Networking opportunities 

As part of your research you will network with researchers, specialists and academics alike across the Social and Economic Research Institute (SERI).

This course is aimed at both experienced educational practitioners looking to improve academically, and well-qualified graduates looking to extend their research skills and apply them at doctoral level.

You'll train in advanced research methods and carry out supervised research - a systematic high-level study and the written presentation of its results.

Supervision is available in various research areas including

• education policy studies
• TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages)
• pedagogy and practice
• pedagogy and new technologies
• social inclusion
• education and disability
• autism
• early years education
• language and literacy in education
• mathematics education
• leadership and management in education
• higher education

Your research degree equips you with the skills to develop a career as a researcher in education and related fields.

All applicants should hold a strong, relevant undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (merit and above).

Application

To apply, candidates must submit a fully complete online application including:

• A research proposal. This should include an outline of the research questions/area, aim of the project, an understanding of the current knowledge/literature and context, the proposed methodology, the potential impact and contribution to knowledge of your project and referencing key background literature. The maximum word count is 1,500 words.
• A personal statement - In submitting your personal statement, you must answer these 4 questions. We recommend no more than 200 words for each question, and include specific examples from your previous experiences (academic and professional). We want to learn more about you.
  1. What relevant skills and experience do you have which you feel would help you undertake this research project? (200 words maximum).
  2. How did you come up with your project proposal? (200 words maximum).
  3. What opportunities do you think the doctorate will give you? (200 words maximum).
  4. Provide an example demonstrating your approach to engaging with new experiences or ideas. This can be an example from your studies, work, or personal experiences. (200 words maximum).
• Copies of qualifications, certificates, and results transcripts.
• Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.
• Copies of your passport and any relevant visas, for international applicants.

All suitable candidates are invited to an interview which can take place in-person or online. You will be asked questions about the project proposal and your interest in PhD level study. You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes.

International Students (Additional Information)

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through one of the following:

1. Recent academic IELTS demonstrating an overall score of 7.0 or above with no score below 6.5 in the other components or equivalent. Recent means that your IELTS results must have been awarded two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date.

2. Educated with a UK Master's degree level (merit and above) within two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date.

Please note that UKVI provide a list of countries exempt from the language entry requirements. If you are a national of one of these countries you will not need to provide evidence as listed above.

Students who are based overseas may be able to study for a PhD by Distance Learning, subject to establishing a satisfactory distance learning agreement, as part of the application process.