Vår 2024

REI-3014 Qualitative methods - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for reiseliv og nordlige studier

Type of course

This course is mandatory for the achievement of a Master of Tourism Studies degree. It is open for other students with a Bachelor's degree.

Course contents

The aim of this course is to provide students with insights into qualitative research methods. Students will be trained in defining research problems, designing a research-project, conducting interviews/fieldworks as well as how to reflect upo methodological questions involved in qualitative research. The course depends upon and will be partly integrated with REI-3001 Philosophy of Social Sciences.

Admission requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree (180 ECTS), or an equivalent qualification, with a minimum of 80 ECTS within tourism, out-door recreation, event studies, marketing and communication, social sciences, humanities or education.

International applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or equicalent issued in Europe, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand: An average grade C is a minimum requirement.

International applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent issued in countries other than the above mentioned region/countries: An average grade B is a minimum requirement in addition to fulfilling formal admission requirements for Master's level entry.

Non-EU applicants need to have a Higher Education Entrance Qualification from their home countries and certified fulfilment of English language requirements.

Application code: 9731 (nordic applicants)

Objective of the course

Students should obtain the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge: the student should have

an in-depth knowledge of key theoretical debates regarding various methods and methodologies in tourism studies research
a thorough understanding of the theoretical foundations of qualitative tourism research projects
specialized knowledge on how to define and conduct a qualitative tourism research project as well as the presentation of findings in a written form
an in-depth knowledge of the ethical aspects of tourism studies-related research processes

Skills: the student should be able to

critically reflect on the interdependency between theories and methodologies
perform and discuss qualitative methods in critical ways
complete a limited, individual research project under supervision and according to ethical standards

Competence: the student should be able to

convey in-depth understanding of methodological considerrations in tourism studies
contribute to innovations in tourism research design
critically reflect on tourism studies-related project design

Language of instruction

English

Teaching methods

Lectures will be given in an intensive mode (classes given in blocks) in spring semester only. The students are expected to work 280 hours.

Teaching will consist of eight lectures (3x45 minutes), which include student involvement in classroom discussions, role-plays, methodological exercises and group as well as individual tasks.

The course will be evaluated in accordance with the quality systems of UiT - The Arctic University of Norway.