Research degrees in Education PhD
About this course
Nottingham Trent University offers opportunities to study for a PhD by research. Supervision is available by full-time or part-time study, and can sometimes be provided by distance learning.
The University Doctoral School also runs a competitive annual competition for bursaries to undertake research degrees. A strong feature of its research degrees is the development of skills, networks and know-how necessary to build successful careers, whether you intend to stay within academia or pursue a career in another walk of life. We offer effective training and support from friendly and approachable staff, reinforced by strong collaborative links with business, public services and external academic networks.
We host education research and researchers from across the University. This cross-university approach creates a vibrant research environment with researchers engaged in work of nationally and internationally recognised quality.
We also offer an Ed D programme for students with primary interest in researching practice, who wish to broaden the horizons of their own professional work.
Supporting your studies
Carrying out research for a PhD or ProfD requires different skills from undergraduate or taught postgraduate study. You will mostly work on your own research project, but we also emphasise the importance of regular meetings with your supervisory team.
The team consists of a director of studies (who will usually have expertise in your subject area) and at least one other supervisor selected for their complementary expertise such as relevant research methods.
The Doctoral School Team will support you from your initial enquiry, through the application process and the various stages of your degree, until your viva voce examination and subsequent graduation. Once you begin your studies, you will have induction sessions to introduce you to the University, help you settle in and meet other researchers.
Researcher training
In addition to studying for a research degree, students undertaking traditional route PhDs will participate in researcher training. This combines general research training with specific topics associated with your discipline. The training focuses on the requirements of external research funding bodies and government requirements.
We also provide a structured programme of transferable skills training and career development. This is informed by the work of Vitae, the national organisation which support researchers throughout their careers.
What you’ll study
Research is organised around one main research group: Education Policy and Practice.
This group plays to the research strengths of staff both within the Nottingham Institute of Education and other departments.
Some broad themes investigated by group members include the following:
Education Policy and Practice
- Creativity and Creative Practices (Dymoke, Chantrey-Wood)
- Equity, Social Justice and Inclusion (Paechter, Arbuoin, Doak, O'Grady, Tyler-Merrick)
- Higher Education, Academic Experience, Graduate Employability (Aiken, Friend, Kushnir, Mbah)
- Education Policy and Sociology (Clapham, Kushnir, Mbah, Nikita)
- School Curriculum, E-learning (Hardy, Richards, Dymoke)
- Performativity, Accountability, Leadership, Professional Development (Rolph, Sood, Kearsley-Bullen)
- Assessment and Feedback (Ferguson, Serret)
Doctoral Supervision
Please see our Education page which includes links to staff, and their personal research profiles, who are in a position to supervise Doctoral students.
Researchers in the broad area of education work in collaboration with a range of scholars from across the academic community in the UK, Europe and further afield.
Research across the groups is funded by various bodies including Local Authorities, Government Departments, the European Union and Research Councils. These groups span a wide range of specialisms and conduct research of internationally recognised quality.
Support and supervision
During your research you will be supported by a dedicated supervision team with specialist knowledge in your field of activity. You will also have full access to student support centres, financial advice, careers advice, disability support, counselling and an accommodation service.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Careers and employability
Whether you want to work in academia or industry, the university will support you with free, personalised training, expert careers advice and more. As well regular workshops, you can book one-to-one appointments with our specialist Doctoral Careers Consultant and access tailored doctoral employability resources.
If you’d like to know more about NTU’s groundbreaking Employability Promise, and the support you’ll receive both during and after your course, visit our Careers and Employability page.
Re:searchers re:vealed
Here at NTU, our researchers come from a variety of backgrounds and they all have a powerful story to tell. Find out about our researchers and the impact their work is making.
Campus and facilities
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep our students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
UK students
- a first or upper second class honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.
- If you don’t hold the above, we can accept a lower second class honours degree with a Masters degree at Merit level from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International students
- a first or upper second class honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.
- If you don’t hold the above, we can accept a lower second class honours degree with a Masters degree at Merit level from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.
English language qualifications
If English isn't your first language, you will need:
- an overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 with minimum sub-scores of 6.0 in all component sections (writing, reading, listening and speaking).
Find out more about the English language requirements for undertaking research at NTU.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
