Qualitative Research and Writing
Qualitative Analysis for Beginners
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Qualitative analysis can feel daunting when you are staring at pages and pages of data and wondering where to begin. We often have a lot of material, it may not be very uniform, and it can be unclear what to prioritise. Knowing how to identify a theme, or do justice to contrasting views expressed by participants, is rarely as straightforward as we'd hope.
Qualitative Data Analysis Masterclass
Intermediate 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Given the complexity of qualitative data, it's not surprising that the techniques to analyse it are equally multifaceted. This masterclass is aimed at researchers with some qualitative data analysis experience who are looking to extend their knowledge and learn more about the different techniques available. It's intended to be a very practical course, so bring along your research experiences and questions, as there will be opportunities for discussion throughout.
Qualitative Writing for Beginners
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Writing up qualitative research can be challenging for researchers. It's often hard to know where or when to start, and transforming the rich and often unwieldy material into a presentable written form may be difficult. This course will cover tips and tricks for managing this process, as well as techniques for getting started and keeping going. There will be guidance on representing the researcher's voice within your writing, as well as practical ideas for working with NVivo outputs and effective use of verbatim extracts. This course is aimed at those who are new to writing up qualitative data, or more experienced researchers looking for some guidance and new ideas for the writing process.
Thematic Analysis in Practice
Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Thematic analysis is one of the most widely used data analysis techniques in qualitative research, but many researchers are unaware that there is a range of approaches to choose from — and that the choice matters.
Writing Qualitatively: A Masterclass
Intermediate 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
When faced with thousands of words in your raw data and coding, the write-up of a qualitative project can be one of the most challenging, but also rewarding aspects of the research process. This masterclass is aimed at researchers with some qualitative writing experience who are looking to extend their knowledge and learn some practical tips for managing the process more efficiently. It's intended to be a very practical course, so bring along your research experiences and questions, as there will be opportunities for discussion throughout.
Demystifying Qualitative Research
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Qualitative methodology texts can be heavy going when you're new to the field — dense, abstract, and full of terms that seem to assume you already know what they mean. This workshop gives you the grounding that makes those texts readable. We cover what qualitative research actually is, walk through the main methodologies and what each is good for, and look honestly at the strengths and limitations of qualitative approaches. We also tackle reliability and validity — what these ideas mean in a qualitative context, and why the quantitative versions don't simply transfer across.
Qualitative Data Collection Techniques
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Good analysis starts with good data — and the decisions you make before collection begins shape everything that follows. This introductory workshop covers best practice across the main qualitative data collection techniques, from interviews and focus groups through to observation and documentary sources. We look at the strengths and weaknesses of each, and work through the practical decisions around sampling, recruitment and ethics. The session finishes with record keeping — unglamorous, but the thing researchers most often wish they'd sorted out earlier.
NVivo
BYO Project Day
Beginner to Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
A supported working session, rather than a taught course. Bring your own project and work on whatever stage you're stuck at, with expert help on hand as you need it. Assistance is available across both qualitative and quantitative research skills, and with the software researchers most often get tangled in — including NVivo, SPSS, EndNote and Zotero.
Deep Dive into NVivo Classifications and Queries
Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
If you've mastered the basics of NVivo and are wondering how the software can take your analysis to the next level, then this is the course for you! In this workshop we'll take a deep dive into classifications and queries — while these are among the most powerful features of the software, they're also the functionality that most researchers struggle to understand. In addition to introducing some of NVivo's more advanced features, time will be put aside for participants to apply new learning to a project of their own.
NVivo Coding Masterclass
Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Feel like you're drowning in data in NVivo? Not sure if your coding framework is fit for purpose? Can't see the wood for the trees? This masterclass is aimed at researchers who are familiar with the basics of NVivo, who are looking to extend their knowledge and discuss some of the challenges involved in coding complex data sets in NVivo. It's intended to be a very practical course, so bring along your research experiences and questions as there will be plenty of opportunities for discussion.
