Program Overview

Education

PhD Opportunities

Overview

You’ll be part of a dynamic doctoral research environment and will study alongside students from over 25 different countries; we supervise students undertaking research in key educational areas including: education in divided societies; effective education; children’s rights in education; educational assessment and inclusion, and social justice and inclusion.

Subject Summary

You’ll be part of a dynamic doctoral study environment, alongside students from over 25 different countries working on a range of topics within the field of Education. We have a lively community of around 200 full-time and part-time research students. You’ll have the opportunity to become part of a supportive research community that lends emphasis to the cross-fertilisation of ideas and innovation in the advancement of knowledge.

Education Highlights

Internationally Renowned Experts

• In the World Rankings, Queen’s is:
  • Ranked 202 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024)
  • Ranked 28th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024)
• Queen’s ranked 18 in the world for international outlook (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023).
• Over 99% of Queen’s research environment was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
• SDG10 Reduced Inequalities: 39 out of 901 institutions.
• The School is home to leading international academic experts in specialist fields with a number of academics holding positions on government advisory councils, Chair positions on internationally recognised committees, memberships of several research centres across the University and visiting professorships in research excellent universities across the world.
• Education (176 – 200) is ranked in the top 200 subject rankings in Times Higher Education.
• Queen’s is ranked 16th in the UK for Education (REF 2021/ Times Higher Education).
• Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 places Education, 6th for International Outlook.

Key Facts

• Research students are encouraged to play a full and active role in relation to the wide range of research activities undertaken within the School and there are many resources available including:
  • access to the PG Researcher Development Programme;
  • office accommodation with access to computing facilities and support to attend conferences for full-time students;
  • a range of lectures and workshops on key aspects of writing a doctoral thesis.

Student Testimonials

• Morgan Mattingly, United States of America
  • Project title - Expanding and Evolving Resources of Refugees: From Camp to Resettlement
  • I research refugee education and digital inequality at QUB, looking at how digital education resources can address gaps in education experienced along journeys and be designed with (rather than for) people from refugee communities. I chose the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work (SSESW) at Queen's University Belfast because, in addition to being home to many leading researchers in different fields, it offers so many opportunities to develop interdisciplinary knowledge as a postgraduate! Postgraduate seminars and workshops from the many disciplines in the school are frequently offered, allowing Postgraduate Research students to engage with one another and learn new skills. Additionally, while conducting my own research, I have been guided by my supervisors and the many wonderfully engaged staff of SSESW who are eager to share knowledge of theories, ethics, methods, and more. SSESW is truly a fantastic and supportive community in which to develop research skills and this dedication to research shows!
  • PRIMARY SUPERVISOR Professor Alison MacKenzie
  • SECONDARY SUPERVISOR Dr Evropi Chatzipanagiotidou

Career Prospects

• Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles in educational practice, the public sector or within NGO’s. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Researcher Plus, bolster our commitment to employability.

People teaching you

• Meet our Staff
  • SSESW
  • Professor Alison MacKenzie
  • Director of Graduate Studies
  • SSESW
  • Email: alison.mackenzie@qub.ac.uk

Learning Outcomes

• A research degree offers students an opportunity to foster their capacity for independent research and critical thought. It also allows students to explore an area of interest and so understand and solve theoretical and practical problems within the field. Undertaking a research degree can enhance a student’s written and oral communication skills and a PhD is almost always a formal requirement for an academic post.

Course structure

• You are expected to take research training modules that are supported by the School. These modules focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods, and include participatory action research, arts-based research methods and multimodal interaction analysis, for example. Students will be provided with the SSESW PhD student training and engagement programme at the start of the academic year. You are also expected to carry out your research under the guidance of your supervisor.
• Over the course of study, you can attend postgraduate skills training organised by the Graduate School. This training contributes to your training record which may be discussed at your annual progress reviews (APR).
• You will normally register, in the first instance, as an 'undifferentiated PhD student' which means that you have satisfied staff that you are capable of undertaking a research degree. The decision as to whether you should undertake an MPhil or a PhD is delayed until you have completed 'differentiation'.
• Differentiation takes place 9-12 months after registration for full time students and 18-30 months for part time students. You will be asked to submit work to a panel of two academics who will then meet you formally to explore your research at the 'Differentiation Panel'.
• The Panel will make a judgement about your capacity to continue with your study based on the feasibility of your research design and commitment. Sometimes students are advised to revise their research objectives or to consider submitting their work for an MPhil qualification rather than a doctoral qualification, but this outcome is very rare.
• To complete a doctoral qualification, you will be required to submit a thesis of approximately 80,000 words. You will defend your thesis at a viva voce [oral examination] with an external and internal examiner.
• A PhD programme runs for 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time. Students can apply for a writing up year (thesis only) should it be required.
• The PhD is open to both full and part-time candidates and is useful preparation for a career within academia or consultancy.
• Full-time students are often attracted to research degree programmes because they offer an opportunity to pursue an area of academic interest in some depth.
• A part time research degree is an exciting option for professionals already working in the education field who are seeking to extend their knowledge on an issue of professional interest. Often part time candidates choose to research an area that is related to their professional responsibilities.

Assessment

• Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually.
• This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.
• The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

Feedback

• Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Facilities

• The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces. Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour:
• PhD students will have access to a shared office space and access to a desk with personal computer and internet access.

Entrance requirements

• Graduate
  • The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work.

International Students

• For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) | £5,006
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) | £5,006
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) | £5,006
• EU Other | £20,500
• International | £20,500

Additional course costs

• There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

All Students

• Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.

Bench fees

• Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.