Insights, Tips, and Updates for Effective Research

{I would recommend a one-on-one with Claire, as I was able to discuss my research results with her, and she viewed it with "fresh eyes." She was able to advise on results that needed rethinking or clarification. Thank you, Claire!

{I would highly recommend a one-on-one with Claire for some personalised training. I had already attended Claire's 2-day Thematic Analysis Masterclass Workshop, which was fantastic. But I wanted some more guidance tailored to my specific context before I started the thematic analysis. As an early career researcher, Claire answered my questions and helped me find clarity for moving forward

{This was an incredible course. I loved how Claire demonstrated the range of ways Thematic Analysis can be used, and I really appreciated all the interactive activities. It was so valuable to try out how the theory works in practice. I also really liked the examples Claire shared—they were highly engaging. Attending Claire’s training has greatly improved my confidence in engaging with qualitative research.

{I found answers to so many questions I had and also discovered questions (and answers) that I didn’t know I had.  The exploration of other pattern-based approaches was also great.  I would absolutely recommend Claire’s training to those using qualitative research methods – I loved it.

{I would absolutely recommend Claire’s Thematic Analysis Masterclass.  She provided excellent demonstration by example of the mechanics of coding data and theme preparation, and her work rate was phenomenal, astonishing and admirable. Thematic analysis as a method would be very difficult to understand without such step-by-step teaching.  The course fee for this training was well justified.

{The practical applications for thematic analysis was very helpful for my upcoming study.  Claire walked us through the process of TA and clearly explained the underlying theory.  This really put my research in perspective.  I also found the activities to break up the lecturing to be very helpful.  I would absolutely recommend Claire’s masterclass for her clear presentation and all the practical content.

{I was looking for guidance from conceptualising my study through to analysing the data. Claire’s ‘Essentials of Qualitative Research Workshop,’ ‘Research Design Masterclass,’ and 'Thematic Analysis Masterclass' each provided the key concepts I needed. Each training built seamlessly on the last, helping me connect ideas, apply them with confidence, and solidify my learning.  Claire’s ability to break down complex concepts into accessible, engaging examples has made qualitative research feel manageable. Beyond the training itself, Claire’s follow-up blogs and newsletters continue to reinforce key ideas and offer valuable insights. These learning experiences have given me the confidence to design my study and analyse my data with clarity and purpose. I highly recommend Claire’s courses to anyone undertaking qualitative research. Thank you, Claire, for making qualitative research so much clearer and more approachable.

{I really appreciate your energy and generosity, Claire. This was very very helpful training, and I enjoyed it very much.  The process we followed was very helpful for developing the required skill set and developing learning and understanding. The button activity was such a great way to stimulate thinking and to have as a centralised activity to reflect on in how we would go about doing our own coding.

{Four of us from Charles Sturt University recently attended Claire’s Research Design Masterclass.  It was wonderful training, which we discussed in our all of team meeting and recommended to everyone. We enjoyed the opportunity to work on a variety of activities during the session. We also reflected on how great it was to explore and understand more about the qualitative research design process, and how things link up with one another. We loved the props to help bring the message across. Overall, it was a wonderful training opportunity, and the information gave me a clearer and more defensible structure for my intended PhD.    

{Thank you so much for the Thematic Analysis Masterclass held at Deakin University. It was a wonderful experience. Your Thematic Analysis Masterclass came at the perfect time.  It was an eye-opener not only for the upcoming data analysis but also for structuring my questions and planning participants’ experiences. Having an overview of how the data will be handled helped me redefine both the type of data I plan to collect and how I will collect it. You responded to all of our questions respectfully, and kept us focused on the thematic analysis approach, which I greatly appreciated. The way you presented yourself and generously shared your knowledge and experiences, evidenced your approachability. You were kind and clear in the recommendations for my data collection, which I am now applying, and they have truly enhanced my skills as researcher.  I will highly recommend your courses to my affiliated Universities – a “must” for any PhD student’s journey.  

{I enjoyed Claire’s training, particularly the moving and mixing of the groups and using Claire’s projects as examples was really helpful to see the 'nuts and bolts' of analysis. The activity on unravelling visual data and conducting a visual analysis was really insightful.  

