qualitative research methods course

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Qualitative Research: Design, Implementation and Methods

DESIGN X440.2

Get an introduction to what qualitative research is, the types of qualitative research methods, the appropriate situations to apply qualitative methods, and how to conduct your own qualitative research. You learn to build a research protocol and use various techniques to design, conduct, analyze and present an informative research study.

At the end of the course, you are expected to conduct your own qualitative research study . To that end, you develop a research plan based on the given situation, collect data using qualitative methodologies , engage with various techniques for coding and analyzing qualitative data effectively, and present the data and insights in a manner that is best aligned with the goals of the research.

Prerequisites: None.

Course Outline

Course Objectives

• Understand what constitutes qualitative research, how it differs from quantitative research and when to apply qualitative research methods
• Identify and formulate appropriate qualitative research plans
• Apply qualitative research data collection techniques
• Develop coding schemes for analysis of qualitative data
• Present qualitative data to inform and influence

What You Learn

• Developing qualitative research questions
• Building a research protocol
• Observing, listening and probing: the core skills of a qualitative researcher
• Qualitative sampling and participant recruitment
• Understanding an overview of the qualitative data analysis process
• Communicating your findings, from summary to interpretation
• Presenting qualitative results

How You Learn

We are online! All of the design classes are conducted online and include video classes, mentor-led learning and peer-to-peer support through our student online platform, Canvas. 

• Reading assignments
• Quizzes at instructor’s discretion
• Small-group activities
• Homework assignments
• Capstone project

Is This Course Right for You?

This course is intended for students in the Professional Program in User Experience (UX) Design , or anybody interested in obtaining skills in qualitative research. You do not need preexisting research experience for this course. Our experienced instructors provide practical information, leverage their qualitative research skills and monitor your development along with peer-to-peer support on our student online platform.

Section 007

Type: Live Online

Instructor:

Melissa Schmidt

Cost: $1,107.00

See section 007 Details

Type Live Online

Schedule and Location

Instructional Hours

Live Online

Delivery Options

Available for Credit

Section Notes

Enroll early to secure a space in course. Enrollment will not be accepted after the second class meeting.

This course will be taught "Live-Online" where the instructor will lecture through the Zoom remote-learning platform at the same designated time every week.

The following minimum recommendation for UX Design:

Apple MacBook or PC

8 to 16GB RAM

Section Materials

(Mandatory)

UX Research: Practical Techniques for Designing Better Products by David Farkas

Spring 2025 enrollment opens on October 21!

Session Time-Out

Design x440.2 - 007 - qualitative research: design, implementation and methods, privacy policy, cookie policy.

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Course details

• Mon 04 Nov 2024 to 08 Nov 2024

Qualitative Research Methods

Introducing qualitative research

This module will provide an introductory overview of the principles and practice of qualitative research. Students will explore how people make sense of their lives, and recognise ways in which qualitative research bridges the gap between scientific evidence and clinical practice by examining the attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of both patients and practitioners. Participants will be introduced to the concepts underpinning qualitative research, learn to collect data using fundamental methods, including observation, interview and focus groups and become familiar with the techniques of thematic qualitative data analysis.

The last date for receipt of complete applications is 5pm Friday 6th June 2025. Regrettably, late applications cannot be accepted.

The overall aims of this module are to enable students to:

• Use qualitative research in evidence based practice;
• Understand commonly used qualitative methodologies in health care;
• Understand the ways in which qualitative and quantitative approaches can be combined;
• Discuss the issues involved in systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research;
• Describe steps to design, data collection and analysis for a qualitative project;
• Use qualitative methods, including observation, interviews and focus groups;
• Conduct thematic qualitative data analysis;
• Write up qualitative research results.

Comments from previous participants:

"All tutors had both solid theoretical understanding of their topic and wide practical knowledge of the application of the approach being taught in practice. This course was a good mix of theory, opportunities to practice new skills, and application of theory into (one's own) practice."

Programme details

This module is run over an eight week cycle where the first week is spent working on introductory activities using a Virtual Learning Environment, the second week is spent in Oxford for the face to face teaching week (this takes place on the dates advertised), there are then four Post-Oxford activities (delivered through the VLE) which are designed to help you write your assignment. You then have a week of personal study and you will be required to submit your assignment electronically the following week (usually on a Tuesday at 14:00 UK Local Time).