NVivo Core Skills
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
NVivo is data analysis software designed for researchers working with qualitative information, such as interviews, documents, survey data and webpages. Our 'NVivo Core Skills' course covers the basics of NVivo, and is ideal for those who are new to the software. We'll cover NVivo from start to finish, walking you through how to set up a project and work with data (including a variety of coding techniques). More advanced features such as queries, reporting and visualisations will also be briefly introduced.
NVivo Intermediate
Intermediate 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
If you've grasped the basics of NVivo and want to know what additional tools NVivo has to offer for your research, then this is the training course for you! We'll cover methods for streamlining coding, working with classifications and queries, and the visualisation tools that NVivo has to offer. There will be a focus on techniques to help you identify patterns, investigate hunches, make subgroup comparisons, and gain insight into your research data.
NVivo Refresher
Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
This training course is perfect for researchers who learned NVivo previously and feel that their skills need updating. We'll start by quickly covering how to create an NVivo project, import data and perform basic coding, then move into some of the intermediate features of the software such as queries and classifications.
Technology and Productivity for Researchers
Deep Dive into Gemini Notebook
Beginner to Intermediate 3 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Drowning in PDFs, articles, and notes? Struggling to see the connections across your growing mountain of literature? Google's Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) is a free AI tool that can help you tame the chaos — and it's purpose-built for working deeply with your own source material.
Demystifying AI in Research
Beginner to Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery and Dr Jane George
This interactive workshop is designed for researchers who want to develop critical AI literacy for their research practice. Whether you're hesitant about AI or already experimenting with various tools, this session will help you responsibly navigate the AI landscape with confidence. We focus on building your understanding of AI as a research partner, developing skills to critically evaluate AI outputs, and establishing frameworks for ethical and transparent AI use in academic contexts.
Productivity Tips for Researchers
Beginner to Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Are deadlines flying past faster than you can keep track of? This practical workshop combines productivity strategies with time-saving technology tools to help you work smarter, not harder. Join Dr Lyn Lavery to explore a range of digital tools and techniques designed to streamline your workflows. Discover how AI and other emerging technologies can accelerate your work, from automating repetitive tasks to managing information more efficiently. Learn about tools for task management, scheduling, reference organisation, and more – all selected to help you save valuable time.
The Visual Researcher's Toolkit
Beginner to Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
In an increasingly visual research landscape, being able to map ideas, communicate findings clearly, and explore concepts visually is more important than ever. This interactive session is designed to help researchers develop confidence and creativity in using visual tools — many of which now incorporate AI to speed up the creative process.
Quantitative and Mixed Methods
Introduction to Mixed Methods
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Mixed methods research promises the best of both worlds — the depth of qualitative work and the reach of quantitative — but it can be hard to know where to start, or how to combine the two in a way that genuinely holds together.
Mixed Methods Data Analysis with NVivo and SPSS
Intermediate 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
A hands-on workshop in managing, analysing and integrating qualitative and quantitative data using NVivo and SPSS together. The first half focuses on qualitative analysis in NVivo — importing data, coding, developing themes, and organising outputs ready for integration. The second half moves to SPSS for structuring datasets, defining variables and running descriptive and simple inferential analyses, then brings the two strands together using joint displays and interpretive frameworks. The workshop closes with guidance on reporting integrated findings for academic, policy or evaluation audiences.
SPSS Core Skills
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
SPSS is used extensively by both academic and corporate researchers as a tool for quickly analysing quantitative data. Our 'SPSS Core Skills' course will help you get to grips with the basics of this user-friendly software. You'll learn how to successfully set up SPSS data files, run statistical analyses (including graphs), and manipulate files and variables. No statistical knowledge is required for this course as the focus of the session will be on the software rather than statistical theory.
Research Writing and Communication
Befriending That Paper You're Trying to Publish
Intermediate 3 hours Online or in person Dr Ruth Allen
Are you hoping to publish your work in an academic or professional journal? This workshop is aimed at researchers who have completed a doctoral thesis and are considering writing a paper, who are doing a thesis by publication, or who have some experience of having work published — or attempting to.
Crafting Your Research for Social Media
Beginner to Intermediate 3 hours Online or in person Dr Jane George
Are you sitting on valuable doctoral research that deserves wider recognition beyond academic circles? This workshop will equip you with practical strategies to transform complex research findings into engaging, accessible content for LinkedIn and other social media platforms.
No courses match those filters.
Intermediate 3 hours Online or in person Dr Ruth Allen
Are you hoping to publish your work in an academic or professional journal? This workshop is aimed at researchers who have completed a doctoral thesis and are considering writing a paper, who are doing a thesis by publication, or who have some experience of having work published — or attempting to.
It's a practical session, built around sharing tips and questions and helping everyone move forward. Content and pacing are curated to suit the group. You should come ready to work on your own project, at whatever stage it's at, and there will be examples to share as needed.
Content will include:
- Why do I want to publish this paper?
- Who is my audience? How do I choose a journal?
- How do I start writing my paper? How do I keep going?
- How do I work with co-authors?
- Managing revisions for reviewers and resubmissions
- The 48-hour PDF
Beginner to Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
A supported working session, rather than a taught course.
Bring your own project and work on whatever stage you're stuck at, with expert help on hand as you need it. Assistance is available across both qualitative and quantitative research skills, and with the software researchers most often get tangled in — including NVivo, SPSS, EndNote and Zotero.
Particularly useful for research teams or cohorts working through a shared stage of a project.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Make concrete progress on their own research project
- Resolve specific technical or methodological sticking points
- Get expert input on decisions they've been putting off
- Leave with a clear sense of their next steps
Beginner to Intermediate 3 hours Online or in person Dr Jane George
Are you sitting on valuable doctoral research that deserves wider recognition beyond academic circles? This workshop will equip you with practical strategies to transform complex research findings into engaging, accessible content for LinkedIn and other social media platforms.
Whether you're just completing your doctorate or have been in academia for years, this session will help you communicate your expertise in ways that resonate with diverse audiences while maintaining the integrity of your research. We'll explore how to translate academic concepts into plain language that connects with professionals, policymakers, and the public.
This workshop takes a hands-on approach, so come prepared to work with your own research and leave with practical templates and strategies you can implement immediately.
Content will include:
- Why sharing your research on social media matters: building your professional profile, extending research impact, and creating new opportunities
- Identifying and extracting key messages that will resonate with non-academic audiences
- Developing achievable posting schedules that fit alongside your other commitments
- Practical post structures that work on LinkedIn and can be adapted for other platforms
- Planning strategies to maintain consistent, quality content without overwhelming yourself
- Setting boundaries and practising social media self-care in an always-on digital environment
Beginner to Intermediate 3 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Drowning in PDFs, articles, and notes? Struggling to see the connections across your growing mountain of literature? Google's Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) is a free AI tool that can help you tame the chaos — and it's purpose-built for working deeply with your own source material.
In this hands-on session, we'll explore how Gemini Notebook can support your research workflow, from making sense of complex readings to generating outputs you can actually use. This is not a surface-level overview — we'll be rolling up our sleeves and working through the tool's most powerful features together.
Come prepared with some of your own literature, readings, or research notes — you'll be working with your own material throughout the session.
Content will include:
- Uploading and organising your research sources into notebooks
- Asking targeted questions across your literature and getting grounded, cited responses
- Using audio overviews to generate podcast-style discussions
- Creating video overviews that transform your sources into dynamic visual presentations
- Creating infographics, slide decks, and other visual outputs from your sources
- Exploring mind maps, study guides, and other tools for deepening your understanding
- Tips for integrating Gemini Notebook into your existing research workflow
Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
If you've mastered the basics of NVivo and are wondering how the software can take your analysis to the next level, then this is the course for you! In this workshop we'll take a deep dive into classifications and queries — while these are among the most powerful features of the software, they're also the functionality that most researchers struggle to understand. In addition to introducing some of NVivo's more advanced features, time will be put aside for participants to apply new learning to a project of their own.
This workshop is perfect for researchers who have a current NVivo project and are wanting to get the most out of the software. You can work with your own project during the workshop (or use the sample data if you'd prefer). We won't be covering any of the basics, so it's important that you're comfortable with the fundamentals of working with the software.
By the end of this course attendees will have a good understanding of how to:
- Use both file and case classifications in their own projects (and understand the difference between these)
- Set up cases to represent different units of analysis within an NVivo project
- Work with classifications as an advanced analysis technique
- Conduct advanced text searching, coding, matrix coding and crosstab queries, as a way of exploring data and investigating hunches
- Run compound, coding comparison, and group queries and understand when these are appropriate
- Work with sets, search folders, and advanced find
Beginner to Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery and Dr Jane George
This interactive workshop is designed for researchers who want to develop critical AI literacy for their research practice. Whether you're hesitant about AI or already experimenting with various tools, this session will help you responsibly navigate the AI landscape with confidence.
We focus on building your understanding of AI as a research partner, developing skills to critically evaluate AI outputs, and establishing frameworks for ethical and transparent AI use in academic contexts.
This is a hands-on workshop featuring interactive exercises, real-world examples, and group activities designed to demonstrate both AI capabilities and limitations. We'll be focusing on AI principles and responsible use rather than technical training or step-by-step tool tutorials.
What you'll learn:
- Understanding AI's capabilities and inherent limitations
- Key risks to consider e.g. biases, environmental impacts, and the need for critical evaluation
- Benefits and appropriate applications of AI in research contexts
- Developing your own guidelines for responsible AI use in research
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Mixed methods research promises the best of both worlds — the depth of qualitative work and the reach of quantitative — but it can be hard to know where to start, or how to combine the two in a way that genuinely holds together.
This workshop walks you through mixed methods from the ground up. We start with the key concepts underpinning the approach (epistemology, ontology, and where pragmatism fits), then work through the three core designs — convergent, explanatory sequential and exploratory sequential — using published studies as worked examples. Along the way we look at the practical decisions you'll face: how to word your research questions, how to draw a diagram that makes your design clear to others, and how to plan sampling, data collection and analysis so that integration is possible rather than an afterthought.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain what mixed methods research is, and the arguments for and against combining approaches
- Describe how epistemology, ontology and pragmatism shape mixed methods work
- Distinguish between convergent, explanatory sequential and exploratory sequential designs, and recognise the strengths and challenges of each
- Identify which design best fits their own research question
- Make informed decisions about level of interaction, priority, timing and where to mix the strands
- Draw a clear diagram to communicate their design to supervisors, ethics committees and readers
- Plan sampling, data collection and analysis with integration in mind
Intermediate 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
A hands-on workshop in managing, analysing and integrating qualitative and quantitative data using NVivo and SPSS together.
The first half focuses on qualitative analysis in NVivo — importing data, coding, developing themes, and organising outputs ready for integration. The second half moves to SPSS for structuring datasets, defining variables and running descriptive and simple inferential analyses, then brings the two strands together using joint displays and interpretive frameworks. The workshop closes with guidance on reporting integrated findings for academic, policy or evaluation audiences.
No advanced statistical background is required.
Participants who complete this workshop will be able to:
- Understand mixed methods research designs and integration strategies
- Conduct qualitative data analysis in NVivo, including coding, theming and querying
- Perform basic quantitative analysis in SPSS, including descriptive and inferential statistics
- Integrate qualitative and quantitative results using joint displays and interpretive frameworks
- Prepare and present findings in clear, structured reports suitable for publication, policy or evaluation
Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Feel like you're drowning in data in NVivo? Not sure if your coding framework is fit for purpose? Can't see the wood for the trees? This masterclass is aimed at researchers who are familiar with the basics of NVivo, who are looking to extend their knowledge and discuss some of the challenges involved in coding complex data sets in NVivo. It's intended to be a very practical course, so bring along your research experiences and questions as there will be plenty of opportunities for discussion.
