phd education distance learning uk

PhD by distance learning

The faculties of Environment and Arts, Humanities and Cultures offer PhD by distance learning across most schools.

PhD by distance learning allows you to study at a time and place that suits you and, with a part-time option available, you'll have the flexibility to gain an advanced degree alongside work and other commitments.

Through completing a PhD, you will become an expert in a specialist area and gain high-quality research training.

Our PhD by distance learning programmes

Faculty of environment.

• School of Earth and Environment
• School of Food Science and Nutrition
• School of Geography
• Institute for Transport Studies

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures

• School of Design
• School of English
• School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies
• School of History 
• School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
• School of Music
• School of Performance and Cultural Industries
• School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
• Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre

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PhD by Distance

Our PhD by Distance programme allows you to benefit from our world-class support and the expertise of a Reading-based supervisor, while conducting your research in a location that suits your circumstances. 

The programme is available to candidates who need to study for most of their registration period at another site, whether in the UK, or worldwide. Acceptance for PhD by Distance is subject to the approval of the supervisors and the relevant school or department.

There are several reasons why you may wish to base yourself away from the University of Reading while undertaking your PhD:

• You have an extensive fieldwork element to your research
• You have responsibilities (e.g. caring or employment) that prevent you from attending on campus
• You are already based and/or employed in an environment that is relevant and conducive to their research
• You do not reside within travelling distance of the University
• You are based in a UK research organisation/institution with a collaborative agreement with the University of Reading in place  

What the programme offers

On the PhD by Distance programme, you will benefit from:

• the opportunity to study on  either a part-time (4-6 years duration) or full-time basis (3-4 years duration)
• supervision from one or more leading University of Reading academics, working at the forefront of their field
• access to a range of high-quality training, delivered on campus or online (see section below on Training)
• access to extensive online Library resources
• a PhD qualification which is delivered and examined at the same high academic standard as a campus-based PhD and a standard PhD degree certificate which does not state the mode of study on it.

Training for PhD by Distance students

The doctoral and researcher college provides a suite of generic researcher training open to all doctoral researchers at reading; this complements subject-specific training available via schools. the specific content of the programme changes from year to year but broadly includes the following: .

• Live online training (available off-campus) – A selection of our training sessions in the Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP) are delivered live online each year. UK time zone applies
• Recorded tutorials (available off-campus) – A small but growing selection of recorded tutorials on key topics such as managing data, academic English and research funding 
• Face-to-face training (available on campus only) - Other RRDP training sessions and selected longer programmes are offered face-to-face only. Students registered By Distance have access to face-to-face training when physically present on campus.     

By Distance study entails reduced access to training opportunities and on-campus experience. By Distance candidates are encouraged to discuss and mutually agree overall training plans with their supervisor and seek supplementary training external to Reading (e.g. via an employer or nearby institution) as appropriate.

Induction and physical attendance

A University-wide induction event is held by the Doctoral and Researcher College near the start of each term for all new doctoral researchers. PhD by Distance students studying at Reading in the first term are expected to attend. Where it is not possible for PhD by Distance students to attend in person (i.e. they are not on campus), a recording of the induction will be made available on the virtual learning environment.

Students registered By Distance will benefit from being physically present on campus for periods of time, for instance to attend induction and selected training, to meet their supervisor and peers, and to attend at key points such as Confirmation of Registration. It is strongly recommended that the first month of their programme be spent on campus. 

Eligibility

You must meet the following criteria:

• Satisfy the academic and English language entry requirements for PhD study
• The candidate has a research project which can be undertaken successfully by distance; regular access to campus should not be essential for successful completion of the research
• The candidate must be able to demonstrate that they have the time to undertake a PhD on the selected mode (full-time or part-time). Part-time doctoral study at Reading typically equates to between 50% and 60% of full-time
• The candidate has independent access to the resources needed to successfully complete their research; this will vary between candidates and projects but may include access to archives, facilities, data collection, digital infrastructure or space in their off-campus location
• The candidate is well motivated to work alone; they understand that By Distance registration is not an online learning programme and has reduced access to campus training
• The candidate and School/Department have discussed the suitability of their research project and personal circumstances for study by distance
• The candidate, where appropriate, has access to support from a local supervisor or mentor with experience in the academic field and also of supporting students or equivalent researchers. Advisors/mentors may be appointed to provide a regular point of contact, and are normally in a position to act as an ‘advocate’ and provide pastoral care if needed.
• Will study at least two-thirds of your minimum registration period off campus   

If you are intending to study in the Henley Business School, then please check with the  relevant Department within the Business School  about whether PhD by Distance is available before you apply.

A PhD by Distance is not suitable for all candidates. In offering a PhD By Distance programme specific consideration is given to the suitability of the research project, and whether it can be completed successfully without regular access to campus. Further consideration is given to areas of supervision, support, transferable and subject-specific skills training, research environment , progression milestones and the examination process in order to ensure off campus research students receive a comparable (although, not similar) experience to on campus students registered on ‘standard’ PhD programmes.

Fees for PhD by Distance programmes can be found on the fees webpage

• How to apply

Before starting your application, you are strongly advised to  navigate to the PhD webpages of your chosen school or department  to read the specific guidance on how to apply, as the requirements can vary. Once you have read the guidance, you will need to make a formal application through the University's  online application system , highlighting that you wish to study for a PhD by Distance (full or part-time). If you have questions about PhD by Distance in a specific school or department, then please contact the relevant School/Department PGR Administrator in the  School PGR Support Team . 

Immigration considerations for international students

PhD by Distance students must ensure that when visiting the University that they obtain the correct visa. The correct type of visa depends upon the period of time which a student intends to spend physically at the University.

PhD by Distance students can visit the University for up to six months within each academic year with a maximum of eighteen months in total for the duration of their programme. Students must discuss their intentions with the Doctoral Research Office (DRO) well in advance of any planned visit to the University. The DRO is well-placed to provide information on a range of immigration-related matters related to Postgraduate Research Programmes [email protected]

Examination

The normal expectation is that the viva of a PhD by Distance student will take place in Reading. Where this is not feasible, online examinations will be arranged.