Recommended reading

• Ziebland, S., Coulter, A., Calabrese, J. and Locock, L.(Editors). (2013) Understanding and Using Health Experiences. Improving patient care. Oxford: OUP.

Details of funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships and benefit information are available on our financial assistance page.

If you are an employee of the University of Oxford and have a valid University staff card you may be eligible to receive a 10% discount on the full stand-alone fee. To take advantage of this offer please submit a scan/photocopy of your staff card along with your application. Your card should be valid for a further six months after attending the course.

Dr Anne-Marie Boylan

Module coordinator.

Anne-Marie Boylan is a Departmental Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow based in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be based on submission of a written assignment which should not exceed 4,000 words.

Academic Credit

Applicants may take this course for academic credit. The University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education offers Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points for this course. Participants attending at least 80% of the taught course and successfully completing assessed assignments are eligible to earn credit equivalent to 20 CATS points which may be counted towards a postgraduate qualification.

Applicants can choose not to take the course for academic credit and will therefore not be eligible to undertake the academic assignment offered to students taking the course for credit. Applicants cannot receive CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points or equivalence. Credit cannot be attributed retrospectively. CATS accreditation is required if you wish for the course to count towards a further qualification in the future.

A Certificate of Completion is issued at the end of the course.

Applicants registered to attend ‘not for credit’ who subsequently wish to register for academic credit and complete the assignment are required to submit additional information, which must be received one calendar month in advance of the course start date. Please contact us for more details.

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

Application

This course requires you to complete the application form and to attach a copy of your CV. If you are applying to take this course for academic credit you will also be required to provide a reference. Please note that if you are not applying to take the course for academic credit then you do not need to submit a reference.

Please ensure you read the guidance notes which appear when you click on the symbols as you progress through the application form, as any errors resulting from failure to do so may delay your application.

• Short Course Application Form
• Terms and Conditions

Selection criteria

Admissions Criteria: To apply for the course you should:

• Be a graduate or have successfully completed a professional training course
• Have professional work experience in the health service or a health-related field
• Be able to combine intensive classroom learning with the application of the principles and practices of evidence-based health care within the work place
• Have a good working knowledge of email, internet, word processing and Windows applications (for communications with course members, course team and administration)
• Show evidence of the ability to commit time to study and an employer's commitment to make time available to study, complete course work and attend course and university events and modules.
• Be able to demonstrate English Language proficiency at the University’s higher level . 

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at the Rewley House Residential Centre , within the Department for Continuing Education, in central Oxford. The comfortable, en-suite, study-bedrooms have been rated as 4-Star Campus accommodation under the Quality In Tourism scheme , and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

IT requirements

Please ensure that you have access to a computer that meets the specifications detailed on our technical support page.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support

Sign up for course news

• MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care
• MSc in EBHC (Teaching and Education)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research
• Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research

and also available as an accredited short course in Health Sciences

Short courses

Qualitative Research Methods in Health

• 10am - 1pm each day

Cost: £1,500

Book a place.

Please email [email protected]  if you wish to apply for this course. The next course will start on 3 October 2024

This course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand, design and conduct high quality qualitative research.

The course will help you:

• gain a clear understanding of the principles of qualitative research
• practise skills including interviewing, running a focus group, data analysis, and developing and presenting a research protocol

This course will be delivered online over 10 Thursday mornings from 3 October to 12 December.

This course is run by researchers from the UCL Centre for Excellence in Qualitative Research, within the Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health (PCPH).

Who it's for

This course is for: 

• Master's level students, PhD students and research staff who need to design and conduct a qualitative study
• those who wish to know how to assess the quality of qualitative research (e.g. funders, journal editors, ethical committee members etc.)

You don't need to have any previous experience of qualitative research, but you will need to do some preparation before each session.

Course content

Lead: Julia Bailey and Tom Witney

This workshop will help you understand the basis on which qualitative methodology is selected as a research approach.

• learn about the philosophical debates around qualitative research
• contrast qualitative and quantitative approaches
• discuss the place of qualitative research in health and medicine

You'll also critique a published paper of a qualitative study. This will help you reflect on a completed study and consider not only the methodological approach and selection of methods, but also practical aspects such as sampling, what counts as data, the position of the researcher, data analysis, and application of findings.

