Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

Delivered by qualitative experts, 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 expert lectures and interactive practical sessions on how to prepare for collecting and analysing qualitative data, exploring the underpinning philosophy and the use of social theory. 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 features of the research process such as reflexivity, and ethics 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 by expert teachers and have a good opportunity to practise. Therefore, this course provides practical sessions (online or face-to-face) for participants to practise their interviewing skills, and analyse data. Participants have good opportunity to ask questions and receive individual feedback from tutors and will regularly work in smaller breakout groups with a dedicated expert tutor.

This course is particularly suited for people who are starting work on a project with a qualitative component, doctoral students at the beginning of their studies, and those who are thinking about using qualitative research methods for the first time. The course also provides a useful introduction or refresher for researchers, academics, or managers who are supervising students or undertaking qualitative research projects themselves. While this course is aimed at health and care professionals, and researchers, academics and postgraduate students working in health and care research, the skills developed on our course can be useful in many settings - so please ask us if you are unsure whether this is the course for you.

How is the Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods (QRM) course different to the Learning with the book (LWB) course?

The QRM course is more advanced than the LWB course. Over 5 days it provides practical sessions and the opportunity to develop your skills. LWB provides (over 8 evening sessions) an introduction to core methods and research design using online group discussion based around the book chapters.

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 and focus groups
• Expert-led lectures on research ethics, underpinning philosophy, using theory in qualitative research to guide sampling, recruitment, designing topic guides and data analysis (including an introduction to the OSOP technique) and on quality in qualitative research
• Small group sessions to practise coding and using thematic analysis
• Access to a range of additional resources including pre-recorded videos and reading lists

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Have an understanding of different approaches to, and the underpinning philosophy of, qualitative research
• Understand the key issues around recruitment and sampling in qualitative research
• Have developed skills to draft an interview topic guide/schedule
• Have practical experience of conducting in-depth interviews
• Have developed skills to begin to analyse qualitative data using a thematic approach
• Be able to discuss ethical issues associated with conducting qualitative research
• Be able to appraise the quality of qualitative research

We provide

• Access to the online learning platform (CANVAS)
• Online access to slides and materials
• De-identified data for you to work on whilst developing your skills
• Experienced, approachable tutors who are research-active
• For the face-to-face course, an optional social programme throughout the week, including a guest speaker.