Education (School of Social & Environmental Sustainability) PhD
Program Overview
Education (School of Social & Environmental Sustainability) PhD
The Education, Language, Policy and Sustainability research group at the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability, Dumfries Campus, addresses contemporary educational issues through local and global links. Researchers in this group benefit from connections to the Robert Owen Centre for Educational Change and the Centre for Research and Development in Adult and Lifelong Learning.
Overview
The research group focuses on making a difference for society's most vulnerable and educationally disadvantaged populations. Interdisciplinary links within the school and strong connections with Dumfries and Galloway Local Authority enable researchers to address unique regional challenges and contribute to worldwide research interventions.
Study Options
- PhD: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time
- Thesis of 70,000 - 100,000 words
- Training opportunities in Dumfries and Glasgow for:
- Research Design
- Qualitative Methods
- Quantitative Data Analysis
- Introduction to Social Theory for Researchers
- Applied Qualitative Methods
- Generalised Linear Models
Research Areas
The program welcomes research proposals in areas such as:
- Languages learning
- Second language acquisition
- Science of reading
- Learner motivation
- Values education
- Religious, moral and philosophical education
- Sociolinguistics of education and policy
- Education policy analysis
- Digital and information literacy
- Science, technology, engineering and maths education
- Practitioner voice in research and policy
- Participatory action research
- Multi-agency practice
- Learning for sustainability
Entry Requirements
Applicants typically require a first or upper second degree or equivalent with research components, demonstrating academic proficiency and commitment to the school's core research themes.
English Language Requirements
For non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level, which can be met through various tests, including:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: 7.0 overall with no subtest less than 6.5
- TOEFL (ibt, my best or at home): 96 overall with specific subtest scores
- Pearsons PTE Academic: 66 overall with specific subtest scores
- Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 185 overall with no subtest less than 176
- Other accepted English language qualifications and pre-sessional courses are also listed.
Fees and Funding
- Fees (2025/26):
- UK: ｣5,005
- International & EU: ｣26,580
- Alumni discount: 20% discount for University of Glasgow graduates
- Possible additional fees for re-submission, submission for a higher degree by published work, and bench fees (research support costs) may apply.
Support
The College of Social Sciences Graduate School offers a range of support services, including a Researcher Development Programme to plan professional development over the course of the PhD, ensuring employability. Modern library and IT services are also available.
How to Apply
Before applying, gather supporting documentation, including:
- Final or current degree transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Two references
- CV
- Name of potential supervisor
- Research proposal (approximately 1000 words) Identify potential supervisors and contact them to discuss the research proposal before applying. Submit an online application form, even if a potential supervisor has been contacted.