Learning objectives

By the end of this workshop you'll be able to:

• describe key features of qualitative research
• explain the rationale for key features of qualitative research design 
• know when qualitative or quantitative study designs are appropriate 
• understand how ‘theory’ is relevant for qualitative research

Leads: Harpreet Sihre and Silvie Cooper

On this workshop you'll learn about qualitative research interviewing techniques and developing topic guides.

You'll explore structured, semi-structured and in-depth interview methods and their application, using real world examples. However, the emphasis will be on semi-structured interview techniques.

You'll also learn about and discuss:

• the importance of different communication styles and researcher reflexivity
• practical issues such as structuring questions, building rapport and dealing with challenging interviews

You'll be encouraged to think of an area of research around which you'll structure and produce a topic guide for use in a practical session. You'll also get the opportunity to practice your newly developed interviewing skills.

As far as possible, the workshop is tailored towards research that those attending are planning/doing.

By the end of this workshop you'll be able to:

• describe and distinguish between structured, semi-structured and 'in-depth' interviewing
• formulate and construct a topic guide
• apply and evaluate some key interviewing skills

Lead: Tom Witney and Fiona Aspinal

This workshop will introduce you to focus groups - a key qualitative research method.

You'll learn about the:

• different stages of the research process where focus groups can be used
• types of research questions that lend themselves to this approach
• practicalities of sampling, convening and conducting focus groups, including issues to consider when researching sensitive topics

You'll also practise your communication and group facilitation skills.

You'll be encouraged to think of an area of research around which you'll structure and produce a topic guide for use in a practical session.

• explain when and how to use focus groups
• design a topic guide for a focus group study
• organise and facilitate a focus group

Leads: Nathan Davies and Fiona Stevenson

On this workshop you'll discuss a range of ways of conducting qualitative data analysis and the rationales for different approaches.

You'll be encouraged to critically reflect on how decisions made throughout research affect the type and extent of analysis possible. The importance of decisions about transcription are also stressed.

You'll consider the place of data management software in qualitative analysis. You won't be taught how to use particular software packages, but you'll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using these.

You'll conduct a thematic analysis on a piece of data, and reflect on and consider the best approach for your own work.

Please note: this workshop does not provide training in the use of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis packages

• distinguish between different types of qualitative data analysis
• recognise the importance of decisions relating to transcribing, reflexivity, field notes, double coding and data management
• consider various approaches to analysis
• understand the principles and practicalities of conducting a basic thematic analysis
• evaluate the benefits of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis for your projects

Leads: Jane Wilcock and Stephanie Kumpunen

In this interactive workshop you'll plan your own qualitative study design.

You'll work on your own and in small and large groups, with an experienced tutor. You'll also have the opportunity for one-to-one and small group discussions and advice on qualitative study design.

The first day is spent planning your study in a structured way. On the second day you'll present your study design proposal to tutors and other students in small groups, and discuss research issues arising from the proposed studies.

• write clear research questions
• understand the principles of (and debates about) quality in qualitative research
• plan a qualitative research study, specifying the details of how a study will be carried out
• present a four-slide summary of your study design
• discuss the rationale for chosen study designs

Teaching and assessment

The course is highly interactive, involving a range of teaching techniques including group work, practical tasks and discussion.

It will be run with a mixture of synchronous, online learning (e.g. presentations, small group discussions) and asynchronous learning (pre-recorded videos, readings, preparatory writing/planning).

You'll receive help designing and planning your own qualitative research project. You'll then present your design proposals and receive feedback from course tutors and peers at the end of the course.

You'll be required to do some preparation before each session (reading and/or watching videos).

How to apply

To apply for this course you’ll need to complete a short application form.

Your application will be judged on your suitability for the course and how much you're likely to benefit. Priority will be given to people who are actively planning or conducting qualitative research.

Please email [email protected]  if you’d like to be added to the waiting list. When booking opens and there are spaces available for the course, you'll be emailed the application form.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations must be received in writing at least two weeks before the start of the event and will be subject to an administration charge of 20% of the course fee. Unfortunately, no refunds will be made within two weeks of the course date. Any refund will be made by UCL to you within 30 days of your cancellation and be paid to you in the same way as you paid for your order.

