Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programme
Overview
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy involves the conduct of supervised research at the leading edge of the educational field and which is written up as a substantial thesis. The thesis is required to provide evidence of originality of mind and critical judgement about the chosen aspect of education, and must contain material which is worthy of publication.
Video: current students
It is usual for students intending to study for a PhD to register for the Master of Philosophy degree and to transfer status to a PhD, if desired, as a result of progress made in the early stages. This transfer takes place after submission of an Annual Report and presentation of a seminar at which the research is discussed and defended.
The programme aims:
- to provide a framework within which students can conduct a piece of original educational research relating to their own exxperience and interest;
- to develop fully trained and competent educational researchers, able to understand and use research techniques appropriate to their subject area and to be conversant with approaches used by other social scientists;
- to enable students to think through how they can use their existing knowledge and skills in different contexts and apply them to a variety of problems; and,
- to equip students to pursue other professional research activities subsequently.
Duration of study:
MPhil
Full time: 3 years maximum; 1 year minimum
Part time: 4 years maximum; 2 years minimum
PhD
Full time: 4 years maximum; 2 years minimum
Part time: 6 years maximum; 3 years minimum