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.
| Dates | 12 - 16 May 2025 |
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| Fee | £1,100 |
| Format | Online |
| Audience | Open to all applicants (prerequisites apply) |
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.
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.
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.
The course organisers are:
- Dr Jon Banks, Senior Research Fellow
- Dr Katie Whale, Research Fellow
- Dr Anna Pease, Research Fellow
To make sure the course is suitable for you and you will benefit from attending, please ensure you meet the following prerequisites before booking:
| Software | The course includes a session on qualitative software management using NVivo software as an example. NVivo access is not required for the session but is recommended in order to engage with the self-guided workbook. |
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| Other |
The course includes preparatory work for live sessions that will enable engagement with workshops and support learning. It is expected this work is completed in attendees own time. The ethnography session includes time to conduct observations in a community setting, e.g. a coffee shop. If possible please complete this day of the course from a location that will allow you to take part in this exercise. |
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.
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.
100% of attendees recommend this course*.
*Attendee feedback from 2025.
Here is a sample of feedback from the last run of the course:
“Super interactive course with lots of hands on training." - Course feedback, May 2025
“Really enjoyed the interactive workshops alongside pre-recorded lectures format. It really allowed me to get the theory and then practice it. The moderators were also really supportive- the right interaction of letting us get on with it and giving support where we needed it/ alternative ideas." - Course feedback, May 2025
“The course provided a great overview of qualitative research. I love how interactive the course was - really made it enjoyable despite it being online. The faculty were all knowledgeable and eager to teach, open to questions and could not be more helpful." - Course feedback, May 2025
“The organisation and chairing of each day was very good. The mix between live lectures, pre-recorded lectures and workshop in small groups was great. The availability and feedback from the tutors and moderators was excellent. I liked the forum space for our own projects Q&A on the last day, this was very helpful." - Course feedback, May 2025
“The variety of teaching methods and the varied and large scope of content covered was really great - I especially enjoyed the ability to carry out my ethnography and to practice thematic analysis in a group." - Course feedback, May 2025
“The course tutors were very knowledgeable and approachable, interaction was encouraged and there was a good mix of self-directed and live online learning. I really appreciated the inclusion of additional techniques beyond focus groups and interviews." - Course feedback, May 2025
“Very useful course. A lot of useful content and very practical. There is also space to discuss our own projects." - Course feedback, May 2025