We reserve the right to cancel teaching if necessary and will, in such event, make a full refund of the registration fee. PCPH Events will not be liable for any additional incurred costs.

Further information

If you have any questions about the course content, please email Fiona Stevenson ( [email protected] ) or Julia Bailey ( [email protected] ).

For administrative queries, please contact Lynda Russell-Whitaker ( [email protected] ).

Course team

Julia Bailey - joint Course Director

Julia is an Associate Professor at the e-Health Unit at UCL and a sexual health speciality doctor in South East London. Her research interests include sexual health, e-Health, doctor-patient interaction, science communication and social science in medicine (qualitative methodologies). View Julia’s IRIS profile for more information about her work and publications.

Fiona Stevenson - joint Course Director

Fiona is a Professor of Medical Sociology and Co-Director of e-Health Unit at UCL. She’s currently Head of the Department of Primary Care and Population Health at UCL. Her research is broadly encompassed by the overarching theme of perceptions, communication and interactions about treatment. Her methodological expertise lies in qualitative methods, both in relation to thematic analysis of interviews and focus groups and conversation analysis of interactional data. She has expertise in conducting original research as well as implementing research findings into practice. View Fiona’s IRIS profile for more information about her work and publications.

Nathan Davies

Nathan is an Associate Professor and Alzheimer’s Society Fellow based in the Centre for Ageing Population Studies at UCL. His main research interests are in older adults, dementia, and supporting family carers. He's a qualitative researcher leading on several qualitative studies, which explore sensitive topics, including end of life care. In addition to experience of interviews, focus groups and various types of qualitative analysis, he has extensive experience of co-design, co-production and consensus-based methods. View Nathan’s IRIS profile for more information about his work and publications.

Jane Wilcock

Jane is a Senior Research Associate in the Centre for Ageing & Population Studies, UCL. Her main research interests are in dementia, ageing, emergent technologies and trials of complex interventions in primary care and community settings. A mixed-methods researcher, Jane has experience of a variety of study designs such as RCTs, interview and focus group studies, nominal group techniques and co-design of interventions. In addition, she is a methodology expert for the NIHR Research Design Service London. View Jane’s IRIS profile for more information about her work and publications.

Silvie Cooper

Silvie is a Lecturer (Teaching) in the Department of Applied Health Research at UCL. Her research interests include capacity building for health research, management of chronic pain, digital health, and patient education, using qualitative, mixed methods, and translational research approaches. Alongside her research, she designs and teaches on a variety of health and social science courses for undergraduates, postgraduates and professionals. Topics include research and evaluation methods, the social aspects of health and illness, and the impact of context, practice and policy on healthcare experiences. View Silvie’s IRIS profile for more information about her works and publications.

Harpreet Sihre

Harpreet formerly completed her PhD at the Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, where she researched the lived experiences of South Asian women with severe postnatal psychiatric illnesses using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. She then worked at the Unit of Social and Community Psychiatry on an NIHR-funded study researching accessibility and acceptability of Perinatal Mental Health Services.

Harpreet’s research interests encompass mental health, perinatal mental health, access to services and equality, diversity and inclusion, using qualitative research methods. Harpreet has taught on both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including small group teaching and lecturing at the University of Birmingham and Queen Mary University. View Harpreet’s IRIS profile for more information about her work and publications.

Tom is a Research Fellow at the department of  Primary Care and Population Health . He is a qualitative health researcher, with a particular interest in sexual health and relationship intimacy. His current work focuses on improving access to sexual health for trans and gender diverse people and supporting uptake of chlamydia retesting following a diagnosis. View Tom’s Iris profile for more information about his work and publications.

Fiona Aspinal

Fiona is based in the Department of Applied Health Research for the NIHR ARC North Thames as 'Senior Research Associate in Qualitative Methods Applied to Organisational Research in Health' where, as part of the ARC North Thames' Research Partnership Team, she helps to facilitate and support health and social care research with local, regional and national relevance. She is also the social care research lead for NIHR CRN North Thames.

