Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

Course Overview

The Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods course is designed to provide insight into the nature and role of qualitative research in health sciences. This short course aims to offer a practical introduction to qualitative research through a series of presentations and practical tutorials.

Course Details

• Date: 6 to 8 August 2025 (Wednesday to Friday)
• Venue: UCT Faculty of Health Sciences campus
• Time: 09h00 to 16h00
• Course Fee: R 4 000 per person (UCT staff/students are eligible for a discounted rate)

Course Objectives

The course seeks to address several key questions, including:

• How are qualitative data and analysis different from quantitative data and analysis?
• How do these different research traditions relate to each other?
• How can we evaluate the reliability and validity of qualitative research?
• Can health researchers grounded in quantitative techniques and positivist epistemologies do qualitative research, and can they do it well?
• What value does qualitative research add to large-scale epidemiological studies or randomized controlled trials?

Target Audience

This course is intended for researchers from all disciplines who:

• Are working with qualitative data (interviews, focus group discussions, participant observations, field notes, documents, visual and audio data)
• Have some research experience (i.e., researchers or post-graduate students with some exposure to research methods)
• Have no or little experience with qualitative research methods
• Have a background in health sciences
• Want to use qualitative research methods in a current or future research project
• Want to know how to design a protocol for a qualitative study

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, participants will have learned:

• Theory: Understand how qualitative and quantitative research studies differ and when it is appropriate
  ecessary to use qualitative methods in health research.
• Methods: Understand the purpose and key approaches to sampling and recruitment in qualitative research.
• Protocol Development: Understand the core elements to be addressed in qualitative protocol development.

Certification

A digital certificate of attendance will be issued to participants of the course.

University of Cape Town: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a globally recognized university located in South Africa. It is committed to unleashing human potential to create a fair and just society, with a focus on transformation, sustainability, and excellence. UCT is known for its strong academic programs, research initiatives, and commitment to social responsibility.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The provided context does not offer specific details about student life and campus experiences at UCT. However, it highlights the university's commitment to creating a supportive environment for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

International Recognition:

UCT graduates hold qualifications that are recognized globally.

Social Justice Focus:

The university emphasizes values of engaged citizenship and social justice.

Research Excellence:

UCT is a leading research institution in Africa, contributing to new knowledge and addressing global challenges.

Sustainable Development Goals:

UCT is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and plays a critical role in addressing global challenges through research.

Transformative Initiatives:

UCT is actively involved in initiatives like the African Paediatric Fellowship Programme and the 100UP programme, which aim to address critical issues in healthcare and education access.

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Academic Programs:

The context mentions the university's commitment to generating new knowledge in, for, and from Africa. It also highlights specific research achievements, such as identifying a new heart-attack gene and a landmark restitution of human remains. However, it does not provide a detailed list of academic programs offered at UCT.

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Other:

UCT is ranked among the top 1.3% of universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). The university is actively involved in various initiatives to address global challenges, including climate change and healthcare access.