About us

Raising the Visibility of High-Quality Qualitative Research 

The Qualitative Applied Health Research Centre (QUAHRC) at King’s College London aims to showcase the depth and breadth of applied qualitative health research within the QUAHRC and across King’s College London more widely. Its purpose is to connect qualitative researchers and stimulate debate around qualitative theory, methods and practice, to consolidate and expand the rigorous application of qualitative methods within the health field.   

Led by an interdisciplinary team of researchers within the Health Services & Population Research Department at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, our research aims to understand and to improve therapeutic interventions and health care by prioritising the perspectives of the individuals and communities affected, and the professionals who support them. We use traditional and innovative methods that prioritise the lived experiences and perspectives of key stakeholders, particularly in disadvantaged and marginalised populations. 

Knowledge Exchange & Networking  

The QUARHC at King's draws together researchers from different disciplines with wide ranging expertise in applied qualitative health research that seeks to improve health and social care and population health, creating a network of qualitative researchers across King’s College London.   

The Qualitative Special Interest Group (QSIG) Midday Talks and Journal Club provide opportunities for experienced and emerging researchers from any academic discipline to present, critique and learn about qualitative theory and methods in a supportive environment. Presentations and resources are made available on the website to enable others to engage with the work. The QUAHRC at King's website also provides information on other qualitative groups, training and events that take place across the University. 

Core and affiliated members of the QUAHRC are invited to profile methodological developments and outputs as part of our ‘Qualitative Spotlight’ series. Please email us at quahrc [at] kcl [dot] ac [dot] uk if you would like us to share your work, or sign up to our mailing list to be kept informed of upcoming events, courses, training and job opportunities.  

Qualitative Training & Support 

The QUAHRC at King’s is open to all who are currently conducting or wish to learn how to conduct rigorous qualitative research, or explore new, innovative approaches to research. We aim to support junior researchers and build research capacity through providing advice, training, and opportunities for networking.   

The QUAHRC  provides access to a qualitative Help Desk, a consultation service in which experienced qualitative researchers offer advice on the design and conduct of applied qualitative health research.  The service is open to  students and staff at King's College London at any stage of their research.   

The Introduction to Qualitative Methods Summer School offered by the QUAHRC is a four-day course intended to provide attendees with an understanding of the principles and practice of using qualitative methods in health research and to equip them with the adequate skills to design and conduct rigorous qualitative research.