Further information

Further information on PhD by Distance study can be found in the University's guidance on PhD by Distance .

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Humanities PGR Virtual Open Week 2024

Find out more about the options and funding opportunities for PhD study in the Faculty of Humanities across a range of online sessions during our Virtual Open Week (14-18 October 2024).

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PhD Education / Overview

Year of entry: 2025

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• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 20 January 2025.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2025 entry: 30 June 2025

Programme options

Programme overview

• 2nd in the UK for Education (Complete University Guide 2024).  
• The University of Manchester was ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Education research (overall GPA, REF2021).
• Learn with research-active experts in the field of education and work with highly diverse cohorts of students and staff.
• Contribute to improvements in the overall wellbeing of students, their families and communities throughout the world through research.

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Want to find out more about what PhD study really involves, the application process and funding options for 2025? The Humanities Doctoral Academy will be conducting a range of sessions for potential PhD students across our Virtual Open Week (14 – 18 October 2024) across all four academic schools for anyone considering postgraduate research study for 2025/2026.

Register for your session here.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £22,000
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £11,000

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Your fees will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation (excluding graduation robe hire).

Payment of tuition fees will also entitle you to membership of The University of Manchester library, the Students' Union and the Athletic Union.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Environment, Education and Development studentships is 20 January 2025.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

You will need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor for a number of our scholarships. Therefore, we highly recommend you discuss these funding opportunities with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and ensure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships 2025 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Postgraduate Research Studentships 2025 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme 2025 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2025 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• School of Environment, Education and Development Enhancing Racial Equality (SERE) Studentship 2025 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards 2025 Entry

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

• Schools & departments

Education PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Education

Postgraduate Virtual Open Days

Join us online on 12 to 14 November where you can learn more about postgraduate study through webinars, live panel sessions, and one-to-one chat.

Find out more and register

Research profile

Why edinburgh.

The University of Edinburgh was ranked first in Scotland for research power in Education and Sport (Times Higher Education, REF 2021). We offer the largest concentration of researchers in education in a Scottish university, meaning you will be supported by and collaborate with leaders in the field.

Our research activities cover all aspects of education and learning - from pre-school to higher education and lifelong learning.

Moray House School of Education and Sport staff provide supervision on a wide range of topics within the fields of:

• teacher education
• pedagogy, curriculum and schooling
• outdoor education
• social justice and inclusive education
• comparative education and international development
• childhood and youth studies
• digital education
• philosophy of education
• language education: policy and practice

Many opportunities exist for interdisciplinary research.

Research Thematic Hubs

With over 250 research staff and students, we have a vibrant and expanding research community with a broad portfolio of academic disciplines gathered within seven broad research themes with permeable boundaries. These thematic hubs are:

• Advanced Quantitative Research in Education
• Children and Young People
• Digital Education
• Language, Interculturality and Literacies
• Social Justice and Inclusion
• Sport-Related Research
• Teacher Education, Curriculum and Pedagogy

Research community

As a postgraduate research student you will join a vibrant Graduate School community with over 150 research students. There are also several opportunities for optional training and development throughout your studies.

Research students are encouraged to attend and actively engage with the activities of School research thematic hubs, which include seminars, meetings and workshops. In addition, several academic and social events for research students take place throughout the year.

We organise an annual series of around 25 training, talks and seminar events, as well as the student-led ‘Interweaving’ conference for research students and staff.

Programme structure

The PhD is a substantial piece of independent research which makes a contribution to the state of existing knowledge in the field.

The PhD programme is designed to take three years full-time or six years part-time. The programme is examined by submission of a thesis of up to 100,000 words and by oral examination.

Application

You are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research project before making a formal application.

You may start your studies with us either on 1 October or 10 January of a year.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

Students following the PhD degree are normally supported in their research by two supervisors.

The first of these will be a member of staff who has expertise in the general area of your proposed research topic and the second will be another expert in the field who may come from within the School, University or a field of practice.

Most students who are accepted begin a period of research leading to a PhD; however, the first year of this degree is probationary and progression to year two is dependent on satisfactory progress.

We offer a number of courses in research methodologies, which you are encouraged to take during your first year.

You will work closely with your supervisors, who are recognised experts in the field. All PhD students pursue an individually tailored programme of research training agreed with their supervisors.

Our PhD programmes provide core training in the research skills necessary to flourish at doctoral level and beyond.

PhD by Distance option

The PhD by Distance is available to suitably qualified applicants in the same areas as our on-campus programmes.

The programme allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh full time to study for a PhD from their home country or city, however, this is not intended to be a fully online distance learning programme.

For further information on the PhD by Distance option (including criteria for eligibility, required application form and how to apply) please visit the School website:

• Moray House School of Education and Sport PhD by Distance

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a related subject is normally required.

Normally also a postgraduate degree with a 60% overall grade point average and 60% in the dissertation, or its international equivalent.

You must also submit a research proposal that fits well with our staff expertise. You are encouraged to contact potential supervisors in advance to informally discuss your research proposal.

We may also consider your application if you have other qualifications or substantial experience; if in doubt, please contact us to check before you apply.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 65 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT : 8 overall with at least 7 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Tuition fees, scholarships and funding.

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• taking out a loan
• family support
• personal savings
• income from work
• employer sponsorship
• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

Moray House School of Education and Sport funding for postgraduate research students

Research scholarships for international students

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK's governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

• Search for scholarships and funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Admissions
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
• Contact: Admissions Office
• Director of Postgraduate Research, Dr Darío Luis Banegas
• Contact: [email protected]
• Moray House School of Education and Sport
• Old Moray House
• Holyrood Campus
• Programme: Education
• School: Education and Sport (Moray House)
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Education - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd education - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit one reference with your application.

You must also submit a detailed research proposal using the following template:

Research Proposal template

Guidelines on writing your research proposal

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

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• Postgraduate study

Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z

• Doctorate in Education (Research)
• Staff research interests search

Postgraduate research  

Education EdD

This online distance learning programme offers a professionally relevant and academically rigorous opportunity for advanced study in education. The programme is designed for professionals at all levels in education, training and development, and in education-related fields.

