Method

Although qualitative research methods are often identified with the social sciences more generally than with the discipline of law in particular, lawyers and legal scholars increasingly also make use of qualitative research methods. Examples of this type of research are studies that examine people's perception of law and justice, the interactions between different courts or the reasoning of judges, the effects of gender, or legal aid and access to justice. This introductory course will discuss different qualitative methods. It aims to provide students with an understanding of the purpose and appropriate use of the major qualitative research methods and to equip students with the skills to decide whether their research topic requires the use of qualitative research methods to select the most appropriate research methods, and to assess and understand research methods used in other people’s work.

Mode of instruction

The full course consists of 10 lectures. 140 hours (5 ECTS) will be recorded. In all instances, you are expected to actively participate in class and fulfill the assignments. The lectures and tutorials only take place physically in class.

Dates

The course starts in the week of 10 March and lasts until the week of 18 May 2026.
You can find the schedule here.

Course objectives

Upon completing the course, students will be able to:

• Develop a solid research design that suits the research question at hand;
• Distinguish between qualitative interviewing, focus groups and participant observation, and visual methods;
• Know the difference between case study analysis and discourse analysis;
• Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of each qualitative research strategy in its ability to answer different types of questions;
• Assess in which circumstances it is best to apply different qualitative research strategies;
• Prepare and conduct different types of qualitative interviews and focus groups.

Compulsory literature

You can find the compulsory literature in the syllabus posted on Brightspace. 

Assignments

All assignments are to be handed in through Brightspace 48 hours before the start of the class unless indicated otherwise. In addition, some assignments will have to be printed and taken to class. If this is the case, this is indicated in the description of the assignment.
When students receive a pass grade for at least 6 of the assignments, they recive the credits (5 ECTS) associated with this course

Registration

Please register here. 

Presence

Presence in class is mandatory. If you cannot attend one of the lectures, please email Janine Ubink, the course coordinator, beforehand.