Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

Delivered by qualitative experts over five days online via blended learning, this training course will introduce you to a broad range of skills in qualitative research methods.

Designed to follow the research process, this course offers delegates a blend of online lectures and interactive practical sessions on how to prepare to begin collecting qualitative data, consider and work to ethics guidelines, underpinning philosophy, and how to conduct literature searches. Course participants will gain hands-on practical experience of different data collection methods. Participants are actively supported to develop their skills in qualitative data analysis, with a strong focus on thematic analysis. Throughout the course we consider core concepts underpinning all stages of the research process such as reflexivity, the iterative nature of data collection and analysis, and how to recognise and conduct ‘good quality’ qualitative research.

We think the best way to learn new skills is for you to be  well supported and have a good opportunity to practice. Therefore, this course is very much weighted to provide as many virtual practical sessions as we can, and participants will have the opportunity to present a research proposal online to the delegate group, practise their interviewing skills, and analyse their data. To ensure all participants have good opportunity to ask questions, and receive individual feedback from tutors our class size is limited to 24 delegates, who will regularly work in smaller breakout groups wih a dedicated expert tutor.

This course is particularly suited for people who are starting work on a project with a qualitative dimension, doctoral students at the beginning of their projects, and those who are thinking about using qualitative research methods for the first time. Our course also provides a useful introduction or refresher for researchers, academics, managers who are supervising students, or those currently doing qualitative research projects. While this course is aimed at health professionals, researchers, academics and postgraduate students, the skills developed on our course can be useful in  many settings  - so everyone is welcome, regardless of their professional or research background.

Course delivery

Please note that some of the teaching sessions for this online course will involve you participating in live, interactive Zoom sessions, which will fall between the hours of 09:00 and 17:00 UK time. We are very happy to welcome bookings wherever you are internationally, but please make sure that you are able to attend video calls between these hours. Quite a bit of our teaching involves group work and the use of Zoom breakout rooms, because we believe this is the best and most effective way to teach qualitative research methods – (plus this ensures that you get plenty of opportunity to ask our qualitative experts questions!)

Teaching team

This course is led by a highly experienced and research-active teaching team. Our team have a range of specialities and skills spanning the breadth of qualitative research methods, ensuring that each session is led by a knowledgeable expert in the field. As well as being accomplished researchers, our team are skilled at communicating qualitative research methods in an accessible and clear way. Our tutors are friendly and approachable and will be available to offer delegates tailored feedback.. Our participants regularly emphasise our teaching team as a highlight of this course.

Content

This course will include: 

• Practical sessions focussing on data collection methods, including qualitative interviewing.
• Expert-led lectures on research ethics, underpinning philosophy, sampling, recruitment, and how to find and use theory in your qualitative research. 
• Expert-led lectures and small group sessions on data analysis with a focus on thematic analysis
• Large group workshops to identify and address common challenges that occur throughout the research process
• Small group sessions, facilitated by tutors, to identify the skills needed for conducting your own project
• Specialist practical sessions on literature searching, and using NVivo 12 software to support qualitative research.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Have an understanding of different methodological approaches to qualitative research
• Be able to search effectively for online resources using sensitive or specific search filters
• Understand the key issues around recruitment and sampling in qualitative research
• Have developed skills to write an interview schedule
• Have practical experience of conducting in-depth interviews
• Be able to discuss some of the ethical issues associated with conducting qualitative research
• Have developed skills to analyse qualitative data using a thematic approach
• Be able to appraise the quality of qualitative research

We provide

• Online access to slides and materials
• Access to our online learning platform
• All data for you to work on whilst developing your skills
• Experienced, approachable tutors who are research-active
• An optional virtual social programme throughout the week, including a team competition and a guest speaker.