An Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Date:
21/07/2025 - 25/07/2025
Organised by:
King's College London
Presenter:
Professor Vanessa Lawrence
Level:
Entry (no or almost no prior knowledge)
Contact:
Rachel Rowan Olive, rachel_rowan.olive@kcl.ac.uk
(No phone number)
Map:
View in Google Maps (SE5 8AB)
Venue:
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience
16 De Crespigny Park, London
Description:
Course overview
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.
The Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods' Summer School is offered by the Qualitative Health Research Centre (QUAHRC) at King's College London.
What does this course cover?
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.
What will I achieve?
By the end of the summer school, students should be able to:
(1) Understand the epistemological assumptions of qualitative research and key principles and practices of different theoretical perspectives, including Grounded Theory and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
(2) Understand the purpose and application of qualitative methods of data collection including interviews, focus groups and participant observation.
(3) Appreciate ethical issues surrounding the use of qualitative methods in health research.
(4) Understand and apply common skills and procedures that exist across qualitative methods of data analysis.
(5) Critically appraise qualitative research and understand how to install rigour in the research process.
Who will I learn with?
Professor of Qualitative Health Research
Reader in Perinatal Mental Health
Professor of Addictions Qualitative Research
Senior Research Fellow
Senior Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Cost:
The full cost of the course is £1100.
There are limited, discounted places available for:
KCL Alumni fee - 25% discount
KCL Staff fee - 25% discount
KCL Student fee - 50% discount
Non-KCL Students - 25% discount
NHS Staff - 25% discount
Middle-Income Country Nationals (who are currently resident there) - 50% discount
Website and registration:
Region:
Greater London
Keywords:
Qualitative Interviewing, Semi-structured interviews, Quality in Qualitative Research, Reflexivity, Transparency, Trustworthiness, Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Grounded Theory, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), Thematic Analysis, Qualitative Data Coding, Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination
Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:
Qualitative Interviewing
Semi-structured interviews
Quality in Qualitative Research
Reflexivity
Transparency
Trustworthiness
Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis
Grounded Theory
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)
Thematic Analysis
Qualitative Data Coding
Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination