PhD Education

About the course

You would independently undertake a substantial doctoral programme of individual research leading to a significant original contribution to knowledge or its interpretation. The expected time period from enrolment to submission is normally three years of full-time study or six years of part-time study. The degree is assessed on the basis of the final research output, in the form of a substantial written thesis which must be “defended” in a viva.

Areas of expertise include

• educational leadership and policy
• learning and teaching
• professional learning and development
• teacher educators and teacher education
• higher education
• trans-national education
• school and university curricula  and pedagogies
• mental health (student and staff)
• dance movement therapy
• reflection and reflexivity
• identity, agency, self-efficacy
• a range of established research approaches as well as narrative, College and other non-traditional methods.

Before making your formal application, we recommend that you discuss your proposed research with Dr Elizabeth White, School of Social Science, Humanities and Education Research Tutor ([email protected]), to establish that we are able to supervise research in the area you propose.

Teaching methods

Your supervisory team provides guidance in both sharpening your research focus and the conduct of the research. Our supervisors have a reputation for being supportive and are selected for their expertise. You are also supported by over 100 session on the University Researcher Development Programme which will help you develop research skills relevant to your field of research. The degree is assessed on the basis of a substantial submission embodying a thesis, which is  presented and defended in a lucid and scholarly manner.

What’s next for my career?

• An internationally recognised research qualification
• Develops advanced research-based subject knowledge and expertise
• Develops research skills through engaging in sustained research
• The attributes of independent critical thinking and research practice are highly valued by employers
• Nationally leading results in 2019 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) including ranked first for research culture, research skills and second for supervision.