Writing your PhD: Qualitative Research 2 (Final Year Students (Online))

This online course is intended for PhD students in their final year.

This 4-week course is intended for final year PhD students working on a thesis based on qualitative research, who are in the later stages of their PhD, having completed their data analysis. This course is available both in-person and online. Students work on various aspects of what is involved in producing the later chapters of a qualitative thesis, and receive feedback from their tutor on extracts from their writing.

The course consists of a series of small-group workshop-style classes rather than traditional lectures. These will be task-based and interactive, emphasising active student participation. In online settings, we expect that students will have their cameras and microphones switched on, for the best learning experience for you and your colleagues.

Unit 1

Reporting Research Findings

  • To discuss the typical elements of a qualitative data chapter.
  • To analyse the structure and language of a sample data chapter from a qualitative PhD.
  • To explore the language used to express caution when interpreting results.
  •  To provide practice in writing a data discussion.

Unit 2

Discussion/Interpretation of Findings

  • To discuss the typical elements of the Discussion in a qualitative thesis.
  • To explore the language used to express caution when interpreting results.
  • To provide practice in writing a section of a Discussion chapter.

Unit 3

The Final Chapter: Conclusions and Recommendations 

  • To discuss the typical components of the final chapter of a qualitative thesis with special focus on conclusions and recommendations. 
  • To raise awareness of the kind of language typically used in these elements.
  • To analyse extracts from final chapters of qualitative theses.
  • To provide practice in writing a section of a final chapter.

In week 4, you will be offered a one-to-one tutorial with your teacher.


Online - Wednesday 11:00 - 13:00


The course involves analysing sample extracts from University of Edinburgh doctoral theses; expanding your repertoire of useful academic English expressions; drafting short pieces of writing. You will then write a short assignment. In order to benefit fully from the course, you can expect to spend around 3 hours per week, including the written assignment.

You should send the assignment to your tutor, who will respond with feedback on your writing, including comments on style, the use of sources, organisation, and linguistic accuracy. All materials are provided. 

You will also have the opportunity for a one-to-one on-line tutorial with your teacher, to discuss any remaining questions you may have.

By the end of the course, you should have a better understanding of:

  • formulate comprehensive findings statements which reflect summarised patterns and relationships in the raw data.
  • employ ways of providing supporting evidence for findings using participant quotes/data. 
  • apply different ways of expressing caution and hedging in presenting findings statements.
  • develop extended discussions of the findings in relation to the Research Questions and to previous research.
  • effectively present generalised conclusions arising from the discussion and suggest implications for policy and practice.

This course is suitable for final year PhD students.

 


Applications open on Monday 9 December and close on Sunday 9 February. 

Apply Now


This article was published on