Course Overview
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to using NVivo to analyse qualitative and mixed-methods research projects. Initially, we provide participants with the basic skills and knowledge needed to run a simple qualitative data-based study within the NVivo package, including effectively managing and analysing different types of data including text, image, audio, and video. After the foundational training, the course progresses to the next level to perform more complex analyses, such as comparing the responses across different groups, incorporating demographic variables, integrating survey data for mixed method analysis within an NVivo project, and using NVivo for literature reviews. By the end of this course, participants will be able to use NVivo to manage, analyse, and report different types of research data in their NVivo project with confidence.
From taking the course, I am now using NVivo to code and analyse my mixed methods data. I had previously tried to learn NVivo via videos. The sessions have enabled me to build a far greater understanding, and the wide range of resources are very useful (Attendee 2024)
Course Details
This NVivo course has structured sessions over five training days. It combines in-person instructor led discussions, live demonstration, video tutorials, guided exercises, and hands-on practice with relevant data set. Participants will have access to data resources and follow-up readings throughout the course. They are also encouraged to bring their own research data with them to work with during some parts of the sessions. A key feature is its interactive step-by-step approach. Participants will engage in a group-based project to analyse a dataset in an NVivo project. This structured approach to dataset analysis in NVivo:
- Will take you step-by-step through the analysis of a dataset and you will have a chance to work with several different NVivo projects.
- Will cover setting up the project in NVivo, immersion in the data, gaining an overview of your dataset, developing an analysis and maintaining an audit trail, comparing categories or groups and presentation.
The course has a strong focus on how to use NVivo, whilst emphasising the importance of maintaining synergy with the research design of the project and, hence, with its epistemology, methodology and methods.
Video introduction to the course
Loved the opportunity to do an in person course and meet others doing research from around the country (Attendee 2025)
Workshop Leads
Dr Haleema Sadia is Lecturer in Education at the University of Manchester. She is the unit director of a unit called ‘Using NVivo for Qualitative and Mixed Methods Analysis', which is part of the MSc Research Methods, which has pathways in a number of disciplines such as education, human geography, international development and planning and environmental management. Dr Pauline Prevett is Reader in Education at the University of Manchester. She is SEED’s PGR Associate Director for Research Methods Training, and is a unit tutor on the ‘Using NVivo’ unit, as well as the unit director SEED’s MSc Research Methods unit in approaches to qualitative data analysis. You can read about Pauline’s research and teaching interests at here. Pauline and Haleema run a series of NVivo workshops for Research and Development at University of Manchester for PGR students using NVivo across the University of Manchester.
Course Objectives
During this course you will:
- Develop understanding of a wide range of NVivo features to make informed decisions at every stage from project planning to reportage.
- Manage and use multimodal methods within a project, including visuals.
- Demonstrate and explain the methods in which NVivo can be employed in qualitative and mixed-methods data analysis.
- Develop practical skills in using NVivo for qualitative/ mixed methods studies and in literature review methodology.
- Understand the importance of rigorous and critical approaches to the visualisation of data and analysis.
- Situate the use of NVivo within wider parameters of research design and epistemology. This includes how multimodal NVivo projects can be set up and aligned with a research design including their philosophical stances (e.g. constructivism, critical realism)
Preparatory work or pre-requisites
Pre-requisites
- Participants should have a basic understanding of approaches to qualitative data analysis. There is no need to have used NVivo before attending the course.
- Participants should bring their own laptop (with charging cable) and if possible you should bring an external mouse for your laptop.
- You will need to install NVivo ahead of the course. Ideally this should be the full licensed version of either NVivo 14 plus or NVivo 15 (e.g. via your own University IT services).
- While the course leads can provide technical support there will be little time in the class to deal with unresolved installation issues, so please endeavour to install any software prior to the commencement of the course.
Helpful Resources:
Podcasts: Between The Data: Qualitative Research - Lumivero (Episode 9, 33, 34, 61) Paul. Atkinson (ed.) (1996) Chapter 2: Concepts and Coding. In: Making sense of qualitative data : complementary research strategies . London ;; Thousand Oaks, Calif. :, SAGE. pp. 26–53. Jackson, K. (2019) Qualitative data analysis with NVivo . 3rd edition. London, England ; Los Angeles [i.e. Thousand Oaks, Calif.] : London, England ; Los Angeles [i.e. Thousand Oaks, Calif.] : Sage Publications.
Who should attend?
PGR students, academics and researchers working in any discipline doing qualitative or mixed-methods projects with a significant qualitative element.
Course Timetable
This course will take place in-person Monday 6 July - Friday 10 July
1:30 - 5:00pm Monday
Session 1 Setting Up a Project An overview of the course, alongside practical demonstrations including creating a project, preparing and importing files.
9:00 - 12:30pm Tuesday
Session 2 Knowing your data Ways of working with the data, memos, annotations, search functions, exporting from projects and the use of NVivo outport in reports.
1:30 - 5:00pm Tuesday
Session 3 Gaining an overview of the dataset A focus on autocoding, transcription techniques, the use of graphs and charts and converting projects between Mac and Windows.
9:00 - 12:30pm Wednesday
Session 4 Going across the dataset e.g. using thematic analysis Exploring different approaches to coding and building a thematic analysis, grounded theory techniques and mind maps.
1:30 - 5:00pm Wednesday
Session 5 Going across the dataset e.g. using narrative analysis Using NVivo to build an audit trail, considering issues of trustworthiness when developing an analysis.
9:00 - 12:30pm Thursday
Session 6: Comparing groups Cases, case classifications, file classifications, advanced searching techniques, matrices, framework matrices.
1:30 - 5:00pm Thursday
Session 7: Handling Demographic, Mixed Methods and visualisation to help with theory building Managing and importing demographics, handling survey data, performing sentiment analysis. Using mind and project maps to help with theory-building and conversion of visual data to nodes.
9:00 - 12:30pm Friday
Session 8: Literature Review with NVivo and course plenary. NVivo’s use as a tool to support literature reviews - developing coding structures to apply across a dataset and use of bibliographic packages.
What's included in the course?
Each full day includes a vegan buffet lunch served 12.30-1.30pm. There are morning and afternoon refreshment breaks with tea, coffee, water, and pastries/cakes.
The course includes a social programme - these are optional but free social events for everyone attending our summer school to meet attendees from other courses in a relaxed environment.
Accommodation and travel are not included in the course price. You will need to arrange any accommodation and travel separately.
Cost
- Full price: £900
- PGR/Reduced Rate: £600
As well as PGRs, reduced fees are available to those working within the voluntary, charity and community sector. We also have two bursary options available for those entitled to reduced fees. Please view more information on our main Summer School website to find out more and how to apply.
Book Your Place
Please purchase via our online store below before 15 June (payment by card only). If you any questions, or will have trouble purchasing by this date please get in touch with methods@manchester.ac.uk.
Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on methods@manchester.ac.uk