Qualitative Research and Development in Working Life (5cr)

Evaluation scale

Pass/Fail

Content scheduling

The course consists of six content modules with tasks and mid-course tests: 1. Basics of qualitative research 2. The qualitative research process 3. Reliability and ethics in qualitative research 4. Data collection methods in qualitative research 5. Data analysis in qualitative research 6. Reporting results, conclusions, and findings in qualitative research

Objective

Unlock the power of qualitative research with this fully online, self-paced course designed for master’s students who want to deepen their research expertise. Explore the essentials of qualitative inquiry, from foundational principles and research design to ethical considerations and reliability. After completing the course, the student will be able to: - Apply qualitative and action-oriented methods in development work - Choose and justify suitable data sources and research methods - Collect and analyze data using appropriate qualitative techniques - Ensure reliability and ethical integrity in the research process - Draw evidence-based conclusions and present them clearly in the thesis - Keep working-life development needs central throughout the research.

Content

Learn practical strategies for collecting and analyzing data using inductive content analysis and master the art of reporting results and drawing evidence-based conclusions. Whether you’re preparing for your thesis or advancing your professional skills, this course offers flexibility, academic rigor, and real-world relevance, all at your own pace. - Basics of qualitative research - The qualitative research process - Reliability and ethics in qualitative research - Data collection methods in qualitative research - Data analysis in qualitative research - Reporting results, conclusions, and findings

Location and time

The course is entirely an independent online course. The student can progress at their own pace, possibly in the same rhythm as the Master’s thesis work. • Course duration: 23 February 2026 – 13 December 2026 • You may register and begin the course at any time while it is open. • Note that registration closes: 13 November 2026 • Final deadline: 13 December 2026 (the course platform closes on this date) • You can complete the course at your own pace within the dates above.

Materials

The learning material is available on the course’s Moodle platform.

Teaching methods

Unlock the power of qualitative research with this fully online, self-paced, non-stop course designed for master’s students who want to deepen their research expertise. Explore the essentials of qualitative inquiry, from foundational principles and research design to ethical considerations and reliability. Learn practical strategies for collecting and analyzing data using inductive content analysis and master the art of reporting results and drawing evidence-based conclusions. Whether you’re preparing for your thesis or advancing your professional skills, this course offers flexibility, academic rigor, and real-world relevance, all at your own pace.

Exam schedules

The online course includes mid-course tests.

Completion alternatives

You can apply for credit transfer for the implementation based on previously acquired competence or studies when you register for the course. Credit transfer is applied for using the eAhot application, which can be found in the task bar of the PAKKI student desktop. Submit the eAhot application as soon as possible after your registration (at the latest 1.11.2026) and select the course’s responsible teacher as the handler. Applying for credit transfer based on competence: The responsible teacher will state in the eAhot decision the method for demonstrating competence (assessment) and any additional information. Applying for credit transfer based on previous studies: The responsible teacher will inform you of the eAhot decision before the course begins.

Student workload

The scope of the course is 5 ECTS credits, which corresponds to 135 hours of student work.