Ph.D-course: Approaches to analysis of qualitative data in social work and child welfare research
24. February 2026
- 26. February 2026
Choosing the right analytical strategy is a pivotal step in any qualitative research project.
This course is designed to equip doctoral students in social work and child welfare with the knowledge to choose among different analytical approaches to analyze qualitative data, amongst others in investigating:
- power structures and marginalizing processes within welfare politics, welfare management and public services
- experiences of children and families in social work and child welfare
- how ethical issues are addressed in the analysis of sensitive data
Through lectures, practical examples and discussions, you will gain insight into the foundations, goals, strengths and limitations of various analytical strategies.
This course will be a collaborative learning experience where you will have the opportunity to discuss your own data, share interpretations and refine your analytical approach in an interactive and supportive environment.
How to apply:
Please note that if you are not a Ph.D. candidate at UiT, you must apply for single course admission to UiT by the application deadline of January 6, 2026. Information on how to apply for admission can be found here: https://uit.no/utdanning/opptaksinfo#innhold_711494
Remember to include the course code SVF-8070 in your application.
Program:
| Time | Tirsdag 24. februar 2026 |
| 10.00- 10.30 | Welcome! Presentation of participants and teachers Introduction to the course by Professor Eva Josefsen, UiT |
| 10.30- 11.15 | Unpacking Qualitative Analysis: Foundations, Approaches, and Applications in Social Work and Child Welfare Research Professor Eva Josefsen, UiT |
| 11.30-12.15 | Qualitative analysis – What and why? Examples from a researcher’s life Professor Bengt Karlsson, USN |
| 12.15- 13.15 | Lunsj |
| 13.15- 14.00 | Constructivism and social realities Professor Walter Schönfelder, UiT |
| 14.15-17.00 | Paper presentations and comments |
| 19.00 | Dinner (for NORWEL members covered by the school) |
| Time | Onsdag 25. februar 2026 |
| 09.00- 09.15 | Welcome Reflections from yesterday |
| 9.15- 10.15 | Analyzing discourse in social work research – two approaches. Professor Walter Schönfelder, UiT |
| 10.30- 11.30 | Thematic Analysis in Action: Bridging Theory and Practice. Professor Eva Josefsen,UiT |
| 11.30- 12.30 | Lunsj |
| 12.30-13.30 | A thematic analysis approach based on Systematic Text Condensation Associate Professor Nina Schiøll Skjefstad, NTNU |
| 13.45- 16.45 | Paper presentations and comments |
| Time | Torsdag 26.februar 2026 |
| 09.00- 09.15 | Welcome Reflections from yesterday |
| 9.15- 10.15 | From Field to Interpretation: Analysing Power with Bourdieu Professor Nina Schjøll Skjefstad, NTNU |
| 10.30- 12.30 | Workshop: Ethical dilemmas in qualitative analysis. Pitfalls and how to handle them. |
| 12.30- 13.30 | Lunsj |
| 13.30- 14.30 | Wrapping up the course – reflections and evaluation |