Computer requirements for studying online

Broadband internet connection

• 3 mbps or higher

Internet Browsers

Our online learning platform Moodle is compatible with any standards compliant web browser. This includes:

• Internet Explorer
• MobileSafari
• Google Chrome

For the best experience and optimum security, we recommend that you keep your browser up to date.

Javascript needs to be enabled within your browser

Please note: legacy browsers with known compatibility issues with Moodle 3.3 are:

• Internet Explorer 10 and below
• Safari 7 and below

Computer specifications

• Processor: 2GHz
• Microsoft Windows Vista service pack 1
• Mac OS X v10.4.11+
• Memory: 3GB of RAM or more
• Hard disk: 300GB
• Sound card and microphone
• Speakers or headphones
• Monitor and video card with 1024x768 display or higher

Mobile device specifications

• iOS: latest (Apple Safari & Google Chrome)
• Android: 4.4+ with latest Google Chrome

Other software

• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Media player e.g. Windows Media Player or VLC
• Word processing software (that outputs to the following file types for marking online: .doc, .docx, .html, .txt, .rft, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .pps, .hwp)
• Anti-virus software

Advised hardware / software

• Microsoft Office 2010
• Headset (ideally with a USB connector)

Our doctorate is comparable to a PhD in terms of scale and rigour. It differs in that it provides a structured programme of advanced study in the first three years that is relevant to your profession as an educator and focused on the inter-relationship of research, policy and practice.

We focus on collaborative learning, drawing on your own experiences and those of your academic colleagues.

This programme will give you the skills and confidence to further advance your career to the highest levels in education and education-related fields.

Study options

Duration: 5 years part-time

Years 1, 2 and 3

You will take six core courses (one per semester). Each requires attendance and participation in a study weekend in Glasgow. 

• Critical reflection in professional learning and practice
• Education policy
• Educational futures
• Ethics and education
• Open studies one: Advancing research methods
• Open studies two: Applying research methods

Years 4 and 5

You will work towards the submission of a dissertation of 50,000 to 60,000 words, supported by an appropriate supervisory team.

Progressing at a normal pace, successful candidates can complete the Doctorate in five years. However, we realise that circumstances occasionally mean participants need to take a break from studies and the programme allows candidates to suspend their studies for a limited time period.

Entry requirements

Usually a Masters level qualification in education or a cognate subject and a minimum of five years of professional experience in education or a closely related field. As well as two academic references, you also need to submit samples of recent academic writing, such as an assignment or a dissertation, as part of your application.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

• 7.0 with no sub-test under 6.5
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
• IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)

• 94; with Reading 19; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 21
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

• 66 with no subtest less than: Listening 59;Reading 60; Speaking 59; Writing 74
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

• 185 overall, no subtest less than 176

Oxford English Test

• Oxford ELLT 8
• R&L: OIDI level no less than 7 with Reading: 25-26 and Listening: 18-19
• W&S: OIDI level no less than 8.

Trinity College Tests

Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Pass with Pass in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country  and  within the last 6 years
• students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country  and  within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025/26.

• Part-time fee:  £4,110

International & EU

• Part-time fee:  £8,930

Fees shown as per year. Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.

Possible additional fees

• Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
• Registration/exam only fee: £170

The  College of Social Sciences Graduate School  draws together internationally recognised scholars and respected practitioners to offer a range of research programmes. Our programmes are based on thorough training in research methods and we encourage you to take part in numerous exciting seminars, conferences and events. 

How to apply

Supervisors.

All Postgraduate Research Students are allocated a supervisor who will act as the main source of academic support and research mentoring in the dissertation stage of the EdD. You are not required to identify a potential supervisor in advance of your application.

Gather your documents

Before applying please make sure you gather the following supporting documentation:

• Final or current degree transcripts including grades (and an official translation, if needed) – scanned copy in colour of the original document.
• Degree certificates (and an official translation, if needed): scanned copy in colour of the original document.
• Two references on headed paper and signed by the referee. One must be academic, the other can be academic or professional. References may be uploaded   as part of the application form or you may enter your referees contact details on the application form. We will then email your referee and notify you when we receive the reference.  We can also accept confidential references direct to  [email protected] , from the referee’s university or business email account.
• CV, samples of written work as per requirements for each subject area.
• Academic contact:  [email protected]   
• If you have any questions about your application  before  you apply:  contact  the School of Education
• If you have any questions  after  you have submitted your application:  contact our Admissions team
• Any  references  may be submitted by email to:  [email protected]

International Students

• Advice on visa, immigrations and the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) can be found on our  International student pages

Our research environment

• Discover how we support and develop postgraduate researchers
• Getting started with PGR development:   how postgraduate researchers are welcomed into our community

Postgraduate researcher blogs

• A community blog, written by and for postgraduate researchers at the University of Glasgow

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PhD in Education and Social Justice

This unique PhD in Education and Social Justice (by thesis and coursework) is a part-time structured PhD programme that is undertaken entirely online, over a minimum of 4 years.

It provides a well-defined and supported route to a PhD for people around the world. The programme is designed so that participants can study entirely from home and whilst in full or part-time employment.

Key information

Tutors are internationally renowned researchers/practitioners, based in one of the best Education Departments in the UK, in a University ranked in the top 200 world-wide and top 10 in the UK. The Department has an established and excellent reputation for doctoral provision. There are close links between the Education and Social Justice doctoral programme and the Department's Centre for Social Justice and Wellbeing in Education . We also offer an online MA in Educational and Social Justice which you can join from anywhere in the world.

We have designed the programme to enable issues, theories, methods and evaluations to be applied specifically to the particular concerns, contexts and priorities of the organisations and environments in which participants are working. The programme builds a mutually supportive spirit among participants who all have overlapping professional and academic interests. This means that participants benefit tremendously from studying within a cohort of doctoral researchers who act as critical friends and an informal support network during the programme, and a continued network throughout their careers.

Who is this programme for?

The programme is for professionals world-wide who are working to promote social justice in or through education (in its broadest sense).