Her areas of research interest are: Qualitative research and evaluation of complex health and social care interventions and organisations; The experience and outcomes of integrated care policy and practice for staff, service users and informal carers; Social and community health care for adults, including people with dementia; Social care research infrastructure/skills.

At UCL, in addition to the Qualitative Research Methods in Health short course, Fiona teaches on research methods and social science courses and modules, such as the BSc Population Health Sciences, the Medicine MBBS BSc and the Population Health MSc. She also supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students. View Fiona’s Iris profile for more information about her work and publications.

Stephanie Kumpunen

Stephanie is a THIS Institute Doctoral Fellow at UCL and a Senior Fellow in Health Policy at Nuffield Trust (a London-based health and care think tank). Her research focuses on the organisation of Primary Care and community-based health and care services.

Stephanie has led on a number of qualitative studies and mixed-methods evaluations. She has a particular interest in rapid qualitative approaches; namely rapid ethnographies that inform health and care service improvement. View Stephanie’s UCL profile for more information about her work and publications.

“The course is a really a great opportunity to read, reflect, discuss and share research, which is helpful for personal and professional development.” [Academic Clinical Fellow, Spring 2022]

“This session really helped me to organise my thoughts and put together a coherent plan for future research. It will make writing my protocol very easy!” [PhD Student, Spring 2022]

“It was such an excellent course. The information and materials provided were straight to the point and helpful, the working atmosphere was inspiring and constructive, and the tasks were interesting and activating. Thank you to all tutors!” [Clinical Research Programme Coordinator, Spring 2022]

“Great tutors, great reading material. It was very interesting to hear other peoples' experiences. Although this course was virtual, there were plenty of opportunities for interaction. I now have a better understanding and I am confident to run my study. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants an intro in qual research.” [Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow, 2021]

"I have a more clear understanding of the basics of qual methods, terminology and ways it may fit into my own research." [Researcher, 2019] 

Course information last modified: 22 Apr 2024, 13:33

Length and time commitment

• Time commitment: 10am - 1pm each day
• Course length: 10 weeks

Contact information

• Lynda Russell-Whitaker
• [email protected]

Related Short Courses

Bristol Medical School

Introduction to qualitative research methods.

This course provides a broad introduction to carrying out qualitative research and how to apply qualitative methods to a range of contexts and study designs. We draw on the expertise within the University of Bristol. Course tutors have extensive experience of applied qualitative research including expertise in ethnography, optimising trial methods and recruitment, sensitive health topics, intervention development, and health care research.

Course profile

This course aims to give an overview and introduction to the major qualitative research methods based in the social sciences as used in health services, public health and other health-related research.

Please click on the sections below for more information. 

Taught over 5 consecutive full days. The course will run online. It will comprise a series of live and pre-recorded lectures/materials, complemented by informal small and large group practical activities and discussions.

Intended Learning Objectives

By the end of the course participants should be able to:

• appreciate the importance of qualitative research methods in the study of health, illness, and health services and systems;
• understand how to identify when a research topic requires qualitative research methods, and be able to select the most appropriate methods to answer the particular research question;
• practise the skills required to conduct in-depth interviews, facilitate focus groups, and undertake observation and/or ethnographic research;
• begin to analyse qualitative data; and
• know how to employ qualitative research methods alongside other methods in health research.

Target audience

The course is open to anyone who would like to understand the use of these methods or begin to learn how to use them. Attendees do not need to have any previous background in or knowledge of qualitative research methods, although some experience of or ideas for a health-related research project using qualitative approaches would make the course more relevant.

This course is intended to give an overview and hands-on introduction to qualitative research methods, as used in the social sciences and health-related research. Methods introduced include individual interviews, focus groups and participant observation, as well as research design, ethical issues, data analysis, mixing qualitative and quantitative methods and writing up findings for publication. Day 1 introduces qualitative research and interviewing techniques.

Day 2 covers study design (including qualitative sampling) and focus groups.

Day 3 focuses on ethnographic and observational methods.

Day 4 covers data analysis (including coding, thematic analysis and computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software).

Day 5 covers mixing and integrating methods and writing up research findings for publication. Students will also have the opportunity to plan a qualitative project of their choice through a structured workshop.

