Professional Education PhD
Overview
This programme provides an opportunity for you to explore an aspect of professional education in detail and contribute to the knowledge and practice for this area.
Start Date:
The programme provides an opportunity to start in September or February.
Entry Requirements
The programme is open to staff of the University and, external colleagues. You should normally have a first or second class Honours degree (or equivalent non-UK qualification) in an appropriate subject and/or an MA or MSc or equivalent qualification. You should be able to demonstrate proficient use of oral and written English and the aptitude and motivation to undertake a programme of independent research at doctoral level.
English Language Requirements
For students whose first language is not English, one of the following qualifications is also required:
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL (internetbased): 100.
Visa Requirements
The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course at City, there are different rules for:
- Students on courses of more than 6 months
- Students on courses of less than 6 months
- Students on a pre-sessional English Language course
For more information see our main Visa page.
Start Dates / Duration of Studies
Start Date
The programme provides an opportunity to start in September or February.
Duration of Studies
For a full time student the period of registration is 2 to 4 years, for part time it is 3 to 7 years and for a PhD by prior publication it is 1 to 2 years.
There are three options in the programme. The traditional route requires you to register as Mphil/PhD student and following appropriate development of your work and meeting the minimum time requirements you will be able to transfer to PhD following a panel who will meet to discuss your work with you. The normal length of your thesis in this option is 80,000 to 100,000 words. The second option is a structured approach which is similar to above but enables you to take account of practice changes and develop your thesis in separate sections although on completion this will be submitted as one bound piece of work of 80,000 to 100,000 words. As with the traditional route there will be a transfer panel. The last option is that of by prior publication and for this you will need to have agreed the work being submitted as the publications and with this provide an overview document of no more than 25,000 words to bring the work together. For all options there will be a viva voce as part of the examination process with a panel of at least two examiners.
Research Areas
Topics that can supervised include learning and teaching approaches, curriculum design, professional development for staff, academic leadership, work based learning, assessment and education development.
Fees
- Full-time EU: £3,573 per year
- Part-time EU: £1,825 per year
- Full-time Non EU: £8,750 per year
- Part-time Non EU: £4,400 per year
Fees for doctoral candidates are charged annually and cover registration, supervision and examination. Fees are subject to review each year and may vary during your period of registration.
Preliminary Enquiries
Do Contact Dr Pam Parker via e-mail at P.M.Parker@city.ac.uk if you wish to discuss the programme prior to applying.
How to Apply
To apply you will need to complete an application form and develop a research proposal. For further information email Tom Sanderson at Tom.Sanderson.1@city.ac.uk.
Writing Your Research Proposal
If you are applying for the traditional or structured thesis routes you should also provide a research proposal which follows the format of:
- A brief introduction to your chosen area, how this relates to your role or practice and your reason for undertaking this study (approx. 200 words),
- A brief literature review of key resources which support the area needing investigation and some questions that have arisen from the literature (approx 1000 words),
- The research method you believe is appropriate for the study (approx 600 words),
- How this study and its findings may enhance your role or practice (approx 200 words). If you to apply for the prior publication route you need to submit a list of the publications upon which you wish to be assessed and these should be in English with you as either the sole author or one of the authors. You should also include an outline of how the publications demonstrate an original and significant contribution to the area that is the focus of your work.
Supervision
Research students are normally appointed a supervisory team consisting of at least two supervisors. One of these will be designated as the first point of contact with personal responsibility for ensuring that effective supervision is provided.
Training Provision
When you commence your supervisor will assess any needs you have for training and will explore an appropriate programme of development with you including undertaking some modules to help you teach when required.
Research Environment
You will have the use of a desk, phone and other office resources within the the centre. You will also be invited to all activities that are part of the LDC development so you can participate and become an active member of the team. In addition there is a monthly journal club and other activities run by the centre you would be made aware of.