The programme will be of benefit to a wide range of people, including, but not limited to:

• teachers working in schools, further education, higher education, and lifelong learning; policy makers; managers; researchers working with social justice issues; youth workers;
• activists and advocacy workers;
• people with equity or social justice portfolios in a variety of institutions; education support personnel;
• consultants; researchers and workers in charities and NGOs; and civil servants;
• people who are retired from, or taking a break from, professional educational work.

The programme and assignments are mainly designed for participants to focus on, and research, issues that are at the heart of their own professional practice and concerns. Non empirical library based assignments can also be undertaken.

If you have any questions, or would like further information about this programme, please contact the Programme Co-ordinator, Ali Wilkinson. Email: [email protected]

Find out what our graduates say about studying on our PhD programmes

Several doctoral researchers have published journal articles arising from their module assignments and theses.

How to Apply

The next start date is 1st October, 2025 .

Entry requirements

Apply online, what to include.

For admission to this programme applicants should normally have:

• a good honours degree from a British university or CNAA, and a good taught Master's degree; or
• qualifications of a comparable standard from a university or recognised degree awarding body in another country.

Preference will be given to applicants who have degrees in cognate areas (normally social science).

As this is a PhD by coursework and thesis we do not require a research proposal at this stage, but your Personal Statement (max 1,000 words) should outline your potential research interests and purposes and also explain why you wish to join this programme and how you hope to benefit from it. Please see the "What to include" tab for further information.

Language proficiency

Applicants will need to have an acceptable fluency in written and spoken English.

For students whose first language is not English, an English Language Test Certificate will be required, that is, IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 for reading and writing.

Further information can be found at: English Language Requirements .

The next start date is 1st October, 2025.

Typical Cohort Number: 30

Initial Closing date for applications: 28th February, 2025.

Please note that any applications received prior this date will be held for consideration during March/April 2025.

Applications received after the end of February will be considered on a first come-first-served basis until the Cohort is full.

Please visit Applying for postgraduate study to apply.

As this is a PhD by coursework and thesis we do not require a research proposal at this stage, but you should explain why you wish to join the programme and how you hope to benefit from it.

Please contact the admissions team if you have any questions about applying to study at Lancaster University.

As this is a PhD by coursework and thesis we do not require a research proposal at this stage, but your Personal Statement ( max 1,000 words ) should outline your potential research interests and purposes and also explain why you wish to join this programme and how you hope to benefit from it.

Personal statement

This should contain the following:

• A statement of reasons for applying for this programme in particular;
• A statement of how you will benefit from this programme;
• A statement about your work experience trajectory and how it relates to the kind of research you are likely to undertake;
• A statement about potential research interests and purposes.

Find out more about how ESJ researchers’ work made a difference for them, their workplace and the world in our 10th anniversary year, 2023.

View a list of some of the PhD theses from the ESJ programme.

Fees and funding

The fee for each cohort is set annually by the University and represents the part-time fee for that academic year. Once a student is on the programme the fee will be increased in line with inflation for each subsequent year of the course.

The course fee for:

• 24/25 is £5,410 per academic year, for four years minimum, for UK students and £9,670 per academic year, for four years minimum, for international students.

Fees are subject to a small increase each academic year.

To help finance your postgraduate study at Lancaster, you can apply for funding from charities and other funders: further details are available on the Fees and Funding webpage.

Applicants from the European Union can read more information about Research Fees (from Lancaster University) following the 2016 Referendum.

When you apply you will need to indicate your likely source of funding for your fees. If you are not self-funding you should investigate possible sources of finance as soon as you can for the full period of your study. Many students have been supported by their employing institutions.

Structure and modules

The programme is divided into two parts and has a modular structure. All modules are compulsory. The five modules in Part One, a thesis proposal, and the final thesis are assessed.

• Part One (years 1 and 2) - consists of five modules that offer participants guided study in key areas of education and social justice nationally and internationally.
• Part Two (year 3 onwards) - participants carry out an original piece of research under the supervision of a member of staff and produce a thesis (45,000 words). There is also a module aimed at supporting you in Part Two.

Whilst this programme is undertaken entirely online, the Certificate produced on successful completion of the course will say "Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Social Justice", with no mention of the mode of delivery.

Online and Distance learning

The Educational Research Department has considerable experience of supporting online and distance learners and we aim to make all our students feel that they are full members of the Department and part of the postgraduate community. Wherever possible we facilitate online participation at events and seminars organised by the Department.

All students have access to Moodle which is our Virtual Learning Environment. Many resources, for example, journal articles; required for postgraduate study, will be available online through the OneSearch facility offered by the Library . Additionally, the Library provides extra services for Distance Learners.

Visit our Computer requirements for studying online page for further information.

Rebecca Marsden is the Online Learning Support Officer for the Department of Educational Research and she can be contacted with queries about online learning.

The Academic skills webpages provide a wide range of online study opportunities across a range of topics. These include digital skills, referencing, research training and critical thinking.

Programme staff

The staff who teach and supervise programmes and modules can vary due to staff changes including research and other types of leave. However all academics leading modules are highly-qualified specialists in their fields.

Dr Richard Budd

Centre for Higher Education Research and Evaluation, Centre for Social Justice and Wellbeing in Education

Dr Kathy Chandler

Centre for Technology Enhanced Learning

Dr Melis Cin

Centre for Social Justice and Wellbeing in Education

Dr Bethan Garrett

Professor Carolyn Jackson

Centre for Gender Studies, Centre for Higher Education Research and Evaluation, Centre for Social Justice and Wellbeing in Education

Dr Carmen Martinez Vargas

Professor Jo Warin

Centre for Gender Studies, Centre for Social Justice and Wellbeing in Education, Richardson Institute for Peace Studies

PhDs in Educational Research

PhD - Traditional Route

PhD Higher Ed: Research, Evaluation & Enhancement

PhD E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning

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Study with us

EdD Doctorate in Education

The Doctorate in Education (EdD) is an innovative programme designed for professionals in education and related areas who want to extend and deepen their knowledge and understanding of contemporary educational issues.

