Navigating Qualitative AI: Module 1: Mindsets for considering the use of AI for Qualitative Research

Course Overview:

Navigating Qualitative AI: Ethical, Methodological and Practical Considerations

The Navigating Qualitative AI course provides an introduction into developments, debates and practicalities in the role and use of Generative AI in Qualitative Research. The course is split into three modules combining synchronous and asynchronous learning to provide a comprehensive introduction to the principles, practices and ethics of using AI tools to facilitate the analysis of qualitative materials. 

Module 1: Mindsets for considering the use of AI for Qualitative Research

Module 2: Harnessing Generative-AI tools for qualitative analysis

Module 3. Integrating Generative-AI tools into qualitative analysis processes

Choose from three pathways through the course according to your interests and needs (note, to take Module 2 or 3 it is a pre-requisite to have first completed Module 1):

• Pathway 1 – Module 1 only
• Pathway 2 – Module 1 and 2
• Pathway 3 – Module 1 and 3

Module 1. Mindsets for considering the use of AI for Qualitative Research 

(Synchronous Delivery = lectures, illustration, and discussion)

This module provides essential context to considering the potential use of AI in qualitative projects, focusing on the current landscape of AI tools and their impact on qualitative research practice. Practical, ethical and methodological implications are discussed in relation to the contexts in which research and evaluation happen. 

The course covers:

The landscape of Qualitative AI - 30 September 2026 (13:30-16:45)

• development of AI tools in qualitative research spaces
• ethical considerations and how to navigate them
• methodological consequences when using AI for qualitative analysis

Critically engaging with the Qualitative AI space - 1 October 2026 (13:30-16:45)

• potential uses of AI throughout the qualitative workflow
• genres of AI tools for qualitative data analysis
• when the use of AI is - and is not - methodologically appropriate 

By the end of the course participants will:

• Understand historical contexts of current developments in AI within in the Qualitative Research field
• Understand the range of ethical issues involved in using AI for Qualitative Research and how to navigate use in appropriate ways
• Possess critical thinking skills around the role of AI in different Qualitative Research contexts

This course is aimed at students and researchers interested in qualitative analysis, within any sector or discipline.

The course takes places over two afternoons and equates to one teaching day for payment purposes.

Course Description