Writing your PhD: Qualitative Research 1 (Second Year Students)

This course is intended for PhD students in their second year.

This 4-week course is intended for PhD students working on a thesis based on qualitative research, who have completed working on their research design and are working on conducting their research. This course is available both in-person and online. Students work on various aspects of what is involved in producing the earlier 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

Structure and Introduction

  • To explore the features of qualitative research writing.
  • To examine ways of structuring a qualitative thesis.
  • To consider the content, structure and language of a typical introduction.
  • To provide practice in writing an introduction.

Unit 2

The Literature Review

  • To discuss the purposes and principles behind a qualitative literature review.
  • To explore the typical content and organisation of a literature review.
  • To raise awareness of citation practices, including direct quotation, paraphrase, summary, and the use of reporting verbs.
  • To provide practice in writing a section of a literature review.

Unit 3

Methodology

  • To discuss the content and structure of a qualitative Methodology chapter.
  • To explore the use of language in a qualitative Methodology chapter.
  • To provide practice in writing the “setting” /”context” section of a Methodology 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. 

The content and learning objectives are the same for both the in-person and online versions of the course. Classes focus on discussion, allowing for active engagement with the material. Course materials will be available on Learn Ultra throughout the course.

Your tutor will meet you for a class once per week, either on-line or in-person, depending which option you have chosen. 

You will have two opportunities for individual feedback: submitting a short piece of writing for written feedback, and having a one-to-one tutorial in the final week.

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

  • structure the introductory chapter effectively, with appropriate selection of content
  • organise your discussion of the relevant literature in a logical and reader-friendly way
  • clearly communicate a critical stance
  • effectively discuss and justify the chosen methodology

This course is for second year PhD students.


Applications open on Monday 8 September 2025.


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