The EdD is a prestigious qualification that demonstrates skill in applied research and strong professional development. Successful candidates are awarded the degree of Doctor of Education and are entitled to use the title ‘Dr’.

The EdD is characterised by a professional orientation and a supportive structure. It aims to develop skills in educational research and enquiry and to use these in order to carry out research that will contribute to professional knowledge and practice. A growing number of professionals regard this style of doctoral programme as being a more appropriate vehicle for their further development than the traditional PhD.

The programme involves four years of part-time study, in two stages:

Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)

This comprises the ‘taught’ component of the programme which will equip you with the skills and knowledge to support your engagement with the research and the practice field in which your project is located. This phase will involve you studying online modules on topics including: the context of education or health and social care research, literature reviewing, ethics, the principles of research design, and methods of data collection and analysis. Stage 1 is assessed through the submission of formative and summative assignments which focus on developing your literature review, refining your research questions and your proposal for research.

Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4)

Students who successfully complete Stage 1 will progress to Stage 2 - the ‘research’ component of the programme. During this time you will carry out your study and work towards completing your thesis. The research stage has a structured schedule of submission of assignments which will pace you through ‘work in progress’ pieces and provide regular opportunities for feedback on your progress.

In both stages (1&2) you will be supported through online seminar discussions and annual residential weekends at the OU’s campus in Milton Keynes. You will be allocated two supervisors – your main one in year 1 and a co-supervisor in year 2.

IET is responsible for the technology-enhanced learning (TEL) strand of the EdD programme. TEL students research a wide variety of areas. Examples include:

• Developing online teacher communities to support communication and collaboration
• Collaboration in online courses in Slovakia
• An investigation into the role of professional learning on the online teaching identities of higher education lecturers
• Developing digital historians in Italy
• On the Scope of Digital Vocabulary Trainers for Learning in Distance Education

How to Apply

Applications for PhD study with IET should be made through The Open University’s Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies. Find out more information here .

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In this section

• Postgraduate
• Distance learning

Research degrees

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School of Education

We are one of the leading Education departments in the UK, with an excellent reputation for research and teaching. We are active in a wide range of research projects across our research interests , and in recent years we have been successful in obtaining research funds from a variety of local, national and international funding bodies.

Our PhD is designed to equip professional educators with a wide range of research skills, knowledge, understanding and expertise in their chosen field of research. We offer:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education - full-time, part-time campus based and distance learning
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Applied Linguistics - full-time, part time campus based and distance learning

Browse our supervisors

We offer a campus-based or practice-based PhD in Education, and we also offer a PhD by distance learning, ideal for those based away from Leicester or those who wish to combine studying for a research degree with their professional and personal commitments.

The information on these pages applies both to our campus-based PhD and our distance learning PhD, except where specified.

Education PhD

Research training.

During each year of study as a full-time doctoral student, the University provides dedicated days of targeted training in general research and transferable skills. Training days run by the Student Learning Centre focus on areas such as:

• Effective writing and presentation skills
• Presenting research at conferences
• Preparing for interviews

The University bases such training closely on the recommendations and priorities of the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), and the Postgraduate Training Guidelines of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Full-time doctoral students attend termly day conferences on educational research, and are also expected to attend relevant training provided within the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities. This taught provision is also available to locally-based part-time students. In addition, PhD students are also encouraged to attend the doctoral summer school.

Part-time doctoral students are provided with some of their training through online materials held on the Blackboard site run by the School of Education and by online courses provided by the University's Student Learning Centre. They are also entitled to attend any classes being offered to full-time students when visiting the University.

PhD students based overseas are encouraged to come to Leicester for face-to-face tutorials with their supervisor and, if possible, to arrange their visits to coincide with the doctoral summer school or other events at the School of Education.

Student support

Every research student has a main and second supervisor. Your progress will be carefully monitored by a Thesis Committee made up of the main and second supervisor, and the School’s Postgraduate Research Tutor or nominee. Your main and second supervisor also work out an appropriate research training plan in negotiation with you, taking into account your particular needs and priorities.

The University’s David Wilson Library provides an excellent and ever-expanding range of both on-site and electronically-accessible resources for all research students, whether full-time or part-time. It also houses a dedicated area for postgraduates and research students. The School of Education provides well-equipped workrooms for doctoral students, open-access computer rooms, and a Doctoral Studies Blackboard site for online support. This is complemented by online resources provided by the University's Student Learning Centre.

Probation review

PhD research students are registered on probation for the first 12 months (full-time students) or 24 months (part-time and distance learning students) of study after initial registration. Over this period you will complete your research skills training and your overall suitability for a PhD programme will be monitored.

At the end of this period your progress will be assessed and, subject to this being satisfactory, you can then continue with your degree.

You will be required to visit Leicester both for your probation review and for your viva exam at the end of your degree.

Practice-based PhD

Our practice-based PhD allows you to carry out workplace-based research and to submit a practice component along with a shorter thesis, in place of the traditional 80,000 word PhD thesis.

The practice component can take a variety of forms, e.g. a creative artefact, model, digital resources, programme, etc.

The details will be agreed with supervisors within six months of registration for full-time students or twelve months for part-time students.

Examples of practice-based doctoral study inquiries

Below are a few examples of the sort of inquiries that lend themselves to practice-based doctoral study:

• Developing classroom pedagogies in your subject area
• Devising programmes for Continuing Professional Development
• Implementing a training programme for student teachers or early career teachers
• Developing researcher capacity in schools
• Devising a course/textbook

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.

Application

If you are interested in a practice-based PhD, please take a look at our supervisors' areas of expertise  and make contact with us to discuss your ideas.

In the first instance, please contact Education's Doctoral Studies Office ( [email protected] ).

Why Leicester?

As a research degree student at Leicester you are a part of a vibrant research community. Campus-based doctoral students run their own thriving research methods discussion group. Our annual summer school brings together doctoral students from all over the world, and students present and discuss their work at our annual postgraduate research conference. The conference is a highlight of the year, buzzing with ideas and animated discussion.