Teaching staff

The course organisers are:

• Dr Jon Banks , Senior Research Fellow
• Dr Katie Whale , Research Fellow
• Dr Anna Pease , Research Fellow

Prerequisites

To make sure the course is suitable for you and you will benefit from attending, please ensure you meet the following prerequisites before booking:

Before booking this course, please make sure you read the information provided above about the target audience and prerequisites. It is important that you have access to the relevant IT resources needed for the course and meet the knowledge prerequisites to ensure you can get the most from the course.

Bookings are taken via our  online booking system , for which you must register an account. To check if you are eligible for free or discounted courses please see our fees and voucher packs page . All bookings are subject to our terms & conditions, which can be read in full  here .

For help and support with booking a course refer to our  booking information page ,  FAQs  or feel free to  contact us  directly. For available payment options please see: How to pay your short course fees.

Course materials

Participants are granted access to our virtual learning platform (Blackboard) 1 to 2 weeks in advance of the course. This allows time for any pre-course work to be completed and to familiarise with the platform.

To gain the most from the course, we recommend that you attend in full and participate in all interactive components. We endeavour to record all live lecture sessions and upload these to the online learning environment within 24 hours. This allows course participants to review these sessions at leisure and revisit them multiple times. Please note that we do not record breakout sessions.

All course participants retain access to the online learning materials and recordings for 3 months after the course. 

University of Bristol staff and postgraduate students who do not wish to attend the full course may instead register for access to the 'Materials & Recordings' version of this course:  Further information and bookings.

Testimonials

100% of attendees recommend this course*. *Attendee feedback from 2024.

Here is a sample of feedback from the last run of the course:

"Speakers and faculty had good knowledge on the subject, were friendly, approachable and helpful" - Course feedback, May 2024

"I have found this course extremely interesting and feel like i've learnt a lot. I really enjoyed the practical elements, specifically leading a focus group and the observation task. It's also been really helpful discussing my thoughts regarding my research study and receiving helpful feedback" - Course feedback, May 2024

"This was a great course. It covers a real breadth of the different aspects of qualitative research. Tutors were very knowledgeable and approachable. I liked the mix of live sessions, independent study and pre-recorded lectures. It really opened my eyes to the different uses of qualitative research, and how these could complement quantitative research. I came feeling a bit apprehensive and slightly suspicious (!) of qualitative work, and now feel inspired!" - Course feedback, May 2024

"The lectures were informative and gave a good overview, and the presenters were able to clarify any queries raised. The practical interview & focus group exercises and the data analysis session provided a good insight into some of the difficulties that one might face when conducting qualitative research" - Course feedback, May 2024

"The moderators were fab! i felt that the course was super engaging and i felt comfortable contributing in breakout rooms which is out my comfort zone" - Course feedback, May 2024

"The course was scheduled well and had a lot of interaction which kept people engaged. it was overall very enjoyable and information was easily digested" - Course feedback, May 2024

"I'm very pleased to have attended and feel I've got a lot from it and will help me greatly in my future qualitative research" - Course feedback, May 2024

"Varied, comprehensive and well organized. Really interactive and kept my engagement despite being 5 full days online!" - Course feedback, May 2024

"The course is very well organized and it's been very helpful for me in improving my qualitative research skills" - Course feedback, May 2024

Book this short course:

     Standard fee option           50% discount voucher*     100% discount voucher* 

* Find out if you are eligible for a voucher pack for free or discounted courses . 

Note: Bookings close 2 weeks before the course start date. 

This was a great course. It covers a real breadth of the different aspects of qualitative research. Tutors were very knowledgeable and approachable. I liked the mix of live sessions, independent study and pre-recorded lectures. It really opened my eyes to the different uses of qualitative research, and how these could complement quantitative research. I came feeling a bit apprehensive and slightly suspicious (!) of qualitative work, and now feel inspired!

Can't attend live? Just want a refresher?

For University of Bristol staff and postgraduate researchers: access to course materials and lecture recordings for self-paced learning. Find out more.

             SELF ENROL             

You may also like:

• Applying Qualitative Research to Randomised Controlled Trials
• Co-Design, Co-Production and Participatory Action Research
• Writing a Qualitative Paper

Explore our comprehensive FAQ pages or contact us for help and support.