{I attended Claire’s thematic analysis masterclass and found it incredibly helpful.  I plan to use thematic analysis throughout my PhD. I quickly realised how valuable the additional training was, as I had not fully grasped the key concepts as well as I had originally thought. This masterclass was well structured and clearly explained with many helpful analogies throughout, and I would recommend it to everyone pursuing qualitative research. I can now walk into my confirmation of candidature presentation with a much clearer understanding of my planned methods.  

{I did the Claire’s training because I wanted to learn more about thematic analysis, specifically how to actually do it in practice. I found that this training provided me with the knowledge and skills to confidently follow the steps of TA and I feel better equipped to start data analysis. It was great to learn about the many different theoretical perspectives and how thematic analysis can be connected to them. I would recommend this training to others looking to learn more about thematic analysis - Claire is a great facilitator who teaches clearly and purposefully.

{I took Claire’s training to gain hands-on experience with thematic analysis, and it exceeded my expectations. I learned that thematic analysis (TA) is a flexible tool with different types of TA, and not a methodology as I initially thought, which was eye-opening. I would definitely recommend this masterclass to others as it strikes a great balance between theory and practice, led by an experienced and passionate instructor who makes complex concepts easy to grasp. Thanks again Claire for such a valuable training experience!  

{Claire Moran’s TA Masterclass was such a brilliant and insightful experience and by far the best research workshop I have attended throughout my studies and career. The content she delivers is brilliant and provides you with new ways of thinking about qualitative approaches. After this class, I feel like I have an added layer of knowledge on how to conduct this type of analysis and do it well. I commend Claire's incorporation of visual elements and unique explanations of the different approaches to TA. Not to mention, Claire is a great presenter, making everyone feel comfortable to ask questions and engage in the workshop. I now feel more confident in my ability to conduct a thorough thematic analysis for my PhD due to the knowledge gained from this workshop. I would recommend this class to anyone who is interested in conducting qualitative analysis!    

{Dr Claire Moran’s Thematic Analysis Masterclass was insightful and practical, especially in helping me refine my approach to reflexive thematic analysis. What motivated me to take the training was my current doctoral research, analysing qualitative data on ESP students’ intercultural communicative competence. The masterclass provided valuable guidance on structuring my thematic analysis, aligning with a reflexive approach. I particularly found the discussions on coding and theme development very useful. I would absolutely recommend this training to others, as it deepens understanding beyond basic thematic analysis and encourages a more thoughtful and flexible engagement with data.

{Thank you, Claire, for the amazing support you have given my students to analyse their data and create such great themes. I am so grateful for your workshops, and for the time you have spent with each one of them. I am certain that their PhDs are going to be better for having attended your fantastic sessions. I look forward to working together more in 2025! Associate Professor Harriot Beazley, School of Law and Society, University of the Sunshine Coast

{I attended Claire's two-day Thematic Analysis Masterclass in 2024 to enhance my skills in qualitative research. I thoroughly enjoyed the two days. Claire is an amazing facilitator and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and the ability to connect with her participants and work through the two days by using a range of techniques to clearly explain complex content. I would recommend this training to anyone who would benefit from practical steps to work through their data analysis.  

{I did a one-on-one session with Dr Claire Moran because I was getting a bit lost with my broad research topic and needed some focus. Claire helped clear the clouds and cut through the noise of the topic’s complexities to help me focus on a specific aspect I felt was important. I would recommend a one-on-one if you would like some great insight that helps you grow your research skill set and refine your thought processes.  

{I was honoured to attend the Thematic Analysis Masterclass, held on February 3rd and 4th, 2025, at the St Lucia Campus, UQ, and led by Dr. Claire Moran. I chose to participate in this training to strengthen my understanding of thematic analysis and improve my ability to systematically analyze qualitative data. I had previously struggled with structuring the analysis process and ensuring the credibility of my interpretations. This training provided exactly what I needed—a clear, step-by-step approach that made the methodology accessible and practical. The key takeaways from this training were invaluable. I gained both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills in coding, identifying patterns, and ensuring rigor in qualitative research. More importantly, the training boosted my confidence in handling qualitative data and applying thematic analysis effectively. I would highly recommend this training to anyone working with qualitative research, whether they are beginners or experienced researchers seeking to refine their approach. The well-structured, engaging sessions made complex concepts easy to grasp and directly applicable to real-world research. Dr. Claire Moran was not only a great trainer but also an inspiring mentor who created a supportive and engaging learning environment. Her ability to simplify complex concepts, encourage active participation, and provide insightful feedback made the training truly exceptional. Her passion for qualitative research was evident throughout the sessions, making the learning process both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Overall, this masterclass was an incredibly valuable experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of it. Ayelign Mengesha Kassie, Senior Research Assistant, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland

{I did the session with Dr. Claire because I needed more guidance on thematic analysis particularly on coding the data. Claire helped me to see my data in a new dimension, pull it apart and she guided me on how I can best approach coding of the data and analyse it using two of the three types of thematic analysis. I would confidently recommend a one-on-one session with Claire because it is tailored to your individual project and so you get personalised guidance about your research. Thank you, Claire.

{I recently attended your Thematic Analysis Masterclass Claire, and have since purchased the masterclass companion.  I just wanted to send you a quick email to say thank you for putting together such a wonderful resource! I am currently in the midst of data analysis for my PhD and the companion has been very helpful indeed! Mr Matt Thompson, School of Education, Western Sydney University, Australia The one-on-one session was helpful and worthwhile because I could discuss the technical work involved in my project with Claire and get her perspective.  It helped me get clarity and think about what I hadn’t thought about yet in a broader sense. I would recommend a one-on-one session to others. It is beneficial because sometimes your supervisor does not discuss your technical work in a detailed way. As an HDR candidate, you must be independent in seeking knowledge and sharpening your research skills from reliable sources.  This post-training support with Claire has been a means for me to reach that research knowledge and skill.

{I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for the fantastic Thematic Analysis training you provided this week at our university. Your hands-on approach and insightful activities truly enhanced our learning experience, and I gained valuable insights from the session. Once again, thank you Claire for your dedication to delivering such comprehensive and informative training. Your expertise and guidance have been invaluable, and I look forward to implementing the knowledge gained into my work.

{We have sent multiple cohorts of PhD students and early career researchers (ECRs) to Claire’s training sessions over the last few years. Claire’s Thematic Analysis Masterclass provides an excellent grounding in qualitative research, both for those working exclusively in qualitative research and for those using mixed methods for their projects. Attendees consistently report that the training is easy to follow, comprehensive in its coverage, and very helpful. It offers excellent value for money for a research methods course, and I have recommended Claire to many of my Centre Manager colleagues who are seeking high quality qualitative training for their own students or ECRs.

{Claire, I wanted to express my gratitude for your time and the invaluable sessions you provided. Your guidance was incredibly helpful, especially considering I was still struggling with my methodology chapter at the time of the training. Initially, I found myself a bit overwhelmed by all the terminology, philosophies, and theoretical framework discussions. However, as you rightly pointed out, the notes I took and the slides provided during the sessions gave me a solid foundation, enabling me to better comprehend the material as I delved into further reading on my own. I'm happy to report that I have now completed my research methodology chapter, and my supervisors had only minimal changes to suggest. I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible job you are doing in assisting confused and budding researchers like myself.

{I just wanted to send a quick email saying thank you for such an in-depth and effective course! I am still drawing on the knowledge and resources you provided to me weeks after attending. Your course was incredibly well put-together and engaging, and I truly appreciated the effort you put into making it so valuable. You have done a fantastic job, and I will be sharing your courses among all of my colleagues!

{Thank you Claire for your expertise and guidance Claire. What a lovely touch to follow up with a certificate. Your class was very engaging and helpful, and I very much enjoyed having the opportunity to participate with my colleagues and to also mingle with others outside of our team in the research world, which has been a rare experience for me thus far. So, thank you for that opportunity as well!. I anticipate we will be putting our new skills to use later in the year—certainly more equipped now! I will absolutely be keeping your details handy to be in touch in the future.

{I took this masterclass because my current research project relating to food systems and food technologies involves a lot of interviews and qualitative analysis. Having a background in social science I felt comfortable that the training would be a good way to refresh my skills, however, Claire’s masterclass held across two days gave me so much more than I expected. By leading the class through the conceptual foundations of thematic analysis in a fun and accessible way (e.g., ‘what does a pearl button mean to you?’), Claire introduced layers of theory and practice in a way that gave me tonnes more confidence in qualitative research than I had previously. Claire created a really fun and friendly environment for learning with people from postdocs and PhDs to undergrads all collaborating on activities together. I would highly recommend this training to anyone interested in qualitative research. The way Claire structured and delivered the masterclass makes it invaluable training for all qualitative researchers.