This masterclass is perfect for researchers who have a current NVivo project, and are wanting to get the most out of the software. You can work with your own project during the masterclass (or use the sample data if you'd prefer). We won't be covering any of the basics, so you'll need to know a little about qualitative coding and also be comfortable with creating and working with codes in NVivo.
While the course content will be primarily tailored to the needs of participants, we will cover:
- Developing a well-designed coding framework
- Techniques for moving beyond coding into interpretation
- Looking for patterns in your coding
- Techniques for ensuring rigour e.g. checking for "missing" coding
- The importance of memos in the coding process
- Moving beyond coding towards writing
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
NVivo is data analysis software designed for researchers working with qualitative information, such as interviews, documents, survey data and webpages. Our 'NVivo Core Skills' course covers the basics of NVivo, and is ideal for those who are new to the software. We'll cover NVivo from start to finish, walking you through how to set up a project and work with data (including a variety of coding techniques). More advanced features such as queries, reporting and visualisations will also be briefly introduced.
By the end of this course attendees will have a good understanding of how to:
- Navigate around the NVivo interface
- Set up and work with NVivo projects, including saving and backing up
- Prepare, import, and work with data (specifically PDFs and Word documents)
- Code data in NVivo, and choose a coding technique that is fit for purpose
- Use memos as a way of recording important project related information
- Create folders and utilise them to tailor the scope of queries
- Perform keyword searches and look at how these apply to the data analysis process
- Use reporting tools to extract key data and other project related information
Intermediate 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
If you've grasped the basics of NVivo and want to know what additional tools NVivo has to offer for your research, then this is the training course for you! We'll cover methods for streamlining coding, working with classifications and queries, and the visualisation tools that NVivo has to offer. There will be a focus on techniques to help you identify patterns, investigate hunches, make subgroup comparisons, and gain insight into your research data.
By the end of this course attendees will have a good understanding of how to:
- Apply the concept of classifications to a variety of different research projects
- Run coding queries and matrix coding queries
- Speed up coding using a range of techniques
- Develop an effective NVivo coding framework
- Use visualisations as a tool for analysis and presentation
- Create a range of charts
- Export visualisations in a range of formats
Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
This training course is perfect for researchers who learned NVivo previously and feel that their skills need updating. We'll start by quickly covering how to create an NVivo project, import data and perform basic coding, then move into some of the intermediate features of the software such as queries and classifications.
By the end of this course attendees will have a good understanding of how to:
- Set up and work with NVivo projects
- Prepare, import, and work with data (specifically PDFs and Word documents)
- Code data in NVivo, and choose a coding technique that is fit for purpose
- Perform basic queries and understand how these apply to the data analysis process
- Use reporting tools to extract key data and other project related information
Beginner to Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Are deadlines flying past faster than you can keep track of? This practical workshop combines productivity strategies with time-saving technology tools to help you work smarter, not harder.
Join Dr Lyn Lavery to explore a range of digital tools and techniques designed to streamline your workflows. Discover how AI and other emerging technologies can accelerate your work, from automating repetitive tasks to managing information more efficiently. Learn about tools for task management, scheduling, reference organisation, and more – all selected to help you save valuable time.
The workshop also covers essential productivity strategies for research environments. We'll explore practical approaches to planning and prioritisation, techniques for protecting time for important work, and ways to manage large volumes of information without feeling overwhelmed. The session concludes with actionable ideas for implementing these strategies.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify digital tools that suit their own workflow and working style
- Use AI and other emerging technologies to automate repetitive tasks
- Apply tools for task management, scheduling and reference organisation
- Plan and prioritise research work more effectively
- Protect time for deep, important work amid competing demands
- Manage large volumes of information without becoming overwhelmed
- Leave with a concrete plan for putting one or two strategies into practice
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Qualitative analysis can feel daunting when you are staring at pages and pages of data and wondering where to begin. We often have a lot of material, it may not be very uniform, and it can be unclear what to prioritise. Knowing how to identify a theme, or do justice to contrasting views expressed by participants, is rarely as straightforward as we'd hope.
