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Qualitative Research Summer School

Course overview and dates

The course will give an overview and introduction to qualitative research methods, including individual interviews, focus group discussions, observation, ethical issues, and thematic analysis, NVivo and rigour in qualitative research. The course will also highlight the different theoretical approaches to data collection and analysis, including the Grounded Theory Approach, Ethnography and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

We expect the course to run from August 10-14 2026, pending final internal approvals, in person in south London.

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Course features

This five-day course aims to provide students with an understanding of the purpose and appropriate use of qualitative research methods. The course is intended to be both practical and accessible and aims to equip students with the skills to undertake their own qualitative research. Course tutors will provide examples from their own work to illustrate the application of qualitative research in the mental health field. Different theoretical approaches to data collection and analysis will be explored, including the Grounded Theory approach and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Methods to be described will include individual interviews, focus group discussions, observation and content and thematic analysis.

The Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods’ Summer School is offered by the Qualitative Health Research Centre (QUAHRC) at King’s College London.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the summer school, students should be able to:

  • Understand the epistemological assumptions of qualitative research and key principles and practices of different theoretical perspectives, including Grounded Theory and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
  • Understand the purpose and application of qualitative methods of data collection including interviews, focus groups and participant observation.
  • Appreciate ethical issues surrounding the use of qualitative methods in health research.
  • Understand and apply common skills and procedures that exist across qualitative methods of data analysis.
  • Critically appraise qualitative research and understand how to install rigour in the research process.

I found the theoretical perspectives lecture very interesting and fundamental to understanding the rest of the course. The lecture was delivered enthusiastically by a knowledgeable and engaging speaker.

Entry requirements and credit

Participants should have an undergraduate degree to attend this course. The course is non-credit bearing but participants will receive a continuing professional education certificate on completion.

Further information

The full cost of the course is £1500.

There are limited, discounted places available:

Students, charity workers, and low- or middle-income country residents50% discount / £750 (20 places)
King’s staff and alumni, NHS staff25% discount / £1125 (20 places)

You created an environment where people felt comfortable to ask questions.

Who will I be taught by?