PhD/MPhil Professional Education

Three types of doctorates from LEaD.

Traditional PhD

The focus of this route is on academic inquiry and scholarship which requires a significant and original contribution to knowledge. The focus is usually on developing academic knowledge in this area and requires a study focused on scholarly activity in the area.

On completion of study a thesis of between 80,000 -100,000 words is submitted.

PhD by Prior Publication

This route focusses on those that have published in their discipline and have demonstrated an original contribution of knowledge in this area. The components of the submission includes the body of published work and a supporting document which synthesises the published work and indicates clearly the original contribution to knowledge (20,000 words).

PhD by Prospective Publication

This route requires you to conduct an empirical research project or a series of related projects in a similar manner to the work normally conducted for PhD presented by major thesis. The output will be a series of peer- reviewed articles which should be submitted to a journal accepted and published.

You should normally be the first author of all the publications. The articles and commentary are submitted in a single thesis (40,000 - 80,000 words).

For full details about the City PhD programme structure, please see the Guide for Research Students.

You should normally be working in an area of professional education with a minimum of three years’ experience. This way you can draw upon your practice as well as your theory and use this programme of study to develop your practice.

You are expected to have a good honours degree (normally no less than a second class honours degree from a UK University) 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 demonstrate the aptitude and motivation to undertake a course of independent research at doctoral level.

If you consider yourself to be a non-traditional student you may be considered if you can demonstrate substantial research or relevant professional experience/publication.

English Language

An overall score of 7.0 in the English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum of 6.5 in the reading and writing subtests. Other evidence of proficiency in the English language which satisfies the Board of Studies concerned (for those students who don't require a Tier 4 visa).

For more information see our main entry requirements page.

Visa requirements

If you are not from the European Economic Area / Switzerland and you are coming to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study.

The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

• Students on courses of more than six months
• Students on a pre-sessional English language course
• Students on courses of less than six months.

For more information see our main Visa page.

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.

Prospective students are encouraged to explore doctoral Grants and funding opportunities.

Our bursaries are non-repayable sums of money granted by the University, usually based on need.

Our loans are repayable sums of money granted by the University or other body.

Our scholarships are when the University pays towards your Study fees. You may also be eligible for further funding.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loans

The Government has introduced a new Postgraduate Doctoral Loans scheme which can provide a loan of up to £25,000.

This will be over three years to support study for a doctoral degree.

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study. It can be used alongside any other forms of support you may be able to receive.

For more information, please see our Postgraduate Doctoral Loans page.

Additional expenses

Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses.

City has a well-established structure and processes to support your research.

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.

The Students' progress is monitored regularly and supported with an annual review, here the student may have the opportunity to discuss their research design and written work with their advisor.

Training provision

When you commence your studies, your supervisor will assess any needs you may have for training and will explore an appropriate programme of development with you. This includes 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 LEaD. You will also be invited to all activities that are part of the LEaD development so you can participate and become an active member of the team.

The City Doctoral College can provide more information about graduate degrees.

If you are interested in applying for this programme your first step should be to draft a research proposal as outlined in the how to apply section and send this to Professor Pam Parker the programme directors so we can review if we have appropriate supervision for your project.

You will need to complete an application form and provide two references. One of which should be an academic reference demonstrating support for your ability to study at this level.

If you are applying for the traditional or by prospective publication 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 and the original contribution to knowledge you hope to make (approx 200 words)

See here for guidance on writing your research proposal.

If you to apply for the prior publication route you need to submit a list of the publications and these should be in English with you as either the sole author or one of the authors. You should also include a written document of 2,000 words outlining how the publications demonstrate an original and significant contribution to the topic.

All applications and proposals will then be reviewed by the Senior Tutor/Programme Leader for the research programme and at least one further category A supervisor.

If the proposed area of research can be supported by the expertise of the supervisors in the department and the other aspects of the application meet the criteria, then the applicant may be invited for interview with the proposed supervisor and the Senior Tutor for the programme or another member of the approved supervisor team.

This interview might take place via the telephone or Skype if required.

If you wish to apply for an October start you need to submit your application by the 31^st August.

If you wish to apply for a February start you need to submit your application by the 20^th December.

The Department operates within the University policy on equal opportunities and so this would be demonstrated when considering applications.

For staff fees are usually waived.

You will normally register as an MPhil/PhD student and, in due course, be assessed for transfer to PhD registration according to the approved procedures of LEaD and the University.

If you would like to discuss the programme further contact Professor Pam Parker (Programme Leader).

If you need an application form or other information contact please email maap@city.ac.uk.