Program Overview

Overview

The PhD in Education is designed to support students in becoming fully-fledged independent researchers and experts in their chosen area within the broad field of education. The program aims to prepare students to make a difference in practice or through theory.

Introduction

The Institute of Education is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, exploring culture and society from the origins of humanity to modern day politics. The institute is home to a multinational team of experts in educational research, sharing a commitment to innovation in teaching and learning as well as to the fundamental understanding of education as a human and societal creation.

Research Topics

As an applicant, students will propose their own research topics and approach. The current research activity of the core and wider team of the Institute includes a broad range of topics, covering most areas within Education as a discipline. These include:

• All levels of formal education, from early years to doctoral
• Non-formal, informal, adult and lifelong learning and education
• The education of professionals and other workers in the education sector, and in other sectors, including healthcare, accountancy and vocational trades sectors
• Reflective practice in education
• Entrepreneurship and education
• Educational leadership, management and policy change, including for sustainability
• Curriculum, pedagogy and assessment, including micro-credentials
• The use of artificial intelligence and other technologies in learning and teaching
• Education and social justice
• The history, the politics, the sociology, the psychology and the philosophy of education

Research Culture

The Institute has run the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education, which has now been succeeded by the PhD. The theses of over 200 successful candidates supervised by the institute are available in the University Library Repository. The institute also offers the Education MA programme and hosts the Institute of Education research seminar series.

How to Apply

To apply for the PhD in Education, students should follow these steps:

1. Identify potential supervisors: Students should go to the Institute's Staff list to view potential supervisors and contact one staff member to discuss the suitability of being matched with them.
2. Prepare application documents: Students may need the following documents to complete their online application:

• A research proposal
• University transcripts and degree certificates to date
• Passport details (international applicants only)
• English language certificates (international applicants only)
• A personal statement
• Names of two proposed supervisors
• Names and contact details of two referees

3. Apply: Students should register and apply online, and they will receive an email acknowledgment once they have submitted their application.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK fees: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time place, per year - £2,619
• International fees: Full-time place, per year - £24,599; Part-time place, per year - £12,300

Additional Costs

Students should budget for additional costs, such as buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Funding Your PhD

If students are UK nationals or have settled status in the UK, they may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs. There are also alternative sources of funding, including funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities, and trusts.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The university offers a range of scholarships and bursaries, including:

• Duncan Norman Research Scholarship: Significant funding to support postgraduate research, including full payment of PhD fees and a cash bursary of £23,000 per year
• John Lennon Memorial Scholarship: Financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata)
• Sport Liverpool Performance Programme: Tailored training support to enhance sporting performance, including a range of benefits such as bespoke strength and conditioning training, physiotherapy sessions, and one-to-one nutritional advice

Facilities and Resources

The Institute of Education is based in 8-14 Abercromby Square. Students can take a virtual tour of the facilities.

Careers and Employability

The PhD in Education can support a career or career enhancement in the Education sector, including in Higher Education. It can also contribute to other professional fields. The university provides career support from day one to graduation and beyond, including access to Prosper, a career development and support program designed specifically for postdocs.

Meet Our PhD Researchers

The university's postgraduate researchers are shaping their future and the future of the world, advancing knowledge with each discovery.

Entry Requirements

The typical requirement for academic attainment is a 2:1 at Bachelor's level and 65% at master's level, or equivalent academic qualifications from non-UK institutions, in a relevant subject area. Individual consideration will be given to those with significant or relevant experience or with professional qualifications.

English Language Requirements

Students will need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless they are from a majority English speaking country. The university accepts a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications, including:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19, and speaking 20
• Pearson PTE Academic: 61 overall, with no component below 59

Pre-Sessional English

If students do not meet the English language requirements, they can complete a Pre-Sessional English course to achieve the required level. The length of the Pre-Sessional English course depends on the student's current level of English language ability.