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Research degrees in Education PhD

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  • Level of study:
    PhD
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
  • Start date:
    October and January
  • Duration:
    4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
  • Attendance:
    Full-time, Part-time
  • Course delivery:
    On-campus (Clifton Campus)
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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 a Doctor of Education Programme for students with a 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.

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
  • Equity, Social Justice and Inclusion
  • Higher Education, Academic Experience, Graduate Employability
  • Education Policy and Sociology
  • School Curriculum, E-learning
  • Performativity, Accountability, Leadership, Professional Development
  • Assessment and Feedback

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.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

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.

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.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.
  • Full-time - £5,006 per year
  • Part-time - £2,503 per year

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

See information about funding, loans and funded projects.

Doctoral loans

Student Finance England and Student Finance Wales provide a non-means-tested Doctoral loan to help with course fees and living costs for a postgraduate research course. Use the links to check if you are eligible.

Studentships

Every year, we provide fully-funded PhD studentships, with opportunities across all our academic disciplines. These are open to UK and International students and applications usually open in October.

Sign up for emails and we’ll let you know when the next NTU studentships are released.

Funded projects

We advertise funded PhD projects throughout the year. See what projects are currently available.

Find out more

Find out how much a research degree will cost and explore different types of research funding.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • £17,500 per year

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

See information about funding, loans and funded projects.

Studentships

Every year, we provide fully-funded PhD studentships, with opportunities across all our academic disciplines. These are open to UK and international students and applications usually open in October.

Sign up for emails and we’ll let you know when the next NTU studentships are released.

Funded projects

We advertise funded PhD projects throughout the year. See what projects are currently available.

Living costs

Visit managing your money to get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced explore different types of research funding.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

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Cost of living in Nottingham
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Our student benefits and free services
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Money advice for international students

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.

  • Employability Promise

    Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

  • Assessed work-like experience

    We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.

  • NTU Enterprise

    If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Where your degree could take you

Discover how our students and alumni used their degree to further their careers. Take a look at our other profiles and explore the possibilities awaiting you.

  • Bamba examines black people’s experiences in doctoral study

    Exploring how black people fit in the social, economic and cultural strata of British society, Bamba’s work examines race, equality, and systemic barriers.

    View Bamba Khan's profile

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.

Applying

UK students

You can apply for one of our advertised projects or submit your own proposal. Find out about our PhD opportunities and how to begin your research journey.

If you have any application queries, email doctoralschool@ntu.ac.uk

Apply now

International students

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Apply now

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on +44 (0)115 848 2999.

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