in or facilitating a focus group, conducting an interview, analysing data, arguing for qualitative research in health, and appraising the quality of published literature. You will learn how to use qualitative methods in implementation science, including how to conduct health programme process evaluation, to support the delivery of interventions which are responsive to and elevate local health systems and contexts. You will be introduced to the principles and contributions of peer research. You will hear from working qualitative researchers about how they use qualitative methods in their work. This unit will give you the skills and confidence to begin conducting and using qualitative research.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Public Health
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PUBH5500 or QUAL5005 or QUAL5006 or PUBH5505 or FMHU5003
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Joni Lariat, joni.lariat@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Assessment 1: Weekly Reflective Summary Weekly reflections on the readings, lecture content, tutorial and LiveTalk discussions.	40%	Multiple weeks	12 x 350 word summaries (total: 4200)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Assessment 2a: Interviewing - preparation and skills Prepare for, conduct, and transcribe interview, create a fieldnote	10%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Apr 2026 at 23:59	20-minute transcript; 400-word fieldnote	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Assessment 2b: Interviewing - In-class Q&A based on transcript Engage in a Q&A with the lecturer about your submitted interview transcript. Reflect on the skills used and their effect on the interview.	15%	Week 09 Due date: 29 Apr 2026 at 14:00	Q&A not exceeding 6 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Assessment 3: Evaluating quality Essay evaluating the quality of a published qualitative research paper	35%	Week 13 Due date: 28 May 2026 at 23:59	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Weekly reflective summary: This assignment will require you to compose a piece of reflective writing drawing the weekly content (lectures, readings and Livetalk and tutorial discussions) to deepen and track your learning over the semester.
Interview preparation and skills: This assignment requires you to prepare for, conduct, audio-record, and transcribe a qualitaitve interview. You will then be required to create a fieldnote based on that interview.
Interview in-class Q&A: This assignment requires you to come to class prepared to engage in a Q&A with the lecturer based on your submitted interview transcript. You will be asked to reflect on the interview skills that you used (or could have used) in your interview.
Evaluating qualitative research: This assignment requires you to appraise a piece of published qualitative research drawing on the ket principles covered through the semester.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Indicates work of an exceptional standard
Distinction	75 - 84	Indicates work of a very high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Indicates work of a good standard
Pass	50 - 64	Indicates work of an acceptable standard
Fail	0 - 49	Indicates work that hasn’t met the learning outcomes of the unit to an acceptable standard

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late submission In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	After students have individually completed the week's core content on Canvas, we come together for a compulsory Tutorial (Online: Tuesdays; Normal Day: Wednesdays). The tutorials are designed for in-depth engagement with the weekly topic and readings, and for qualitative research skills development through a range of practical hands-on activities.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 01	Each week's contact concludes with a 1-hour LiveTalk. The LiveTalks, held every Wednesday, are an opportunity to have an interactive conversation with an invited guest who will share their insights and experiences of qualitative research as they relate to the week’s topic. On-campus students attend face-to-face LiveTalks (with some weeks held virtually via Zoom instead) and online students attend virtual LiveTalks via Zoom or asynchronously.	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 02	After students have individually completed the week's core content on Canvas, we come together for a compulsory Tutorial (Online: Tuesdays; Normal Day: Wednesdays). The tutorials are designed for in-depth engagement with the weekly topic and readings, and for qualitative research skills development through a range of practical hands-on activities.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Each week's contact concludes with a 1-hour LiveTalk. The LiveTalks, held every Wednesday, are an opportunity to have an interactive conversation with an invited guest who will share their insights and experiences of qualitative research as they relate to the week’s topic. On-campus students attend face-to-face LiveTalks (with some weeks held virtually via Zoom instead) and online students attend virtual LiveTalks via Zoom or asynchronously.	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 03	After students have individually completed the week's core content on Canvas, we come together for a compulsory Tutorial (Online: Tuesdays; Normal Day: Wednesdays). The tutorials are designed for in-depth engagement with the weekly topic and readings, and for qualitative research skills development through a range of practical hands-on activities.