WORKSHOP I Qualitative Methods for Research in Fashion

Course objectives

The course introduces the student to key qualitative methods to research fashion and dress related phenomena. After the course, the student will understand the difference between methods and methodology and be familiar with most commonly used qualitative research methods. The student will know how to search for relevant information and to conduct a synthesized literature review. They will be aware of ethical concerns regarding research subjects. The student will know how to formulate research questions, and they will be able to create a justified and realistic research/project design. The course gives the student tools to create their own research-related project plan.

Channel 1
ANNA MARI ALMILA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Topics include: Qualitative research, data, methods, methodology, research questions / Literature review and synthesis matrix / Researcher positions and ethics / Interviewing / Ethnographic methods / Researching online materials / Visual methods / Archival research / Object-based research / Analysing data, writing up
Prerequisites
BA degree or equivalent. The course is only open for Master’s students in Fashion Studies. No students from other programmes will be accepted.
Books
Recommended books include: Kawamura, Y. (2020) Doing Research in Fashion and Dress: An Introduction to Qualitative Methods. London: Bloomsbury. Gaimster, J. (2011) Visual Research Methods in Fashion. London: Bloomsbury. Sikarskie, A. (2020) Digital Research Methods in Fashion and Textile Studies. London: Bloomsbury. Jenss, H. (2016) Fashion Studies: Research Methods, Sites, and Practices. London: Bloomsbury. Other material provided by the teacher. Materials are shared via relevant Moodle platform into which students must enroll. Enrollment instructions will be given during the first lecture.
Frequency
1 x 4h session each week for the first half of the course, independent work and 1 x 1h small group tutorial during the second half of the course
Exam mode
Option 1 (attending students): A number of individual written tasks, and one group video task, during the course. Option 2 (non-attending students): Full research plan (3000 words, excluding list of references).
Bibliography
Other material provided by the teacher. Materials are shared via relevant Moodle platform into which students must enroll. Enrolment instructions will be given during the first lecture.
Lesson mode
During the first half of the course, 4h weekly lectures/workshops. During the second part of the course, students work independently, and each student prepares for and participates in one small-group tutorial.
  • Lesson codeAAF2448
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseFashion theory and practices
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • CFU6