{What sets this masterclass apart is Claire’s ability to balance theory with practical application. She integrates activities that ensure you leave equipped with a clear understanding of how to implement Thematic Analysis, unlike other training that can leave you more confused. Additionally, Claire draws on insights from other leading experts in the field to strengthen her approach. Anyone wanting to learn more about thematic analysis should definitely invest in Claire’s training.

{Claire’s Masterclass allowed me to better understand what I want to do, how I can do it and most importantly, why I would choose to do it that way! Using simple story-telling techniques and analogies, Claire stepped us through deeply complex content making it digestible. She took time to respond to every question, engaged the group in meaningful examples and gave us the practice we needed to test ideas, take risks and check in with peers. Her steps have given me the road map I was missing.

{I would highly recommend Claire’s masterclass.  It provided me with practical skills, a solid understanding of the theory, and a newfound confidence in applying thematic analysis to my work. Claire was incredibly generous with her time, allowing for follow-up questions and sharing valuable resources that have been instrumental in my continued learning.

{I would thoroughly recommend a workshop or one to one session with Dr Moran as she is knowledgeable, professional, and knows what is required in today’s academic environment. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and expertise Claire.

{Claire’s training has given me much more confidence in conducting thematic analysis and a deeper understanding of the principles behind it. Claire was incredibly engaging and brought the theoretical content to life with real-world examples. I would highly recommend this training to any researcher.  It’s an invaluable experience that adds both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

{Claire’s dynamic mixture of theory, anecdotes, concrete models and Irish wit laid a foundation of thematic bricks and walls which will provide the foundation for my success as a PhD candidate. In short, you have transformed what could have been a very dry subject into a masterclass in pedagogy. Well done! It's people like Claire that give research a good name. Keep up the great work.

{If you are seeking to learn more about thematic data analysis in a manner which is logical, practical and highly effective, I fully endorse engaging in this training. Claire provided diverse information and developed genuine interactions and relationships amongst the course participants and with herself which is testament to her strengths as a presenter. A very rewarding two days!

{Dr Claire Moran unswervingly guides participants through the process of Thematic Analysis in a clear, methodical manner with practical examples throughout. Her engaging use of tangible objects effectively illustrates complex theoretical concepts, making them highly accessible to participants. I highly recommend this training to all research students planning to undertake thematic analysis of their data.

{I really enjoyed Dr Claire Moran’s Thematic Analysis Masterclass and loved Claire's teaching style. Claire manages to take what could be a dry topic and turn it into an engaging and lively learning experience. I feel like so many pennies dropped for me about what I'm doing in my research and why. I actually feel excited about getting into coding and analysis of my data as a result. Thank you!

{Dr Moran’s Thematic Analysis (TA) Masterclass provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of TA. Her engaging teaching style made for an enjoyable two days which is frankly rare in my experience of such workshops!I’d recommend this class to anyone seeking a refresher on TA theory or newly minted qualitative researchers looking for practical skills and tools to help them with their first TA projects.

{The two-day workshop was expertly facilitated by Claire, who masterfully synthesised complex concepts into digestible segments. Despite the breadth of material covered, her clear presentation style made it easy to follow along. The most compelling aspect for me was exploring the deeper meanings behind the data, and Claire introduced methods that I am eager to adapt for my research

{As a qualitative researcher with experience in thematic analysis, I was initially drawn to Claire's sessions to explore potential improvements and perhaps discover new approaches to this method. Attending the sessions proved invaluable—I now feel equipped with a more structured and evidence-based approach. Claire’s interactive and accessible style made the material easy to follow, with ample opportunities to collaborate and reflect alongside others. I left the training motivated and ready to revisit my data sets with renewed confidence. Angela Sheedy, Senior Lecturer Health Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia.

