‘Advanced Training in Qualitative Health Research Methodology’ Certificate

The ‘Advanced Training in Qualitative Health Research Methodology’ certificate is available to PhD students who have completed the compulsory course CHL5115 ‘Qualitative Analysis and Interpretation’ and two other eligible PhD courses in the Essentials of Qualitative Research (EQR) course series.  To date, 29 students have completed the program and received a certificate indicating their advanced training in qualitative research methodology.

This is not a formal University of Toronto Certificate associated with a notation on students’ transcripts, but rather a certificate issued by CQ.

Eligibility criteria

• Students must have completed a total of three courses from the Essentials of Qualitative Research (EQR) course series (see below): one course from “Theoretical Foundation of Method”, one course from “Data Generation”, and the compulsory course CHL5115 ‘Qualitative Analysis and Interpretation’
  • Of the two courses from “Theoretical Foundation of Method” and “Data Generation”, at least one of the two courses must be from the “focused” domain.
• Registered as a University of Toronto student or University of Toronto special student
• Achieved a grade of B+ or higher in each of the required courses and a passing credit in CHL5115 (this criteria applies to the 2015-16 year and beyond)

Exclusions:

• Beginning Fall 2016, no exclusively master’s level course will qualify for the CQ Certificate.
• Pass/Fail courses do not count as a credit towards the CQ Certificate (with the exception of CHL5115)
• Recommended social theory courses are not eligible for the CQ Certificate.

How to apply

To receive a Certificate, students should contact ccqhr@utoronto.ca and provide an updated copy of their transcripts, showing they have successfully completed three eligible courses.

Please contact ccqhr@utoronto.ca with any questions or concerns.

Previous eligibility

Click here to view previous certificate eligibility until end of 2015-16

Praise for the CQ Certificate in Qualitative Research Methodology

CQ certificate holders indicated that the course series strongly prepared them for qualitative health research in graduate studies and in their careers. They feel that the quality education provided a strong theoretical and methodological foundation in qualitative research. Peers and colleagues regard the certificate holders as experts in qualitative research, and have collaborated with them on qualitative and mixed-methods projects as a result. Furthermore, the readings and resources made available in courses were of use to certificate holders in thesis writing and beyond:

“All of the courses I took were of incredibly high standard and prepared me for my career as a qualitative researcher. The broad array of course readings and further references provided by each course instructor were essential in writing my dissertation and which I continue to use in my current work.”

The courses were found challenging and enjoyable by certificate holders, who felt they benefited from the hands-on and practical nature of the courses in the series. They also found value in small class sizes for the personal attention and class interaction provided. Certificate holders also appreciated the learning opportunities through the availability of courses tailored to different stages of the thesis process: 

“The courses were very challenging intellectually and enjoyable at the same time. What was most beneficial about the courses I took was they supported me in dealing with each phase of my journey to completing my PhD.”