PhD in Education by Research

SHBIE offers a breadth of research supervision options. The types of research supported include national and comparative empirical studies; detailed studies of learners, classrooms and teaching involving different age groups and types; research on policy, ideas, and innovation in educational design and school leadership; action research and qualitative studies. Research includes collaborative research with schools and education departments and consultancy research. An academic staff profile is available. All research undertaken is relevant to the improvement of educational systems and articulates with cutting edge international research developments.

This programme is designed to meet the needs and interests of professional teachers and education administrators who wish to create and interpret new knowledge, through original research. The candidates following this programme will be afforded an opportunity for systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge, which is at the forefront of education. The candidates will also receive quality research training that is also involving quantitative and qualitative methods. 

Duration

  • Full-Time: minimum 36 months, maximum 60 months
  • Part-Time: minimum 60 months, maximum 84 months

Typical entry requirements

  • A Master Degree or equivalent from a recognised university.
  • A good honours degree (at least second class lower) or equivalent from a recognised university.
  • Evidence of English proficiency at the level of at least an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 550 or a credit in the GCE “O“ Level English Language
  • Applicants are advised to write an appropriate proposal for a research project at doctoral level, which is normally expected to include the following: proposed title, rationale, aims and methodology, literature review, preliminary bibliography, provisional table of contents. Please note that all proposals are expected to be original work done entirely by the applicant in the language of the application and are checked for similarity to existing sources.
  • Successful performance in an interview and any test required

Additional requirement

  • Before submitting a proposal it is vitally important that applicants make direct contact with an appropriate staff member who will be able to give feedback on a potential research proposal. Please contact the Programme Leader, Graduate Professional Development with details of your proposed research. The PL GPD will then forward your email to an appropriate staff member who will reply in due course. Please do this well in advance of your application as developing a successful application does take time.

Start date

  • Every January and August

For more information, please contact:
Programme Leader, Graduate Professional Development