In addition to events tailored to doctoral students, postgraduate students are welcomed at discussion and research events led by academic staff, including our 'Food for Thought' research seminars, our Special Interest Group meetings and our annual School of Education conference.

HEA Social Sciences developing pedagogies project

As supervisors and tutors, we also undertake research into our own practice. We are particularly proud that for the last two years we have been funded by HEA Social Sciences to undertake two key projects to develop effective pedagogies for supporting doctoral students. Our focus has been on developing doctoral students’ understanding of criticality through peer assessment. 

In the first phase of the project, students developed research posters, which they displayed in an online gallery. All participants engaged in providing formative feedback to other students, and then developed and improved their own posters on the basis of the feedback received. The improved versions were then presented in person at the postgraduate research conference.

Personalised academic support

Each doctoral student is allocated a main and a secondary supervisor, with expertise and scholarship in an area relevant to the student's research focus. Students and supervisors work closely together to identify the research issue to be investigated and to develop the project and the thesis. Before applying, you are advised to familiarise yourself with the areas of expertise offered by our team of supervisors , and to ensure that the topic you are proposing is consistent with the specialist areas we offer.

University facilities

The University Library  provides an excellent range of on-site and electronically-accessible resources for all research students, and includes a dedicated area for postgraduates. The School of Education also provides workrooms for doctoral students.

Department of Education

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PhD in Psychology in Education

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Programme Leader:   Sebastian Suggate

The PhD in Psychology in Education is available to be studied in 3 modes: part-time, full-time, and  distance learning . 

In order to apply for a PhD place, we ask that you first submit an application form.  We cannot accept a CV or any other documentation in place of a formal application.  When you apply for a PhD place, you must submit a research proposal about 1,500 words in length. More information about the PhD application and admissions process can be found on the How to apply and FAQ  pages . Apply now for the PhD in Psychology in Education Apply now for the PhD in Psychology in Education (Distance Learning)

The PhD in Psychology in Education is designed to enhance specialised knowledge through academic study and research.

The programme aims to enable students to gain a solid grounding in research methodology, and to successfully carry out a substantial piece of academic research.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a good honours degree or a master's degree (MA, MSc or MEd) in a relevant discipline although candidates with other evidence of ability to succeed at PhD level will also be considered.

If English is not your first language, we do expect you to be able to demonstrate a high level of proficiency.  The minimum requirement for PhD in Psychology in Education is IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.  For further information please see  English language requirements .

Apply now for the PhD in Psychology in Education

Apply now for the PhD in Psychology in Education (Distance Learning)

What is the approval process?

In the first instance, if the programme you would like to apply for to do your research, is open to Distance Learning opportunities , i.e. listed in the Programmes table, then please get in touch with the relevant School/Faculty and an academic who may potentially be interested and available to supervise you.

Do take the time to discuss your research proposal and your specific circumstances with particular emphasis on your current employment status and whether or not your employer will be supporting your research, by providing access to research facilities, data, archives and other, if required.

The Bristol Doctoral College can offer further advice, please get in touch .

What are the admission requirements?

You need to meet the general admission requirements for research degree programme you choose to apply for. Please read the Admissions Statement for the programme of your choice.

The additional information (academic references, CV, personal statement) will be collected through the online application process.

Your personal statement should articulate the motivation for requesting to study by distance learning. You must also demonstrate:

• An ability to undertake research independently as shown, for example, by previous distance learning experience, the completion of independent research projects, presentations at conferences, and professional or academic publications
• Evidence that the student’s home location is suitable for undertaking the research and that there is access to appropriate research materials and resources
• Access to appropriate technological equipment and the internet to allow remote contact.

What is the attendance requirement?

T he minimum requirement is for a two-week visit each academic year, plus a further visit for the oral examination. For international students who require a visa – the  Student Visa Services  is on hand to help.

What support will I receive?

The University endeavours to support all our distance learning students and will make every effort to provide the support needed to ensure they are integrated into the research community.

The range of online resources available to all Doctoral research students, including those who are not campus based, is growing. The Bristol Doctoral College Personal and Professional Development catalogue provides a filtered overview of currently available online courses and other materials. (Please sort by 'Course Format'.)

How do I apply?

You can apply online using the University’s online application system .

How it works

As a distance learning research student, you can access the University’s research environment through remote links and scheduled visits.

Support and a wide range of opportunities are also available to you — read more about how a distance learning degree works.

Study Postgraduate

Mphil/phd in education (2025 entry).

Course code

6 October 2025

4 years full-time; 7 years part-time

Qualification

Education Studies

University of Warwick

Download our prospectus Link opens in a new window

Find out more about our MPhil/PhD in Education.

Education Studies at Warwick includes three overarching strands: Learning, Society and Cultures. These strands group academics with a shared interest in educational research and scholarship, providing a space for meaningful and multi-disciplinary collaborations across the Department and beyond. The Department’s ethos is that educational research and scholarship exist to find solutions to questions of ‘what works’ in terms of policy and practice, but also to problematise existing policy and practice by posing new questions about the purposes and the future of education, in the UK and globally. The University of Warwick's Doctorate in Education welcomes world-class applicants with a commitment to educational research and challenge. The Department of Education Studies was ranked 6th in the UK for Education ( The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 ).

Course overview

The PhD is designed as a programme combining advanced research methods training and individual, supervised research, leading to an 80,000 word thesis. The thesis is expected to be a substantial original contribution to knowledge and, in principle, to have the potential to be developed into peer-reviewed publication.

Teaching and learning

The PhD programme has an Advanced Research Methods training element that is compulsory, and all students complete an Upgrade examination (a written portfolio and oral examination) in order to progress from MPhil to PhD. The research methods training takes place via online mode on Saturday mornings spread out over the first year. Students work with their supervisors on their independent projects throughout the course. We have research student work rooms within the department with desktop computers available.

Specific departmental guidance is available on preparing applications to the Department of Education Studies and on Preparing a Research Proposal .

What does it mean to study and research Education?

Education provides us with an essential foundation for a fulfilling life in a thriving and equitable society – it underpins how we act and see the world and is the engine of social and cultural change and reproduction.

