I deliver live online Zoom qualitative training courses which are suitable for both academics (including doctoral students) and professional social researchers working in various organizations. Courses are delivered to groups of 16 participants.
*Due to Covid-19 restrictions all courses are currently delivered remotely via Zoom and most run from 10am to 4pm (UK time).
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for a list of upcoming courses which can be booked via Eventbrite. Or visit my Eventbrite page.
Examples of courses I regularly deliver:
*Designing a qualitative study
*Qualitative interviews (including digital interviewing)
*Focus groups (including online focus groups)
*An introduction to qualitative data analysis
*Thematic analysis
*Storytelling as method
*Narrative analysis
*Observational and ethnographic methods
*Participatory action research
*Reflexivity in research and reflective practice
*Writing up qualitative data
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where do the courses take place?
Due to Covid-19 restrictions all courses currently take place online via Zoom. I am happy to deliver any of the above courses if there is a group requirement for the training in your department/university/organisation. Please contact me for further details.
How does online delivery of the course work?
I use Zoom to deliver online courses so you will need to have access to Zoom and also a working camera and mic to participate fully. It is preferable for participants to have their cameras on for the majority of the day (but particularly when we have discussions and group activities) as it makes it a more enjoyable and rewarding experience. Courses usually take place from 10am to 4pm and I include plenty of opportunities for breaks.
I’m not an academic. Can I still attend your courses?
In my experience groups benefit from a range of participants with different experiences in and outside of academia. I also have substantial experience of delivering methods training to non-academics including for example via the Social Research Association, to police forces, research consultants, charities, local authorities, and the health service. Courses are popular with both academics and non-academics.
What does the course fee cover?
The course fee covers my trainer fee, preparation time, admin, and access to materials. I offer a discount for non-waged and students. Proof of this status is required when booking your place.
How many people are on each course?
Group sizes are capped at 20 in order to ensure that you benefit from small group learning and guidance.
What experience of social research and/or qualitative research methods do I need?
Typically, no prior experience of qualitative methods is required. The courses are designed to assist you in creating a qualitative research project from scratch. However, for the Narratives and Storytelling, Narrative Analysis, Participatory Action Research, and Reflexivity courses, it is preferable that you have some basic knowledge of qualitative research methods already.
What is your teaching style?
The courses are delivered via a combination of mini-lectures, reading, writing, workshop activities, group work and discussions, and individual work and feedback. I have designed them to be informal, engaging and based on open discussions, also focusing on examples of the ‘messiness’ of qualitative research, my own experiences and publications, and what works/doesn’t work in practice and in various contexts. The main goal is that you take lessons away from the week to specifically apply and tailor to YOUR qualitative projects. This also means that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach for a qualitative project, as becomes clear.
Do I need to do any preparation before the course?
No preparation is required. I send materials to participants 3 working days before the course.
How do your courses compare to the training I might receive at my university?
I have taught on and have delivered various postgraduate methods training courses and lectures over the past 15+ years. My experience is that with the exception of some taught Masters level ESRC research methods courses (where available), you are unlikely to receive intensive qualitative methods training which will prepare you for your doctoral research (and most students end up seeking this elsewhere via summer schools, attending the odd undergraduate methods lecture, etc.). Moreover, university graduate school courses are often designed / run centrally by graduate schools and are at the will of teaching staff expertise, their availability, and workloads. This means they can differ year-on-year. Although you might receive training in some of the typical qualitative methods used, this is unlikely to be to the depth required and as needed to equip you to do YOUR OWN qualitative research project. It is also unlikely to give you the chance to practice these techniques hands-on (i.e as we do with the thematic analysis course, etc.)
What experience do you have of qualitative research and training?
As a sociologist, criminologist and qualitative researcher I have over 15 years experience of doing, teaching and publishing on qualitative research methods. I have delivered ESRC courses, seminars and presentations at various universities including: the University of Aberdeen, University of Glasgow, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, University of Essex, Kingston University, London School of Economics, and the Australian National University. I have taught at various universities, research methods summer schools, and also currently deliver methods training via the Social Research Association. I have also delivered qualitative research methods training to local authorities and police officers and staff, and have mentored officers on their own in-house qualitative projects. I have also supervised PhD students successfully to completion who each used various qualitative methods and techniques in their projects.
I have published on qualitative research methods – i.e. I am the author of Reflexivity: Theory, Method and Practice, co-editor of Reflexivity in Criminological Research, and have published qualitative methods articles in journals such as Sociology and Qualitative Research. I have also been on various journal Editorial Boards. For more information on my work see the Publications page.
What resources do you provide on the day – i.e. slides, handouts etc.?
The courses are designed to be paperless. I email all of the materials to participants 3 working days prior to the course. It is then up to you if you want to print copies or consult them on your laptop, etc. The materials are all copyrighted and should not be copied, reproduced, or distributed outside of the course.
I require further one-on-one guidance for my qualitative research project – what next?
I can provide Coaching and mentoring for those undertaking qualitative research projects and on various aspects of qualitative methods and academic skills, at a cost to you. Prices are by quotation after an initial phone call / email correspondence to discuss your needs and whether I can assist.
For any students considering this service I always encourage an open dialogue between you and your supervisor so that they are aware of the guidance you have been receiving. Your supervisor/s should always be your first port of call.
Do you have any feedback or testimonials from your courses?
Yes. I’m always keen to receive, share and take heed of participants’ feedback on the courses. See the Testimonials page for recent feedback from participants.
Do you offer the above courses (or versions of them) in other locations or at other times of the year?
I’m happy to deliver the training to groups and I have previously delivered the above courses and materials to university departments, graduate schools, PhD student networks, and to professional non-academic and practitioner audiences (i.e. health care, police, government departments, charities, etc.). Contact me for further details and costs at: karen@qualitativetraining.com