The Seasonal School Qualitative Methods and Research Design in the Social Sciences aims to provide participants with advanced methodological training in qualitative research, with a specific focus on inductive and abductive approaches to theory building. The programme is designed to address the growing demand among PhD students and early-career researchers for rigorous methodological competencies in the design, execution, and publication of qualitative research in the social sciences.

The Seasonal School focuses in particular on the development of research projects based on qualitative data, the formulation of research puzzles and qualitative research questions, and the construction of theoretical contributions from empirical evidence. Special emphasis is placed on the Gioia Methodology as a widely adopted template for inductive qualitative research, and on the use of qualitative methods in top-tier international journals.

In addition, the School addresses the challenges of transforming qualitative findings into publishable contributions, guiding participants through the main stages of the academic publishing process, including journal positioning, submission strategies, and interaction with reviewers. Attention is also given to the emerging role of generative artificial intelligence as a support tool for qualitative data coding and analysis, fostering a critical reflection on its opportunities and limitations.

This activity adopts an interactive and practice-oriented teaching approach. Lectures are designed to actively engage participants and are constantly linked to empirical examples drawn from the international literature. The programme combines in-class lectures with guided exercises, hands-on coding activities, analysis of published qualitative articles, and group work.

Practical sessions enable participants to apply qualitative research tools and templates directly to empirical materials, while final group presentations facilitate peer discussion and collective learning.

Enrollment Conditions

The course is intended for Italian or foreign university students who meet the following minimum requirements:

– To be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree (including single-cycle), a master’s diploma, in a doctoral course or in a medical specialisation course (or to have completed any of these programs no longer than 6 months before the application’s submission).

– To have a cumulative grade average corresponding to at least 27/30 for the Italian system and B for international applicants. This requirement is waived for candidates enrolled in doctoral courses or in medical specialisation courses.

– Have a self-certified proficient knowledge of English (at least B2 level).

Requirements are to be met on the date of submission of the application.

WHEN

From 26 to 30 of October, 2026

WHERE

Onsite, in Pisa

APPLICATION DEADLINE

7 September, 2026