This modules aims to attract postgraduates from all disciplines to introduce them to the theory and practice of interviews. This learning is underpinned by sociological theory and aims to provide students with an enhanced critical understanding of how different forms of interviews can be used to elicit different kinds of data. Through lectures, discussions and practical exercises, students will be enabled to develop skills to design and conduct their own interviews, and to analyse their data.

(LO1) The development of an active and critical understanding of the theories of interviews

(LO2) An appreciation of different approaches to interviewing

(LO3) The skills to prepare and thematically analyse interview data

(LO4) An understanding of how to write and present interview data

(S1) Team (group) working respecting others, co-operating, negotiating / persuading, awareness of interdependence with others

(S2) Problem solving skills

(S3) Communication skills

(S4) Ethical awareness

(S5) Adaptability

Students will be introduced to theories of interviewing and explore how sociologists and other social scientists have used interviews to inform particular issues and generate new insights. Ethical questions and implications for different approaches to interviews will be explored.
Sessions will also cover the principles of developing research questions and the practicalities of carrying out interviews in different settings. The session will also consider different types of analysis and ways to write up data.
There will be time allocated to discussions about how to design an interview study, and students will be encouraged to reflect on their own ideas for their research. Within this, students will be assisted to develop research questions and design a short interview schedule.

Hybrid - asynchronous pre-recorded material.
Face to face synchronous seminar, safety permitting.

Teaching Method 1 - Workshops
Description: Teaching is through two workshops which will include lectures, discussions and small group work.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Students will be asked to prepare in advance for each of the three workshops with all guidance and some materials provided on VITAL

Skill/Other Attribute 1:
"
Team (group) working respecting others, co-operating, negotiating / persuading, awareness of interdependence with others
"
How this is developed:
"Through small group work in the workshops and the opportunities for reflecting on views and experiences of the practical sessions"

Skill/Other Attribute 2:
"
Problem solving skills
"
How this is developed:
"Practical exercises in the workshops on data analysis"

Skill/Other Attribute 3:
"
Communication skills
"
How this is developed:
"Workshops - discussions of sociological literature, small group working and practical exercises on interviewing"

Skill/Other Attribute 4:
"
Ethical awareness
"
How this is developed:
"Through lectures and approach to interviewing "

Skill/Other Attribute 5:
"
Adaptability
"
How this is developed:
"Lectures and practical small group work"

Self-Directed Learning Description: Students will be provided with additional reading to guide their learning and enable them to reflect on the development of their practical skills