{I enrolled in Claire's online Thematic Analysis Masterclass because I live remotely and am doing a fully digital PhD. After collecting my data, I was unsure if my colour coding to the research questions was too undergrad. I hadn't really done any formal research since Honours. Reading her training blurb, I was shocked to come across concepts like Reflexive and Codebook, top down and bottom up, and instantly knew that I had little understanding around the families available within QA. That Claire is a psychologist also helped convince me, as she spoke my human services language. During the two days online, I was very impressed with Claire's ability to hold the group (35 researchers from across the globe). Her mix of theory to real world impact examples, to group exercises, to break out rooms was refreshing. Here was an academic that appreciated different learning styles and digital fatigue principles and was exremely skilled at enacting them. At the cessation of Day 1, I told my accountant husband that I had already well and truly got my money's worth so if something happened and I couldn't make Day 2, there was no need to ask for a partial refund. Day 1's separation between the big O (ontology NOT orgasm) and epistemology clicked at a deep level for me. Similarly, Claire's one liners (e.g.: deliberate, thoughtful and explicit; pattern of shared meaning; and method not methodology) reached me in a way that reading had not. The structure and theory of the two days also increased my confidence. Being a lone researcher had me second guessing myself but attending the training increased my tenacity and competence. I have immediately recommended Claire's masterclass to my Social Work PhD peers and supervisees. Claire's mix of academic credibility with her Irish approachability and expert story telling make her a gifted trainer in research context and meaning making. Whereas before I was terrified of doing the wrong thing by my participants and their data, Claire has mustered my curiosity and given me the lasso to brand it into codes, themes and descriptions. BRILLIANT and extremely useful training.

{I recently completed Claire's training on thematic analysis, and it was an invaluable experience. While the focus was obviously thematic analysis, I also found it really helpful in thinking about qualitative research more broadly. There were many opportunities to build on practical skills and interesting discussions about the underlying theory.  Claire is very knowledgeable, providing insights that bridged the gap between practice and theory seamlessly. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to enhance their expertise and confidence in thematic analysis. Ruth Canty, PhD Candidate, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia.

{I enjoyed attending Dr Claire's online masterclass session on qualitative methods. Claire’s teaching helped to structure my thinking during the process of conducting qualitative analysis. The students who attended the class were also warm and eager to learn, which enriched the learning experience.

{Having the opportunity to learn from Claire's expertise and insight makes me genuinely confident in my work now. Regarding sophistication and applicability, this workshop is the best I have ever attended in my career. Claire's practical exercises and visualised training pedagogy using realia and thick examples created a truly remarkable experience! This workshop offered all emotional, cognitive and behavioural engagement for learning qualitative research skills. I look forward to attending more training from Claire in the future and am so grateful for this opportunity to learn from her. Thank you so much.

{Dr Claire Moran has been running Thematic Analysis Training for QUT Centre for Justice since 2022.  We generally run this program for our members twice a year.   As a social science research centre, Thematic Analysis has high applicability to our members and HDR students and always generates great interest.  We have always returned to Claire to run this training as the feedback has always been so positive.  Our members find Claire’s training to be informative and useful and regularly feedback individually how much they enjoy this program and how relevant it is to their research.  We are currently in our third year of running Claire’s training twice yearly and the interest and feedback continue to be positive. QUT Centre for Justice would recommend Claire to other universities for her expertise in the development and delivery of Thematic Analysis training.

{“The training filled the skills gap of course but also left me with greater confidence in my ability to use the method in my research and greater awareness of the flexibility of the approach. I recommend the training to any PhD candidate or early career researcher planning on using thematic analysis in their work.”

{“I found the self-paced content to be easily digestible, allowing me to get a sound understanding of the key aspects of qualitative research.”

{I can’t recommend Claire’s thematic analysis workshops enough! I am from a legal background and had almost no experience in research methods/methodology prior to starting my PhD. Because of this, I have always found research methods to be quite daunting. Claire is an excellent teacher and her workshops helped me so much - I have already seen the benefits of attending these workshops in my own work. 

{“Claire’s training provided both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for conducting qualitative analysis. Her friendly teaching approach and use of case-based learning significantly enhanced my understanding and confidence.”

{“I was a bit of a thematic analysis sceptic, but Claire has well and truly sold me on it! Honestly, I think everyone should do this masterclass.”

{The course was absolutely excellent. You managed to make a nebulous topic very clear, understandable and most importantly implementable!

{“I got so much out of this workshop and am excited to get to work on my research, especially knowing that Claire will be there if I need further support in the future.”

{I really enjoyed your course. It made me a lot more comfortable approaching qualitative studies and it was one of the most fun and engaging courses I have attended 😊 Your buttons activity is so memorable!