Thematic analysis is one of the most widely used methods for analysing qualitative data — interviews, open-ended surveys, focus groups and texts. It identifies patterns of meaning (themes) across a dataset. This complete UK guide explains what thematic analysis is, walks through Braun and Clarke's six phases, and shows how to report themes rigorously.
What Is Thematic Analysis?
Thematic analysis is a method for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns (themes) within qualitative data. It is flexible, widely taught, and suits interviews, focus groups and open-text responses across many disciplines.
Braun and Clarke's Six Phases
The most cited approach has six phases:
✓ Familiarisation with the data.
✓ Generating initial codes.
✓ Searching for themes.
✓ Reviewing themes.
✓ Defining and naming themes.
✓ Writing up.
Coding Your Data
Coding means labelling meaningful segments of data. Work systematically through your transcripts, attaching codes to relevant extracts. Codes are the building blocks — related codes are later grouped into broader themes.
From Codes to Themes
Cluster related codes into candidate themes, then review them against the data and your research question. A good theme captures something important and recurs meaningfully across the dataset — not just a single mention.
Reporting Themes Rigorously
Present each theme with a clear definition and representative quotes, and explain what it means in relation to your question and the literature. Rigour comes from showing how themes were derived, not just asserting them. See our results chapter guide.
Common Mistakes and Tips
✓ Themes that are just topic summaries.
✓ No clear coding process.
✓ Quotes with no analysis.
✓ Too many overlapping themes. Tip: follow the six phases, code systematically, and define themes clearly with evidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is thematic analysis?
A method for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns (themes) in qualitative data.
What are Braun and Clarke's six phases?
Familiarisation, generating codes, searching for themes, reviewing, defining and naming, and writing up.
What is coding in thematic analysis?
Labelling meaningful segments of data, which are then grouped into themes.
What makes a good theme?
One that captures something important and recurs meaningfully across the dataset.
What data suits thematic analysis?
Interviews, focus groups, open-ended surveys and texts.
How do I report themes?
Define each theme, support it with representative quotes, and interpret it against your question.
Is thematic analysis qualitative?
Yes — it is a qualitative analysis method.
What is the most common mistake?
Producing themes that merely summarise topics rather than capturing patterns of meaning.
Related Study Guides
How to Write a Methodology • How to Write a Results Chapter • How to Write a Questionnaire • How to Write a Dissertation
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