The PGCert in Qualitative Health Research Methods will inspire excellence by equipping students with the skills they need to become future leaders in qualitative health research, particularly in designing, conducting and critically appraising qualitative research.

This part-time course will suit novices to qualitative research, as well as those who have some experience but want to hone their skills. It is designed to suit busy professionals and full-time students alike.

The flexible structure of the course has been devised to fit with the structure of specialist training and to accommodate student choice. Through face-to-face and online sessions, students will develop excellence in the design, conduct and critical appraisal of qualitative research.

This course aims to provide holistic training in qualitative methods, developing students’ ability to design, conduct and critically appraise qualitative research and their ability to engage with theory and wider debates.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• independently develop, design and conduct primary qualitative research, confidently adopting a flexible approach as per the philosophical underpinnings of this mode of naturalistic inquiry
• critically reflect on their role (and the role of the research team) in the research process, appreciating the consequences this has on the research they conduct, whilst endeavouring to mitigate its impact
• critically engage with all aspects of qualitative research, including various methodological approaches and quality appraisal and
• critically engage with theory and wider debate in qualitative research (including on elements associated with rigour, such as critical appraisal).

Teaching format

Most modules are either delivered fully online or in a blended format, however, some modules are only delivered with a blended format that includes a five day attendance in Oxford, and some are only run entirely online. In any given year, not all delivery formats for a module may be available.