Postgraduate Certificate in Qualitative Health Research Methods

The Postgraduate Certificate in Qualitative Health Research Methods is a part-time course. There are three compulsory modules which can be taken over 1–2 years.

Modules

• Qualitative Research Methods: Provides an introductory overview of the principles and practice of qualitative research.
• Advanced Qualitative Research Methods: Provides students with the knowledge, insights and techniques relating to the more advanced aspects of qualitative research.
• Mixed Methods in Health Research: Introduces students to the nature and design of mixed methods research.

The majority of modules are run over either an eight or a fifteen-week learning cycle. Most modules are delivered either fully online or in a blended format. Some modules include a 5-day attendance in Oxford, while others are delivered entirely online. Not all delivery formats may be available each year.

Blended format: an initial period of self-directed study is completed using a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), followed by a week of face-to-face teaching in Oxford, and then post-Oxford activities combining self-directed and supported learning. The final week is for personal study, followed by assignment submission.

Fully online format: delivered through the VLE with introductory activities, followed by either weekly structured units over approximately 15 weeks, or an intensive 5-day teaching block followed by supported learning activities. Both formats conclude with a period of personal study and assignment submission.

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 in line with 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 while endeavouring to mitigate its impact
• critically engage with all aspects of qualitative research, including methodological approaches and quality appraisal
• critically engage with theory and wider debate in qualitative research, including elements associated with rigour such as critical appraisal

As a part-time student, you will be required to attend a minimum of two modules (one of which must be a compulsory module) ‘in person’ in Oxford. Each ‘in-person’ module requires you to attend a week (five days) in Oxford for supported face-to-face teaching. Your other four modules can be made up of a mix of ‘in-person’, or fully online modules. For additional note: All students are required to attend a minimum of one module in each academic year on course. This can either be ‘in person’ or fully online.

The programme is delivered through Oxford Lifelong Learning, with the expertise in curriculum design and teaching drawn from the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, and the Oxford University Clinical Academic Graduate School.

Assessment for each module will be based on a written assignment, which shall not be of more than 4,000 words.

Candidates will, in all but exceptional circumstances, be admitted to the Postgraduate Certificate with optional progression on successful completion to the Diploma, provided that a candidate:

• has successfully completed the final year of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery or Bachelor of Dental Surgery, or equivalent; or
• has an appropriate degree or equivalent professional qualification in a profession allied to medicine, with post-qualification experience

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an approach to their study which includes strong critical analysis skills, wide contextual knowledge and the ability to manage their own time.

Additionally, candidates should:

• have a good working knowledge of email, internet, word processing and Windows applications (for communication with course members, course team and administration)
• show evidence of the ability to commit time to study, alongside employer support to attend courses, complete coursework and participate in University activities

Successful candidates will normally provide evidence of all of the following:

• a professional interest in Health Research, evidenced by prior experience, qualifications and work
• motivation and ability to complete the course
• a clear and well-argued understanding of the benefits of the course to the candidate’s current employment and future prospects

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University’s higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. Further information on English language requirements can be found here.

Please visit the Postgraduate Certificate in Qualitative Health Research Methods course page on the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website for details of course fees and costs.

Please see our funding page for help and information with regard to funding postgraduate studies. We further recommend that applicants search for funding opportunities via the online Fees, Funding and Scholarship search tool.

In order to be considered for many scholarships, applicants are required to apply by the January deadline. However, some scholarships require additional application materials and may have different deadlines, so applicants should ensure they check the application process for each scholarship carefully.

For information about entry requirements and how to apply, please visit the Postgraduate Certificate in Qualitative Health Research Methods course page on the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website. This website provides information on fees and entry requirements, along with guidance on preparing and submitting your application.

Application deadlines

12:00 midday UK time on:

• Stage 1: Wednesday 28 January 2026 (latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships)
• Stage 2: Tuesday 3 March 2026

When to apply

Early application for the programme is strongly advised. After the March deadline, the course will only remain open for that year’s entry if places are still available.

It can take several weeks to obtain all required documents and prepare a competitive application. You should also allow referees sufficient time to submit references, so applying as early as possible is recommended.

Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process within six weeks of the application deadline.