Qualitative methodology is not a discrete set of techniques or methods but an approach that shapes the entire process of research. The course will cover the fundamentals of qualitative methodology, from its underlying philosophical principles, to choice of research questions and approach, through data collection and analysis, and finally to the writing up stage.

Additionally, the course provides students practical skills in data analysis with NVivo. It will cover creating projects, importing data, editing, changing page view, creating nodes and sub-nodes, collapsing and expanding nodes, coding, uncoding, creating models and exporting nodes and models. Students will also learn to run queries, create matrices and explore data. The course will be useful for participants who have collected data and have transcripts to analyze. However, those without data will be given sample data for practical sessions.

We assume at least an introductory knowledge of qualitative methodology from previous graduate level courses. This course will therefore focus on building practical skills and the confidence to undertake qualitative research. The course will be intensive and interactive, with hands-on individual and group activities.