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Each week's contact concludes with a 1-hour LiveTalk. The LiveTalks, held every Wednesday, are an opportunity to have an interactive conversation with an invited guest who will share their insights and experiences of qualitative research as they relate to the week’s topic. On-campus students attend face-to-face LiveTalks (with some weeks held virtually via Zoom instead) and online students attend virtual LiveTalks via Zoom or asynchronously.	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 04	After students have individually completed the week's core content on Canvas, we come together for a compulsory Tutorial (Online: Tuesdays; Normal Day: Wednesdays). The tutorials are designed for in-depth engagement with the weekly topic and readings, and for qualitative research skills development through a range of practical hands-on activities.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Each week's contact concludes with a 1-hour LiveTalk. The LiveTalks, held every Wednesday, are an opportunity to have an interactive conversation with an invited guest who will share their insights and experiences of qualitative research as they relate to the week’s topic. On-campus students attend face-to-face LiveTalks (with some weeks held virtually via Zoom instead) and online students attend virtual LiveTalks via Zoom or asynchronously.	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 05	After students have individually completed the week's core content on Canvas, we come together for a compulsory Tutorial (Online: Tuesdays; Normal Day: Wednesdays). The tutorials are designed for in-depth engagement with the weekly topic and readings, and for qualitative research skills development through a range of practical hands-on activities.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Each week's contact concludes with a 1-hour LiveTalk. The LiveTalks, held every Wednesday, are an opportunity to have an interactive conversation with an invited guest who will share their insights and experiences of qualitative research as they relate to the week’s topic. On-campus students attend face-to-face LiveTalks (with some weeks held virtually via Zoom instead) and online students attend virtual LiveTalks via Zoom or asynchronously.	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 06	After students have individually completed the week's core content on Canvas, we come together for a compulsory Tutorial (Online: Tuesdays; Normal Day: Wednesdays). The tutorials are designed for in-depth engagement with the weekly topic and readings, and for qualitative research skills development through a range of practical hands-on activities.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Each week's contact concludes with a 1-hour LiveTalk. The LiveTalks, held every Wednesday, are an opportunity to have an interactive conversation with an invited guest who will share their insights and experiences of qualitative research as they relate to the week’s topic. On-campus students attend face-to-face LiveTalks (with some weeks held virtually via Zoom instead) and online students attend virtual LiveTalks via Zoom or asynchronously.	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 07	After students have individually completed the week's core content on Canvas, we come together for a compulsory Tutorial (Online: Tuesdays; Normal Day: Wednesdays). The tutorials are designed for in-depth engagement with the weekly topic and readings, and for qualitative research skills development through a range of practical hands-on activities.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Each week's contact concludes with a 1-hour LiveTalk. The LiveTalks, held every Wednesday, are an opportunity to have an interactive conversation with an invited guest who will share their insights and experiences of qualitative research as they relate to the week’s topic. On-campus students attend face-to-face LiveTalks (with some weeks held virtually via Zoom instead) and online students attend virtual LiveTalks via Zoom or asynchronously.	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 08	After students have individually completed the week's core content on Canvas, we come together for a compulsory Tutorial (Online: Tuesdays; Normal Day: Wednesdays). The tutorials are designed for in-depth engagement with the weekly topic and readings, and for qualitative research skills development through a range of practical hands-on activities.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 08	Each week's contact concludes with a 1-hour LiveTalk. The LiveTalks, held every Wednesday, are an opportunity to have an interactive conversation with an invited guest who will share their insights and experiences of qualitative research as they relate to the week’s topic. On-campus students attend face-to-face LiveTalks (with some weeks held virtually via Zoom instead) and online students attend virtual LiveTalks via Zoom or asynchronously.	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 09	After students have individually completed the week's core content on Canvas, we come together for a compulsory Tutorial (Online: Tuesdays; Normal Day: Wednesdays). The tutorials are designed for in-depth engagement with the weekly topic and readings, and for qualitative research skills development through a range of practical hands-on activities.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Each week's contact concludes with a 1-hour LiveTalk. The LiveTalks, held every Wednesday, are an opportunity to have an interactive conversation with an invited guest who will share their insights and experiences of qualitative research as they relate to the week’s topic. On-campus students attend face-to-face LiveTalks (with some weeks held virtually via Zoom instead) and online students attend virtual LiveTalks via Zoom or asynchronously.	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 10	After students have individually completed the week's core content on Canvas, we come together for a compulsory Tutorial (Online: Tuesdays; Normal Day: Wednesdays). The tutorials are designed for in-depth engagement with the weekly topic and readings, and for qualitative research skills development through a range of practical hands-on activities.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Each week's contact concludes with a 1-hour LiveTalk. The LiveTalks, held every Wednesday, are an opportunity to have an interactive conversation with an invited guest who will share their insights and experiences of qualitative research as they relate to the week’s topic. On-campus students attend face-to-face LiveTalks (with some weeks held virtually via Zoom instead) and online students attend virtual LiveTalks via Zoom or asynchronously.	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 11	After students have individually completed the week's core content on Canvas, we come together for a compulsory Tutorial (Online: Tuesdays; Normal Day: Wednesdays). The tutorials are designed for in-depth engagement with the weekly topic and readings, and for qualitative research skills development through a range of practical hands-on activities.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Each week's contact concludes with a 1-hour LiveTalk. The LiveTalks, held every Wednesday, are an opportunity to have an interactive conversation with an invited guest who will share their insights and experiences of qualitative research as they relate to the week’s topic. On-campus students attend face-to-face LiveTalks (with some weeks held virtually via Zoom instead) and online students attend virtual LiveTalks via Zoom or asynchronously.	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 12	After students have individually completed the week's core content on Canvas, we come together for a compulsory Tutorial (Online: Tuesdays; Normal Day: Wednesdays). The tutorials are designed for in-depth engagement with the weekly topic and readings, and for qualitative research skills development through a range of practical hands-on activities.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Each week's contact concludes with a 1-hour LiveTalk. The LiveTalks, held every Wednesday, are an opportunity to have an interactive conversation with an invited guest who will share their insights and experiences of qualitative research as they relate to the week’s topic. On-campus students attend face-to-face LiveTalks (with some weeks held virtually via Zoom instead) and online students attend virtual LiveTalks via Zoom or asynchronously.	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 13	After students have individually completed the week's core content on Canvas, we come together for a compulsory Tutorial (Online: Tuesdays; Normal Day: Wednesdays). The tutorials are designed for in-depth engagement with the weekly topic and readings, and for qualitative research skills development through a range of practical hands-on activities.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Each week's contact concludes with a 1-hour LiveTalk. The LiveTalks, held every Wednesday, are an opportunity to have an interactive conversation with an invited guest who will share their insights and experiences of qualitative research as they relate to the week’s topic. On-campus students attend face-to-face LiveTalks (with some weeks held virtually via Zoom instead) and online students attend virtual LiveTalks via Zoom or asynchronously.	Seminar (1 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. describe the characteristics and value of qualitative research and argue for the value and usefulness of qualitative research
LO2. understand and apply the principles underlying qualitative study design
LO3. understand and apply qualitative data collection principles and evaluate your data collection skills
LO4. understand qualitative data analysis principles and analyse qualitative data at an introductory level
LO5. understand the principles shaping qualitative research practice and justify research practice decisions in relation to these principles
LO6. evaluate the quality and contribution to knowledge of published qualitative literature.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We have adjusted our assessment to include an in-class interactive component to improve student learning and the development of reflective communication skills. These changes are informed by student feedback.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

GLOH5201: Global Qualitative Health Research

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links