Education gives the basis for innovation in thought, culture and technology; it nurtures a sense of citizenship and social participation; it underpins our political and economic robustness; and is the foundation of the knowledge and skills that society shares.

Education is fundamentally about human development, knowledge and social justice. Education is something that everyone experiences: it is life-long and society wide; it is local as well as global; it takes place in the home, in prisons, in refugee centres, in places of worship, in the workplace, on the sports field, in the theatre, in the pub as well as in the classroom.

Education, like Politics, is inherently interdisciplinary – it is an applied field of study which draws on a range of disciplines including: sociology, psychology, history and philosophy. It is necessarily pluralist and eclectic, drawing upon a range of theoretical, conceptual and methodological perspectives.

Therefore, in studying and researching Education we work to understand the fundamental questions about why we educate, how we educate, who we educate and what purpose education serves.

Find out more about us on our website.

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Education, any relevant Social Sciences or Humanities discipline, or another relevant discipline if justified.

A Master’s degree in Education, any relevant Social Sciences or Humanities discipline, or another relevant discipline if justified.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• With a minimum of 6.5 in the Writing component.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Our main research themes are:

• Special educational needs and disability
• Early years’ education
• Philosophy of mind and thought
• Educational leadership and development
• Drama and theatre education
• Creative and arts-based learning
• Sociology of arts and religion
• Modern Islamic pedagogies
• Education inequalities and social justice
• Sociologies of childhood and fatherhood
• Education policy
• Feminist and gender pedagogy
• Higher education
• International development

Full details of our research interests are listed on the Education Studies webpages Link opens in a new window .

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.

Find a supervisor

It is advisable to locate a potential supervisor using the link below and to discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

We have over 20 full-time academic staff members with many research strengths who could be your supervisors. Explore our Staff Research Directory where you will be able to filter by research interests. Co-supervision with other departments may be possible.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor. Link opens in a new window

Research proposals  

For admission to the Department of Education Studies research degree programme, the proposal should be approximately 2,000 words (excluding the references list), and no longer than this.  

Note that there may well be changes and developments to the proposal if you gain entry to the department and begin your study. You will not be held rigidly to the proposal – however, we want to see that you are able to conceive of a doctoral research project as part of the application review process.  

For more details on what we look for in a research proposal please see our webpages .  

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our  Module Catalogue  (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support.

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Our Postgraduate Taught courses

• Childhood in Society (MA)
• Drama and Theatre Education (MA)
• Drama Education and English Language Teaching (MA)
• Education (MA)
• Educational Innovation (MA)
• Educational Leadership and Management (MA)
• Foundation Research Methods in Education (PGA)
• Global Education and International Development (MA)
• Islamic Education (PGA)
• Islamic Education: Theory and Practice (MA)
• Leading Educational Change and Improvement (PGA)
• Psychology and Education (MA)

Our Postgraduate Research courses

• Education (MPhil/PhD)

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2025 will open on 2 October 2024.

For research courses that start in September and October 2025 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2025. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Explore ways to connect with us

We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:

• Warwick hosted events
• Postgraduate Fairs
• Talk and Tours
• Department events

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

9th in the UK

of the UK's best universities (The Guardian University Guide 2024, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.)

6th Most Targeted University

by the UK's top 100 graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd.)

69th in the World

out of 1,500 institutions across 104 locations (QS World University Rankings 2025.)

10th in the UK

for our 'Graduate Prospects' score. (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.)

Gold standard teaching

Gold, the highest possible rating across all three categories (student experience, student outcomes, and overall) (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)

92% of our research

was assessed as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Page updates

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2025 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

• Schools & departments

PhD by Distance

The PhD by Distance programme allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh to study for a PhD in a field of History, Classics or Archaeology from their home country or city.

What's involved?

The PhD by Distance mode is available to all applicants for eligible HCA PhD programmes, who will apply via the Postgraduate Degree Finder . Applicants will select between on-campus and distance options, as well as between part-time and full-time options.

PhD by Distance students will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students. The frequency with which students will meet with their supervisors, and method of communication for supervision sessions, will be provisionally agreed at the point of application and confirmed during induction. 

Please be aware that some funding bodies do not permit students to study by distance, for example both  ESRC  and  AHRC  regulations currently state that students must be residents at the Institution where they are studying.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for the PhD by Distance are the same as for the School’s on-campus PhD programmes.  

In addition, applicants to the PhD by Distance will also be required to complete a PhD by Distance Applicant Admission Form. This form must be emailed to the Postgraduate Research Office ( [email protected] ) who will upload this to your application on your behalf.

Applicants should provide information about previous experience of distance study together with a statement detailing the potential risks and characteristics of distance learning. It is important that student’s applying for this mode of study recognise its particular challenges. While experience of studying at a distance is desirable in applying for the programme, this is not a specific requirement for admission. All of this should be discussed with the potential supervisor(s) prior to application and can be reflected on further during the admissions interview.

Applicants should also use this additional application form to provide details of the access they will have to research facilities at the normal site of study and where the core datasets that they will rely on are located.

Working whilst studying

The School understands that many students will take on paid work alongside their studies. The University’s guidance for full-time PhD students is that they should work no more than an average of 9 hours per week for across the academic year, to ensure they have time for their studies. While there are no specific rules about how many hours part-time students can work, the School recommends that part-time students allocate at least two to three days a week, on average across the year, to their PhD research. You should discuss any working patterns that you have with your proposed supervisor and reflect on the time you are devoting to your studies throughout your programme, particularly if you are struggling to make sufficient progress; this might well be a topic for discussion at annual reviews. Please note that if you need to apply for an extension at the end of your programme, you cannot use the fact that you had a job alongside your studies as a justification for this – an extension request can only be based on unforeseen circumstances. If you need to take on more work for a temporary period of time and this will impact on your studies, you should consider an Authorised Interruption of Studies.

This article was published on 2024-08-01

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Course type

Qualification, university name.