This practical, hands-on workshop makes the process tangible and manageable, with a clear structure to work from. You'll learn a four-stage model you can apply to your own data, and work through the decisions involved at each stage — from building a coding framework through to developing themes and interpreting what you've found. The workshop is interspersed with practical tips and aims to leave attendees feeling more confident in approaching this vital, but inevitably messy, stage of the research cycle.
By the end of this course attendees will have a good understanding of how to:
- Work through the steps involved in the qualitative data analysis process
- Use a practical four-stage model to start analysing their own qualitative data
- Develop, define and refine a coding framework that fits their research question(s)
- Apply both inductive and deductive coding approaches with greater confidence
- Move beyond codes and develop themes
- Use tools such as tables, matrices and simple models to identify patterns and deepen interpretation
- Create and work with memos, and understand how these support a transparent, defensible analysis process
Make informed decisions about whether specialist qualitative analysis software is appropriate for their project
Intermediate 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Given the complexity of qualitative data, it's not surprising that the techniques to analyse it are equally multifaceted. This masterclass is aimed at researchers with some qualitative data analysis experience who are looking to extend their knowledge and learn more about the different techniques available. It's intended to be a very practical course, so bring along your research experiences and questions, as there will be opportunities for discussion throughout.
While the content of the training course will be tailored to the needs of participants, by the end of this course attendees will have a good understanding of how to:
- Prepare and manage qualitative data, and how this relates to the analysis process
- Select the best analysis approach for a qualitative research project
- Conduct an inductive thematic analysis
- Use strategies for data familiarisation
- Develop a well-designed coding framework
- Move beyond coding into interpretation
- Work with memos and encourage reflexivity in analysis
- Overcome some of the challenges of qualitative data analysis
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Writing up qualitative research can be challenging for researchers. It's often hard to know where or when to start, and transforming the rich and often unwieldy material into a presentable written form may be difficult. This course will cover tips and tricks for managing this process, as well as techniques for getting started and keeping going. There will be guidance on representing the researcher's voice within your writing, as well as practical ideas for working with NVivo outputs and effective use of verbatim extracts. This course is aimed at those who are new to writing up qualitative data, or more experienced researchers looking for some guidance and new ideas for the writing process.
By the end of this course attendees will have a good understanding of how to:
- Get started with a qualitative write-up
- Present qualitative analysis in a written format
- Work with verbatim extracts in an effective manner
- Transform NVivo outputs into written work
- Present qualitative data in alternative formats (tables, matrices, and models)
- Overcome common writing challenges, including writer's block
- Access further resources on writing up qualitative research
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
SPSS is used extensively by both academic and corporate researchers as a tool for quickly analysing quantitative data. Our 'SPSS Core Skills' course will help you get to grips with the basics of this user-friendly software. You'll learn how to successfully set up SPSS data files, run statistical analyses (including graphs), and manipulate files and variables. No statistical knowledge is required for this course as the focus of the session will be on the software rather than statistical theory.
By the end of this course attendees will have a good understanding of how to:
- Set up data files effectively to maximise analysis
- Import data from Microsoft Excel and other sources
- Manipulate variables (computing new variables and recoding)
- Calculate descriptive statistics and statistical tests such as t-tests and ANOVAs
- Work with multiple response data
- Work with SPSS output and transfer tables/graphs to Microsoft Word
Beginner to Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
In an increasingly visual research landscape, being able to map ideas, communicate findings clearly, and explore concepts visually is more important than ever. This interactive session is designed to help researchers develop confidence and creativity in using visual tools — many of which now incorporate AI to speed up the creative process.
