Each masterclass takes a single topic and dives fully into it, focusing on the practical aspects of the qualitative method, tool, or technique, to help you improve your skills as a qualitative researcher and better support and work with your participants. They take place live on Zoom, with practical discussions, exercises, or activities, and time for questions.

A full recording of the session is also provided for you to revisit afterwards (for 30 days post training) if you cannot make the whole session or need to refresh your memory.

Certificates of completion are also provided if you need this for your training record.

How they work

  • Half a day, live on Zoom — usually 09.30 to 13.30 UK time
  • Taught by me, not a facilitator working from someone else’s slides, or someone contracted in who has no experience of using these methods or approaches in their research – I have this experience and teach from it.
  • Practical exercises using i.e. real data extracts, not just explanation or AI created examples.
  • Slides, worksheets and a reading list to keep.
  • A recording accessible for 30 days post training, so you don’t miss anything if life gets in the way on the day.
  • Small enough groups that you can ask questions about your concerns and get helpful answers.
  • Certificate of completion provided if you need this for your training record.

Upcoming masterclasses

Focus Group Design & Facilitation

1 September 2026 · 10.00 – 15.00 (BST) · Live on Zoom
This live Zoom course provides you with an overview of the main principles of focus groups as a qualitative research method, factors to consider in the design of your focus groups, and key facilitator skills for moderating your focus groups in person and online.

Trauma Informed Qualitative Research

14 October 2026 · 09.30 – 13.30 (BST) · Live on Zoom
This masterclass introduces participants to the intersection of trauma and qualitative research. It explores the value of a trauma-informed approach and how we incorporate trauma-informed principles into our research. It is appropriate for social researchers, students and professionals seeking a deeper understanding of trauma-informed research methods and their practical implications.

Sensitive and Challenging Qualitative Interviews

20 October 2026 · 09.30 – 13.30 (BST) · Live on Zoom
This online Masterclass provides you with an insight into the design and practice of advanced qualitative interviews. These can include, for example, interviews on sensitive topics, interviews involving distress, interviews with vulnerable participants, or interviews when it is difficult to build rapport. Crucially, the training provides participants with hand-on strategies, guidance and reflections on how to manage these situations as interviewer and build confidence in doing so. It provides participants with an understanding of how vulnerability, distress, sensitivities, and risk are assessed in qualitative interviewing and the importance of being able to respond to these, if, and when, necessary.

How to Conduct Reflexive Thematic Analysis

21 October 2026 · 09.30 – 13.30 (BST) · Live on Zoom
This popular live online masterclass course provides you with skills on how to manually conduct reflexive thematic analysis. While providing a brief overview of different thematic approaches, the focus of the masterclass is on Braun and Clarke’s (2006, 2022) reflexive thematic analysis and 6 phases. Through practical exercises in which we code qualitative interview data, and review themes, you will come away with confidence and clarity in this qualitative analysis approach, and be able to apply this to your own qualitative data. This is an ideal first step on your analysis support journey with us – try out the half day masterclass first to familiarise yourself with the approach, and then join us for the 4 week Reflexive Thematic Analysis Bootcamp – an in-depth, expert supported journey through RTA with your own qualitative data.

Pricing

Two rates are available, and you are trusted to honestly choose the one that fits your circumstances.

Students and charities

£190 (VAT inclusive)
Price excluding VAT = £158.33
For those self-funding without institutional support. And for charities.

Individual professional researcher and organisations

£230 (VAT inclusive)

Price excluding VAT = £191.67
For professional researchers and staff and where an employer, grant or department is paying.
Bookings should be made by clicking on the link for the relevant Masterclass above. If you require payment by invoice please contact me to check if this will be possible: karen@qualitativetraining.com

Masterclasses coming in late 2026 / early 2027

Designing Qualitative Research with Neurodivergent Participants

Grounded in neurodivergent scholarship rather than treated as a set of adjustments bolted onto standard methods.

Qualitative Research in the AI Landscape

How to do qualitative research well without AI — and how to think clearly about where these tools belong and where they do not.
About Dr Karen Lumsden - white woman with strawberry blonde hair, wearing greeny-blue top, sitting at a kitchen table with a blue mug in her hands.

Want this for your team?

Every masterclass can be delivered in-house for a department, doctoral training centre or research team, tailored to your discipline and your researchers’ stage. This can be better value than sending several people to an open session.

Common questions

What if I cannot attend live?

You will be able to watch the recording which you can access for 30 days post training. That said, the value is in the live discussion, so join us live if you possibly can. If you can’t attend live, you might find some of our on demand courses more suitable.

Do I need to bring my own data if we’re focusing on analysis?

No — exercises use prepared extracts when we cover analysis. But bring your questions about your own project.

Can I get an invoice for my department?

Yes. Get in touch to discuss invoicing directly. Payment terms must be confirmed in writing prior to training date.

Comments on training

Anonymous

PhD student, Trauma Informed Qualitative Research

"Thank you for the training session the other day, it was really insightful and I feel much more confident going forward to conduct my interviews after attending. The literature provided has been such a great help as well, as before I was struggling to find suitable literature, so thank you for the materials, they've been excellent."

Mark Napier

Managing Director at Centre for Public Innovation

“I have just had some excellent training today on Trauma Informed Qualitative Research delivered by Karen Lumsden. I would highly recommend it as it has given me a lot of food for thought and will definitely shape how I approach my work."

Zoe Anderson

Knowledge and Learning Manager at The National Community Fund

“I really enjoyed Dr Lumsden's Thematic Analysis training. Her teaching is clear, engaging and well structured. Dr Lumsden tailored the class to the needs of the group, making space to address specific questions and offer support for each student's level of experience. As someone fairly new to this field, I didn’t ever feel left behind. Along with the sessions, course materials and further resources were accessible and useful.”

Dr Scott J Threlfall

(Assistant Professor at The University of Greater Manchester)

"I recently had the pleasure of attending Dr. Karen Lumsden's training on an introduction to autoethnography, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From the very start, Dr. Lumsden captivated the group with her supportive and engaging style. Her vast experience in the field was evident throughout the training, as she seamlessly guided us through complex concepts and provided valuable insights.

Dr. Lumsden's approach to training is truly outstanding. She creates a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages active participation and fosters a sense of community among participants. Her ability to make even the most challenging topics accessible and understandable is a testament to her exceptional skills as an educator. Dr. Lumsden's enthusiasm for autoethnography is infectious, and her passion for the subject matter inspired everyone in the room to delve deeper and explore new perspectives.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Dr. Lumsden's training is her unwavering commitment to supporting her students. She is always available to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer guidance, ensuring that each participant feels valued and heard. Dr. Lumsden's personalised approach allows her to cater to the unique needs and learning styles of each individual, making the training experience both enjoyable and highly effective.

I highly recommend Dr. Karen Lumsden's courses and training programmes to anyone considering booking onto them. Her expertise, combined with her supportive and engaging style, makes for an unparalleled learning experience. Whether you are new to autoethnography or looking to deepen your knowledge, Dr. Lumsden's training will undoubtedly exceed your expectations. Her dedication to her students and her passion for the subject matter make her an outstanding trainer who comes highly recommended indeed. You won't regret taking part in one of her courses!"

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