Can an education research degree suit someone who prefers qualitative interviews to statistical analysis?
Yes. An education research degree can suit someone who prefers qualitative interviews, particularly if the programme supports approaches such as case studies, ethnography, or thematic analysis. However, you may still need to understand basic statistics and research design, since some courses require students to engage with both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Key points
- Check the curriculum for modules on qualitative methodology, interviewing, coding, and data interpretation.
- A dissertation or thesis may allow you to focus primarily on interview-based research, subject to supervision and programme requirements.
- Qualitative research still involves systematic data analysis, ethical procedures, and clear justification of methods.
Things to check
- The balance between qualitative and quantitative methods varies by degree, department, and country, so review the official course structure and assessment details.