Qualitative Research in Health Sciences: Methods and Meaning
Prerequisite and preparation before the start of the course:
- Completion of the GSLS PhD course "Qualitative Research in Health Sciences: Foundations" is required to register for the course.
In exceptional cases, PhD candidates with a relevant academic background (for example, in Sociology, Psychology, or Applied Ethics) may request an exemption from the Foundations course. To apply, please send an email to the course coordinator Astrid Janssens, including the name of your Master’s program and a list of relevant modules that demonstrate sufficient prior knowledge of qualitative research.
- A maximum of 35 pages (5 hours) reading material before part 1 (sessions 1 and 2) and a maximum of 21 pages (3 hours) reading material before part 2 (sessions 3 and 4).
- Before the plenary sessions start, the trainer of the course (Julius Center) will send you the reading material and additional information.
Please also read the important additional information section to learn more about preparation and study load.
Target audience
Course description
This course takes PhD candidates through the entire arc of qualitative inquiry, from theoretical framings to analytical approaches and communication of findings. This two-part course on qualitative research in health sciences is intended for those applying qualitative methods in their own PhD projects. It offers hands-on experience with conducting interviews, focus groups, and observations, and guidance on recruitment, data management, and data analysis. Participants work with their own data to apply analytical approaches (for example thematic analysis, grounded theory or phenomenology). Through peer learning and case discussions, they refine their methodological skills and reflexive awareness. By the end of the series, PhD candidates will be able to design, conduct, analyse, and communicate qualitative research as part of their PhD project with confidence.
The course consists of two parts (more details in the additional important information), tailored to the process of the PhD project and thus creating the opportunity to work with own research data. Building on the foundations introduced in the course Qualitative Research in Health Sciences: Foundations, participants will learn how to design and conduct qualitative studies, from recruitment and data generation to analysis and reporting. Through small-group work, peer feedback, and case-based discussions, students will practice developing interview and observation guides, conduct test interviews, and address ethical and practical challenges such as consent, data management, and patient or community engagement. The course also introduces major analytical approaches, such as thematic, narrative, grounded theory, and phenomenological analysis, and provides guided opportunities to apply one approach to participants’ own data. By the end of the course, participants will be able to plan, execute, and communicate qualitative research with methodological rigour, ethical sensitivity, and reflexive awareness.
Entrance fee: This course is free for GSLS PhD candidates.
Unfortunately we don’t offer this course for participants not part of the GSLS. Our courses tend to be fully booked by GSLS PhD candidates.
Location: Utrecht Science Park.
Registration for this course opens 2 months before the course starts. You can register via our course portal (see link below). After opening, the portal shows how many spots are still available. You can subscribe to the interest list when a course is fully booked or not yet open for registration. When a new edition opens for registration, you will receive an e-mail.