Program Overview

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PhD Postgraduate research in Education

Overview

We offer supervision for PhD research in a range of areas such as special needs and inclusion, leadership and management, practitioner research, professional development, teaching and learning, early years education.

Award

PhD

Start date(s)

Variable start date

UCAS Code

Course specifications

View course spec

Course length

Part-time (8 years), Full-time (4 years)

Campus location

University: Walsall Campus

School

School of Education

UCAS points calculator

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In this section

• Overview
• Entry Requirements
• Fees & Finance
• Modules
• Employability
• Facilities

Why choose this course?

We offer supervision for PhD research in a range of areas such as special needs and inclusion, leadership and management, practitioner research, professional development, teaching and learning, early years education. The team has experience of full time, part time, mature professionals and overseas students.

The Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing (FEHW) supports the research ambitions of over 240 doctoral students across Education, Health, Social Work and Social Care, Sport and Psychology. Our research community is diverse and dynamic. We work with local, regional and international students from across the world on a very diverse range of research fields.

What's unique about this course?

What happens on the course?

Many of our research supervisors have internationally recognised expertise in a range of research methodologies and frequently work across subject areas so, for example, research supervision can take place around the intersections of Education and Health and Sport and Psychology.

PhD studies are typically conducted by completing a research thesis full-time or part-time. PhDs are theoretical research projects seeking to advance knowledge or understanding of a subject to inform further research, education and policy. They can cover a wide range of subjects – learn more by watching our research videos.

PhD Lead - Education

Diana Bannister MBE is the Director of the Institute of Education and Associate Dean in the Faculty of Education, Health and Well-being

Diana joined the University of Wolverhampton in 2001 to lead development and research in using and applying learning technologies across the education sector. Over the years she has worked across education partnerships and prior to becoming Director, Diana was Assistant Director and Head of Postgraduate Taught Provision in the Institute.

Diana works with many different sectors providing bespoke support to teachers or schools and more strategic professional development with Ministries of Education, regional advisers, external agencies and commercial providers to address effective implementation of technology and mainstreaming change in schools.

She regularly speaks at conferences and has undertaken international work across much of Europe, Australia, Canada, India and New Zealand. Diana has recently led a principal role in the Living Schools Lab and Creative Classrooms Lab projects. Diana has observed and analysed the practice in over 30 countries.

Whilst understanding the drive to embrace new and existing technologies, Diana remains determined to ensure effective practice in the C21st learning environments, knowing that though the technology continues to change; her ultimate goal is to maximise the quality of learning and teaching.

Research interests

• Effective use of learning technologies
• School development
• Innovation and creativity in the curriculum
• Learning spaces
• Mobile learning
• Director of postgraduate research

Head of Doctoral Studies and Research Fellowship

Dr Hilary Paniagua worked previously as an advanced practitioner (ANP) in women’s health before she pursued a career in academia and ultimately became a researcher and author. Her career interest focuses on issues concerning the narrative understanding of general practice and how it happens. As the editor of The Journal of Health and Social Care and member of two nursing journal editorial boards she has written extensively on issues relating to advanced practice nursing, primary care, law and research. Her book Practice Made Perfect: Higher Aspirations for Practice Nurses, Quay Books, embraces challenges specific to UK advanced nursing practice in six brief chapters. Previous teaching experience includes leading on Masters ANP programmes in primary care, and being instrumental in setting up the first Physicians Assistant programme in Britain. Hilary is currently chair of the research ethics committee within the Faculty of Health in Wolverhampton University and she is chair of the Black Country NHS Research Ethics Committee.She received her doctorate at Swansea University in (2009).

Research interests

• Research in primary care
• Research in women’s health
• Research in general practice

Award Leader for Education

Dr Julie Wilde works across initial teacher education (FE), MA in Education and postgraduate research (doctorates). Her research interests are contextualised by Further, Adult and Higher Education and include the significance of teacher subjectivities, initial teacher education, professional learning in education, policy and practice. Research interests also include story-sharing and narrative approaches.

Potential Career Paths

• Postsecondary Professor
• Educational Researcher
• Education Policy Analyst
• Health Technology Specialist
• Public Speaker

Educational Researcher

Work in universities, think tanks, or private organisations to advance knowledge in education.

Education Policy Analyst

Work with governments or NGOs to assess and improve educational policies.

Health Technology Specialist

Work with companies developing cutting-edge medical devices or digital health solutions.

Public Speaker

Advocate for educational improvements through speaking engagements and events.

Postsecondary Professor

Educational Researcher

Work in universities, think tanks, or private organisations to advance knowledge in education.

Education Policy Analyst

Work with governments or NGOs to assess and improve educational policies.

Health Technology Specialist

Work with companies developing cutting-edge medical devices or digital health solutions.

Public Speaker

Advocate for educational improvements through speaking engagements and events.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Why Wolverhampton?

1. Diverse Research Areas

PhD supervision is offered in a wide range of fields including special needs and inclusion, leadership and management, practitioner research, professional development, teaching and learning, and early years education.

2. Flexible Study Options

The program accommodates full-time, part-time, mature professionals, and international students, providing tailored support for diverse study schedules and backgrounds.

3. Strong Support Network

The Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing (FEHW) supports over 240 doctoral students, fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment.

4. Interdisciplinary Research

Research spans across various fields including Education, Health, Social Work, Social Care, Sport, and Psychology, offering opportunities for interdisciplinary studies.

5. Global and Inclusive Research Community

The program welcomes local, regional, and international students, promoting a dynamic, diverse research community that encourages collaboration and global perspectives.

6. Comprehensive Faculty Expertise

The faculty offers extensive expertise in a broad range of research methodologies, ensuring that students receive high-quality supervision across various research areas.

What skills will you gain?

• Advanced research skills
• Educational leadership
• Practitioner research
• Professional development
• Teaching innovation
• Special needs inclusion
• Global perspectives
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Critical thinking
• Policy contribution
• Dynamic research community
• Effective communication
• Equity and inclusion

Course Fees and Finance

Location | Mode | Fee | Year
---|---|---|---
Home | Full-time | £4786 per year |
Home | Full-time | £5006 per year |
Home | Part-time | £2393 per year |
Home | Part-time | £2503 per year |
International | Full-time | £15950 per year |
International | Full-time | £16950 per year |

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

Entry Requirements

Applicants for a research degree shall normally hold either:

• a first or upper second class honours degree, or
• a master’s degree, or
• evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the Dean of Research.

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no individual element less than 6.0. The only exemption to this is for students who are not required to do so as per UKVI regulations:

What our students say

Funding

Financial support for research study:

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.

Government loans(Home Fee Status):

Government loans are available for postgraduate research students of up to £30,301, to cover fees and living expenses. More information can be found at Doctoral-loans website.

Studying in the UK:Guidance for EU students

For 2021/22 new entrants, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fee status and financial support from Student Finance England.

Self-funded:

We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to How to pay.

Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount:

To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.

For full terms and conditions please see: Loyalty Discount for Postgraduate Research Students

Research councils:

The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.

University Research Studentships:

The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students. Stipends are designed to support specific projects as determined by the Research Institute rather than individual student-led projects. Funds are accessible from the relevant Research Institute or Centre - please contact them directly.

Other sources:

Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.