The session will include live demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and opportunities to experiment with each platform's core and AI-enhanced features.
This is not a technical training in any one tool — it's an exploratory, researcher-focused session aimed at helping you find what works for your thinking and communication style. No prior experience with these platforms is necessary. You'll leave with a fresh set of ideas and tools to help you visualise your research with more clarity and creativity.
We'll explore a range of practical tools that support visual thinking:
- Canva for creating polished visuals and figures for presentations, posters, and publications
- Xmind for structuring ideas through traditional mind maps and analytic frameworks
- Miro for collaborative visual planning and thematic mapping
- Napkin AI for transforming text into diagrams, frameworks, and visual explanations
- Gamma for AI-generated presentations, with smart styling
- Gemini Notebook for mind maps, infographics, and presentation slides
Intermediate 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Thematic analysis is one of the most widely used data analysis techniques in qualitative research, but many researchers are unaware that there is a range of approaches to choose from — and that the choice matters.
We'll explore and compare widely used approaches, including reflexive thematic analysis, template analysis, framework analysis and coding reliability approaches. Through interactive discussion and practical activities, you'll gain clarity about what makes each approach distinct — not just in theory, but in actual practice.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Describe key differences between different thematic analysis approaches
- Explain the assumptions, values, and research contexts that inform each approach
- Identify which form of thematic analysis best fits their research aims
- Understand the role of reflexivity, coding consistency and transparency in different analytical styles
- Practise key elements of each approach through guided exercises
- Make more informed and confident decisions about how to design and report thematic analysis in their own research
Intermediate 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
When faced with thousands of words in your raw data and coding, the write-up of a qualitative project can be one of the most challenging, but also rewarding aspects of the research process. This masterclass is aimed at researchers with some qualitative writing experience who are looking to extend their knowledge and learn some practical tips for managing the process more efficiently. It's intended to be a very practical course, so bring along your research experiences and questions, as there will be opportunities for discussion throughout.
While the content of the training course will be tailored to the needs of participants, the likely course outline will include:
- Understanding different styles of qualitative writing
- Critiquing of qualitative writing examples
- Managing the qualitative writing process
- Tools and techniques for visually representing qualitative findings
- Tightening up and polishing your writing
- Overcoming some of the challenges of qualitative writing
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Qualitative methodology texts can be heavy going when you're new to the field — dense, abstract, and full of terms that seem to assume you already know what they mean.
This workshop gives you the grounding that makes those texts readable. We cover what qualitative research actually is, walk through the main methodologies and what each is good for, and look honestly at the strengths and limitations of qualitative approaches. We also tackle reliability and validity — what these ideas mean in a qualitative context, and why the quantitative versions don't simply transfer across.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain what qualitative research is and how it differs from quantitative approaches
- Describe the main qualitative methodologies and the kinds of questions each suits
- Weigh up the strengths and limitations of qualitative approaches for a given project
- Discuss reliability and validity as they apply to qualitative research
- Recognise the main qualitative data collection techniques and when each is appropriate
- Identify further reading suited to their own research interests
Beginner 3 or 6 hours Online or in person Dr Lyn Lavery
Good analysis starts with good data — and the decisions you make before collection begins shape everything that follows.
This introductory workshop covers best practice across the main qualitative data collection techniques, from interviews and focus groups through to observation and documentary sources. We look at the strengths and weaknesses of each, and work through the practical decisions around sampling, recruitment and ethics. The session finishes with record keeping — unglamorous, but the thing researchers most often wish they'd sorted out earlier.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Choose data collection techniques that fit their research question
- Plan and conduct interviews and focus groups with greater confidence
- Decide when observation or participant observation is appropriate
- Recognise the potential of documents, photographs, video and other data sources
- Make informed decisions about sampling and recruitment
- Anticipate the ethical issues likely to arise in their project
- Set up record keeping systems that will hold up over the life of a project