Mixed Methods in Health Research



Overview

Mixing methods for maximal meaning

This module will introduce students to the nature and design of mixed methods research. This module assumes that students will have some experience/knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research. The focus of this module will be on practical ways to combine the two to develop a variety of mixed methods studies. The module will not cover how to undertake quantitaive or qualitative research. Students wanting to learn how to do qualitative and/or quantitative research should attend the Qualitative Research Methods and/or Introduction to Study Design & research Methods course. Participants on this mixed methods course will appreciate how research combining qualitative and quantitative approaches can give a deeper understanding of complex healthcare issues. They will learn how to design, implement and analyse a mixed methods study to answer their own clinical question.

The last date for receipt of complete applications is 12 noon, Thursday, 7 January 2027. Regrettably, late applications cannot be accepted.

By the end of the course the student will be able to:

  1. critically examine the origins and key philosophical concepts involved with mixed methods research designs
  2. critically appraise the relative contributions of different methods and techniques of mixed methods research
  3. explore essential research skills for conducting mixed methods research in evidence-based health care
  4. design, analyse and assess survey and interview/focus group data
  5. design and critically appraise a mixed methods study
  6. appreciate the practicalities of creating and sustaining a research team

 

Comments from previous participants:

"I feel more confident in my ability to do mixed methods research"

"Overall a very interesting and informative course"

"I will never read the literature the same way now"

Read the blog 'The science of mixing research methods' written by Dr Sharon Mickan

Programme details

This module is run over an eight week cycle where the first week is spent working on introductory activities using a Virtual Learning Environment, the second week is spent in Oxford* for the face to face teaching week (this takes place on the dates advertised), there are then four Post-Oxford activities (delivered through the VLE) which are designed to help you write your assignment. You then have a week of personal study and you will be required to submit your assignment electronically the following week (usually on a Tuesday at 14:00 UK Local Time).

Fees

Description Costs
Module fee for 26/27 starters £2905.00
Short Course in Health Sciences £3520.00

Funding

Details of funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships and benefit information are available on our financial assistance page.

Discounts

If you are an employee of the University of Oxford and have a valid University staff card you may be eligible to receive a 10% discount on the full stand-alone fee. To take advantage of this offer please submit a scan/photocopy of your staff card along with your application. Your card should be valid for a further six months after attending the course.

Tutors

Dr Davide Bilardi - Module Co-ordinator

Davide Bilardi is a Teaching Fellow at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences.

Dr Stephanie Tierney - Module Co-ordinator

Stephanie Tierney is an Associate Professor at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be based on submission of a written assignment which should not exceed 4,000 words.

Academic Credit

Applicants may take this course for academic credit. The University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education offers Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points for this course. Participants attending at least 80% of the taught course and successfully completing assessed assignments are eligible to earn credit equivalent to 20 CATS points which may be counted towards a postgraduate qualification.

Applicants can choose not to take the course for academic credit and will therefore not be eligible to undertake the academic assignment offered to students taking the course for credit. Applicants cannot receive CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points or equivalence. Credit cannot be attributed retrospectively. CATS accreditation is required if you wish for the course to count towards a further qualification in the future.

A Certificate of Completion is issued at the end of the course.

Applicants registered to attend ‘not for credit’ who subsequently wish to register for academic credit and complete the assignment are required to submit additional information, which must be received one calendar month in advance of the course start date. Please contact us for more details.

Please contact cpdhealth@conted.ox.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Application

This course requires you to complete the application form and to attach a copy of your CV. If you are applying to take this course for academic credit you will also be required to provide a reference. Please note that if you are not applying to take the course for academic credit then you do not need to submit a reference.

Please ensure you read the guidance notes which appear when you click on the symbols as you progress through the application form, as any errors resulting from failure to do so may delay your application.

Selection criteria

Admissions Criteria:
To apply for the course you should:

  • Be a graduate or have successfully completed a professional training course
  • Have professional work experience in the health service or a health-related field
  • Be able to combine intensive classroom learning with the application of the principles and practices of evidence-based health care within the work place
  • Have a good working knowledge of email, internet, word processing and Windows applications (for communications with course members, course team and administration)
  • Show evidence of the ability to commit time to study and an employer's commitment to make time available to study, complete course work and attend course and university events and modules
  • Be able to demonstrate English Language proficiency at the University’s higher level. 

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at the Rewley House Residential Centre, within the Department for Continuing Education, in central Oxford. The comfortable, en-suite, study-bedrooms have been rated as 4-Star Campus accommodation under the Quality In Tourism scheme, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme. Accommodation is not included in the course fee.  

IT requirements

Please ensure that you have access to a computer that meets the specifications detailed on our technical support page.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support