MAXQDA is a software programme for qualitative research in social sciences. It is a versatile programme with a wide range of analysis tools, flexibly deployable in the diversity of qualitative analysis approaches. It replaces Nvivo, for which support will be discontinued from the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.

MAXQDA for qualitative analysis

Today, a lot of qualitative analysis is done with the help of a software programme. Qualitative software supports the qualitative researcher, but never takes over their hand- and headwork. Understanding the capabilities of a qualitative software programme helps free up time for the analysis itself. 

The programme allows you to perform basic skills such as managing data, working with memos and coding qualitative data. You can use it for both text-based data (such as interviews and focus groups) and audiovisual material (sound, video and images). It also offers more advanced analysis tools, such as case coding, queries, matrices, visualisation (maps), mixed-methods and statistical analysis.

MAXQDA at Ghent University

Ghent University has a licence for MAXQDA Analytics Pro. You can download and install the programme via https://academicsoftware.eu/. Log on to that website using your Ghent University e-mail address.

On the DICT helpdesk you can find more information about installing MAXQDA. 

More information

MAXQDA offers comprehensive support for both beginning and advanced users:

• The official MAXQDA website offers a detailed manual for MAXQDA 24. This manual contains step-by-step instructions for using the software, including importing and organising materials, viewing and editing documents and creating codes.
• Several video tutorials are available that explain both the basic and advanced features of MAXQDA. This is an ideal way to visually learn how to use the software.
• MAXQDA also offers training programmes and workshops through the MAXQDA Academy, where you can learn hands-on and improve your skills.
• The university library has several online sources on how to use MAXQDA for specific use cases.