By the end of the course, delegates will be able to: 

• Explain the role and value of qualitative research throughout the clinical trial lifecycle. 

• Identify appropriate qualitative methodologies and methods for different trial-related research questions. 

• Design qualitative studies, including sampling strategies and ethical considerations. 

• Collect, manage and analyse qualitative data generated within trials. 

• Critically appraise qualitative research conducted alongside clinical trials. 

• Apply reporting guidance and best practice when disseminating qualitative findings. 

• Recognise how qualitative evidence can inform trial design, conduct and implementation. 

This course is suitable for: 

• Clinical trial managers and coordinators 

• Trial statisticians seeking an understanding of mixed-methods approaches 

• Clinical academics and researchers 

• PhD students and early career researchers 

• Health professionals involved in research delivery 

• Patient and public involvement leads 

• Anyone planning to include qualitative research within a trial or feasibility study 

No prior experience in qualitative research is required. 

The course combines a variety of teaching and learning approaches to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience of qualitative research in clinical trials. Sessions will include expert-led lectures, interactive activities, small-group exercises, case-study discussions and opportunities for delegates to reflect on how qualitative methods can be applied within their own research settings. 

The course is suitable for those who are new to qualitative research in clinical trials as well as those seeking to strengthen their understanding of how qualitative methods can enhance the design, delivery and interpretation of clinical trials. 

Exact timings and a detailed programme will be provided closer to the course date. Sessions will typically run from 09:30 to 16:30 each day, with regular breaks and opportunities for networking with tutors and fellow delegates. 

Paul Leighton is an Associate Professor in Health Services Research at the Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, University of Nottingham. With a background in the social sciences, he has extensive experience in applied health research and has led numerous nested qualitative studies and process evaluations within large clinical trials. His research has spanned a range of clinical specialties, including dermatology, orthopaedics, hearing, ophthalmology and child health. 

Kirsty Sprange is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Trials at the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit. She has more than 17 years' experience in health research, with expertise in the design and delivery of randomised controlled trials, feasibility studies and pilot studies. Her experience also includes a wide range of qualitative and mixed-methods research, including interviews, focus groups, process evaluations and fidelity assessments conducted alongside clinical trials. 

Rachel Evley is a Senior Qualitative Advisor within the NIHR Research Support Service and an Honorary Associate Professor in Anaesthesia and Critical Care. With a background in critical care nursing and patient safety research, she has extensive experience of qualitative research in healthcare settings. Rachel has contributed to studies across perioperative medicine and currently leads qualitative recruitment studies embedded within two international, multicentre vascular trials. 

Louise Thompson is an Associate Professor in Occupational Psychology within the Centre for Organisational Health and Development and an HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist. Following a successful career outside academia, she moved into health services research and has since led a number of qualitative studies embedded within clinical trials, particularly in the area of mental health interventions. Her research focuses on understanding experiences and behaviours to support the development and evaluation of complex healthcare interventions. 

Amy Fuller is a Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham with over 12 years' experience conducting qualitative research in health and social care. She has worked across a broad range of public health and clinical research areas, including rheumatology, inflammatory conditions and orthopaedics. Her expertise includes the design, conduct and analysis of qualitative studies that inform the development, delivery and evaluation of healthcare interventions. 

Early Bird rate: If you book on or before 4th November 2026, you will be entitled to the Early Bird rate, cost as follows: 

£240 for 3 days - Person residing in a low and middle income country, as defined by DAC list, at the time of registration. 
£375 for 3 days – University of Nottingham, School of Medicine student or staff member 
£420 for 3 days – University of Nottingham student or staff member (NOT School of Medicine) 
£420 for 3 days – NHS employee 
£480 for 3 days – anyone who does not fall into any of the categories above 

Standard rate: Any bookings made after 4th November 2026 will be charged as follows: 

£315 for 3 days - Person residing in a low and middle income country, as defined by DAC list, at the time of registration. 
£495 for 3 days – University of Nottingham, School of Medicine student or staff member 
£555 for 3 days – University of Nottingham student or staff member (NOT School of Medicine) 
£555 for 3 days – NHS employee 
£615 for 3 days – anyone who does not fall into any of the categories above 

• Three days of expert-led teaching 

• Interactive workshops and group discussions 

• Access to real world case studies 

• Access to all course materials via Microsoft Teams 

• Certificate of attendance 

• Refreshments and lunch 

• Networking opportunities with trialists and qualitative researchers 

Please visit the booking page.  Upon registration you will receive an automated response confirming your place. The course administrator will be in touch via email a few weeks before the course start date, detailing the course programme and further details eg how to find the venue etc.  Please direct any queries to ctu@nottingham.ac.uk

If you are no longer able to attend

You can postpone your place to the next available course.  Please note this may be up to 12 months in the future.

If you do not want to postpone your place, you should cancel at your earliest convenience.  If you cancel more than 14 calendar days before the start of the course, you are eligible for a full refund for course fees.  Refunds after this time are not possible.

Course cancellations

In the unlikely event that the a course has to be cancelled, we will make a decision 4 weeks before the start of the course.  In this instance you will be contacted by email.  Participants will be offered transfer of their course fees to the next available course, which could be up to 12 months in the future, or a full refund.  Our liability is limited to course fees only - we will not refund any travel or accommodation expenses incurred.  We recommend participants have adequate cover to reclaim any travel or accommodation expenses. 

For further information please contact ctu@nottingham.ac.uk or 0115 8231600.