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level: PG top_up: false international: true clearing: false full_time: true part_time: true start_month: October, March location: Waterside

Education and Schools PhD/PhD by Published works

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Key Facts

  • Level

    PostgraduatePG PhD

  • Duration

    PhD: Full time 2 years - 4 years, Part time 3 years - 6 years
    PhD by Published Works: 1 - 2 years

  • Starting

    October, March

Updated 16/12/2024

Apply Now

Updated 16/12/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

We welcome applications to study for an Education and Schools PhD at the University of Northampton’s Faculty of Health, Education and Society, particularly across the broad themes that are supported through our Centre for Education and Research.​​ As an Education and Schools PhD student, you will undertake applied research, combining theoretical analysis with fieldwork data collection to produce leading edge studies. The programme will also expand your knowledge and research skills. After successful completion of your research and defence of your final thesis, this will allow you to move into a variety of different roles. These include research positions within Education and aligned fields and higher management positions.

Applications must be received by 1 August for the October intake and by 11 December for the March intake.

Highlights

  • ​​Benefit from a supervisory team comprising of at least two members of academic staff with expertise in your area of interest. Depending on your research specialism you may also have an additional external supervisor from another school or another research institution, or an external partner from government or industry
  • ​Benefit from access to a range resource via the University’s Library and Graduate School
  • ​Membership to the Centre for Education and Research and to its Special Interest Groups

Entry Requirements

A recognized Masters degree in a relevant subject area, or similar qualification which is regarded by the University of Northampton as being equivalent and relevant.

Or substantial appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level which resulted in published work, written reports, or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment. An application made by someone with this experience will be considered on its own merits and will normally require independent academic references.

If your proposal is feasible for our supervision at the University of Northampton, we are likely to invite you to attend an admissions interview.

  • All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:

    • ​successful interview outcome.
    • availability of suitable Research Supervision Support.

    ​If you are applying for Research study, you will need to write a research proposal. Find out how to write a research proposal.

    More detailed information about the research degrees is available on our Graduate school page.​

    ​If you’d like to join us as a research student, then please review the webpages below:

    • ​IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component including writing.  We will also consider equivalent English language qualifications.

    ​We are unable to consider applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components from a test taken within the last two years

Course Content

  • The Education and Schools PhD programme is a way for you to develop your specialism and gain valuable research skills and competencies.

    Postgraduate students working in Education are encouraged to integrate into our Centre for Education and Research. This Research Centre provides students with opportunities to present ‘work in progress’ and network with other researchers, you will also benefit from a community of researchers and practitioners. The Graduate School offers a training programme for postgraduate researchers, covering research skills and transferable (including employability) skills. Attendance at appropriate workshops within this programme is encouraged, as is contribution to the school’s various seminar series. Academic and technical staff also provide more subject-specific training.

    Based at the university’s Waterside campus, the Faculty of Health, Education and Society has several academic and research staff which hold expertise in a range of disciplines covering a broad range of areas in education; we are, therefore, able to accommodate a wide range of doctoral research interests. PhD students take an active role in a range of intellectual and social activities within the Faculty and Centre for Education and Research.

    A PhD in Education with a specialisation in Education and Schools will enable you to find research and development roles within Education and aligned fields, or progress into an academic career.

  • What is the difference between a full PhD and a PhD by Published works?

    A PhD involves conducting original research and writing a thesis, while a PhD by Published Works is awarded based on a collection of previously published papers demonstrating significant contributions to the field. Additional information about choosing your type of research degree can be found on our How to apply for Research degree study page.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees

  • UK – Full Time: £5,700
  • UK – Part Time: £2,845
  • International – Full Time: £16,350
  • International – Part Time: £7,640

Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works

Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.

  • UK – Part Time: £3,600
  • International – Part Time: £7,840

Please visit the funding page for more details on how to fund your study.

  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees

    • UK – Full Time: £5,500
    • UK – Part Time: £2,775
    • International – Full Time: £15,950
    • International – Part Time: £7,450

    Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works.

    Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.

    • UK – Part Time: £3,500
    • International – Part Time: £7,650

    Please visit the funding page for more details on how to fund your study.

Staff

Placeholder image for Cristina Devecchi, Associate Professor in Education

Associate Professor in Education
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Cristina Devecchi

Is this course for you?

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