Managing challenging interviews

NatCen Learning

Formally known as Advanced depth interviewing skills, this one day course is designed to explore the key issues in planning for and conducting qualitative interviews with vulnerable populations. As well as providing insight from the trainers' own experiences, the course aims to offer a forum where participants can discuss their studies and reflect on these issues away from the hectic day-to-day experience of carrying out applied research.


Course outline
Course content covers:

  • defining vulnerability and risk
  • assessing risk
  • ethical issues
  • managing risks for participants
  • managing risks for researchers
  • controlling the interview dynamic

The course will be delivered through a mixture of taught sessions and practical exercises. The trainers all have extensive experience of conducting in-depth interviews for qualitative studies.

Who is it aimed at?
This is an advanced level course. It assumes an understanding of the principles of conducting qualitative research interviews.

If you are new to qualitative interviewing, we recommend that, as a minimum requirement, you do our course Depth Interviewing Skills before registering for this advanced module.


You will find this course useful if:

  • you are an experienced qualitative researcher who wants to learn new skills in conducting interviews with vulnerable populations or to broaden or refresh your existing skills
  • you are experienced in conducting qualitative interviews with vulnerable populations but would like an opportunity to discuss the issues with other researchers
  • you commission or manage qualitative research in central or local government, health or other applied policy sectors and need to understand the issues involve in conducting research with vulnerable populations.


Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will:

  • be able to identify the factors that affect how vulnerable a population may be
  • be able to identify the potential risks to participants and researchers
  • be able to develop strategies for managing risk to participants and researchers
  • be able to plan strategies to manage difficult interview dynamics
  • have gained experience in managing a variety of interview dynamics.


Cost and booking
The full price of this course is £350.

We offer discounts to students, academics and those working in the voluntary sector.

Participants will be limited to a maximum group size of 12.

By the end of the course, participants will:
  • be able to identify the factors that affect how vulnerable a population may be
  • be able to identify the potential risks to participants and researchers
  • be able to develop strategies for managing risk to participants and researchers
  • be able to plan strategies to manage difficult interview dynamics
  • have gained experience in managing a variety of interview dynamics.