Find out more about:

• What to expect
• How to book a course
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• Study with us
• Short Courses in Qualitative Research Methods
• Learning with the book: an introduction to qualitative research methods for health research

View all our courses:

• Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
• Introduction to doing Qualitative Interviews
• Introduction to Analysing Qualitative Data
• Introduction to conversation analysis and health care encounters

This online course is based on the book ‘Qualitative Research in Health Care’ (4th edition 2020) edited by Catherine Pope and Nicholas Mays. The course, led by Professor Catherine Pope, blends self-paced learning with input from experienced qualitative researchers to provide a flexible and accessible introduction to qualitative research. The course is aimed at health professionals, researchers, academics and postgraduate students as well as those who support health research as managers, members of ethics and funding committees or in research support roles.

Learners on learning with the book are:.

• New to health research or new to qualitative research
• Master, pre-doctoral, DPhil or PhD candidates considering using qualitative research methods
• Clinical academics, (including Academic Clinical Fellows, Foundation doctors,  research nurses and other health professionals)
• Members of ethics committees and  research funding panels  wishing to extend their knowledge of research methods
• Lifelong learners looking for a short introduction to qualitative health research 

There are no prerequisites for this course. People who do this course may go on to take other short courses offered by the OQC programme such as Introduction to Qualitative Interviews  and/or Analysing Qualitative Interviews , or Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods which prepare people to undertake interviews and analysis and involve practical work and individual feedback.

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

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

COURSE DELIVERY

Please note that the ‘live’ teaching sessions for this online course will involve you participating in live, interactive Zoom sessions, which will fall between the hours of 18:30 and 20:00 (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. These sessions will be a mixture of interactive discussion and review of your reading, with plenty of opportunities to ask our qualitative experts questions.

Learning with the book runs over 8 weeks and offers 1 and a half hours of online classes per week, with 2 hours per week of supported study.

Course structure

Week 1: Getting started

Week 2: Building blocks (chapters 1-3)

Week 3: Talking methods (chapters 4-5)

Week 4: Data from watching and reading (chapters 6-8)

Week 5: Analysis (chapter 9)

Week 6: Consolidate/extend your learning (chapters 10-11)

Week 7: Designs using qualitative methods (chapters 12-14)

Week 8: Quality in qualitative research (chapters 15) & wrap up

Learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Have an understanding of core methods used in qualitative health research and an appreciation of methods for qualitative analysis
• Be able to describe common research designs that employ qualitative methods
• Be familiar with terminology used in qualitative research
• Have read the Pope & Mays text book

We provide:

• Personal copy of Pope & Mays Qualitative Research in Health Care (4 th edition 2020) as paperback or eBook
• A set of worksheets and learning activities that combine to form a learning log and companion workbook
• Additional learning resources, quizzes and self-evaluation materials 
• Certificate of course completion

ONLINE COURSE

Dates: 22 January 2025-12 March 2025

Course details:

Course fee:  £528 Duration: 8 weeks (Wednesday Evenings 6:30pm - 8pm UK Time)

Venue:  Online Course

If you have any questions and queries please   email us

Course leader:

Catherine Pope

Oxford qualitative courses.

This highly-regarded programme is delivered in online and face to face formats to suit a range of learners.  We use a mixture of lectures and small group work, delivered by our team of qualitative researchers from the University of Oxford’s  Medical Sociology and Health Experiences Research Group . Our group has run these successful courses for twenty years alongside active involvement in qualitative research on a variety of topics, ranging from studies of experiences of health conditions and of healthcare practice, to evaluations of organisational change. Our group also includes qualitative methodologists at the forefront of developing qualitative methods including conversation analysis and evidence synthesis.

Findings from our group’s research on patient experiences, together with supported video, audio and text extracts, can be found on the  HEXI.ox.ac.uk   website. Our portfolio of research and expertise informs current local, national and international healthcare policy and research. 

The syllabuses of our qualitative courses draw on a wide range of expertise from within our research group, including the disciplinary areas of medical sociology, anthropology, and public policy. 

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Our courses are popular and often sell-out quickly. To receive a bulletin of upcoming course dates, please  register here . 

Got a question? Contact us:

Our friendly team are on-hand to answer your questions and queries

Email:     [email protected]