• Distance learning PhD

278 degrees at 23 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

Related subjects:

• PhD Agriculture, Animal Care, and Veterinary Science
• PhD Archaeology
• PhD Architecture
• PhD Biology and Life Sciences
• PhD Building, Planning and Construction Management
• PhD Communications and Media
• PhD Computer Science and Information Technology
• PhD Creative Arts and Design and Illustration
• PhD Economics
• PhD Education
• PhD Electronic and Electrical Engineering
• PhD Engineering
• PhD English Literature
• PhD Environmental Health and Safety, Protection and Conservation
• PhD Financial Management and Accounting
• PhD Food Science and Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics
• PhD Gallery, Conservation and Museum Studies and Museology
• PhD Geography and Earth Sciences
• PhD Health Care Management and Health Studies
• PhD History
• PhD Humanities and Social Sciences
• PhD Industry, Logistics, Manufacturing and Production
• PhD Journalism and Publishing
• PhD Languages
• PhD Law and Legal studies
• PhD Leisure, Hospitality Management and Event Management
• PhD Linguistic Studies
• PhD Literature
• PhD Management, Business and HR
• PhD Marketing and PR
• PhD Mathematics
• PhD Music Technology and Production and Sound Engineering
• PhD Nursing and Midwifery
• PhD Other Sciences and Research
• PhD Performing and Dramatic Arts, Acting and Music Studies
• PhD Philosophy
• PhD Physics
• PhD Physiotherapy and other Therapies
• PhD Psychology
• PhD Religious Studies and Theology
• PhD Social Work, Community Work and Counselling Skills
• PhD Sports and Recreation
• PhD Surgery, Medicine and Dentistry
• PhD Teaching and Training
• PhD Transport Services and Aviation

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

Museum Studies PhD - Museums: Experience and Affect

University of leicester.

Museum Studies at Leicester offers supervision for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - full-time This degree is available to study Read more...

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £6,300 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £6,300 per year (UK)

Applied Linguistics with English Language Teaching PhD

University of nottingham.

Applied linguistics offers a fascinating opportunity to study the interaction between language and the real world. You will be supervised Read more...

• 48 months Distance without attendance degree: £5,100 per year (UK)
• 96 months Distance without attendance degree
• 48 months Full time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)
• 96 months Part time degree

Architecture PhD

London south bank university.

Research in the area of architecture is carried out by specialist centres. The majority of academic staff belong to one or more of these Read more...

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,820 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,820 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,892 per year (UK)

Economics, Accounting or Finance PhD

Oxford brookes university.

Economics is a broad discipline that helps us understand historical trends by studying the past, interpret today’s major challenges and Read more...

• 3 years Distance without attendance degree
• 4 years Distance without attendance degree
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Computing and Mathematics

University of wolverhampton.

PhD students at the School of Mathematics and Computer Science are supervised by academics who are leading experts in their particular Read more...

• 4 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 8 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Operational Research & Logistics PhDs and MPhils (Distance Learning)

University of portsmouth.

If you're ready to take your existing qualifications and expertise in Operational Research and Logistics into a postgraduate research Read more...

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,393 per year (UK)
• 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

PhD in Film Media and Screen Studies

Manchester metropolitan university.

Discover your research degree study options, including areas of expertise for our academic supervisors. Our research degrees will help you Read more...

• 6 years Distance without attendance degree
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree

PhD English Language and Applied Linguistics (Distance Learning)

University of birmingham.

Carry out your research with one of the UK’s leading English Language departments, renowned for its expertise in Corpus Research, Cognitive Read more...

• 4 years Distance without attendance degree: £12,330 per year (UK)

Applied Linguistics, PhD / PhD Distance Learning

Swansea university.

A PhD or MPhil in Applied Linguistics enables you to undertake a substantial project led by your own passions and interests. The PhD Read more...

• 7 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,356 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Museum Studies PhD - Cultural Heritage and Cultural Practice

Religious studies (distance learning) phd.

Our PhD gives you the time and support to explore your religious studies interests while maintaining your existing commitments. We have Read more...

• 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £5,100 per year (UK)

Education PhD

As a research student you'll become part of our thriving academic community. Explore the staff, facilities and more at the Centre for Read more...

Business and Management PhD

Business and Management is a broad disciplinary cluster which includes sub-disciplines such as Organisational Behaviour, Leadership, Read more...

• 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 4 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate research in Media and Communications

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a research degree with the Faculty of Arts. We will be delighted to discuss your area of interest Read more...

Dental, Health and Care Professions PhD (Distance Learning)

If you're looking to take your skills into postgraduate research, our research degree programmes can help you achieve your ambitions. Our Read more...

PhD in Art, Design and Architecture

Film studies phd (on-campus or by distance learning).

Research degrees in Film Studies at Birmingham are supervised by faculty in the Department of Film and Creative Writing and in the Read more...

Civil Engineering - Distance Learning, PhD

The PhD Civil Engineering - Distance Learning is subject to the same University regulations as the standard PhD programme, except that all Read more...

• 1 year Distance without attendance degree: £4,800 per year (UK)

Museum Studies PhD - Art and Its Institutions: Histories and Practices

Theology (distance learning) phd.

Our distance learning PhD gives you the time and support to explore your theological interests while maintaining your existing Read more...

1-20 of 278 courses

Course type:

Qualification:, universities:.

• Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• University of Huddersfield
• Maryvale Institute
• The University of Edinburgh
• University of London Institute in Paris
• University of Sunderland
• Birmingham City University
• University of York
• Institute of English Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• Birmingham School of Acting
• University of London Worldwide
• Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• University of Bristol
• Institute of Historical Research, School of Advanced Study, University of London

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PhD by Distance Learning

Tom Hampton of the USA recently completed his PhD by Distance Learning. In the video above, Tom talks about his experiences.

Not all projects within Biosciences are suitable for a PhD by Distance Learning, but the following research staff have indicated they may be able to offer a project appropriate for the distance learning programme. Clicking on the name below will take you to their research profile. If the option of a PhD by Distance Learning is one that appeals to you, please contact the relevant member of staff to discuss further.

• Dr Juliet Coates
• Professor John Colbourne
• Dr Aditi Kanhere
• Dr Lindsey Leach
• Dr Nigel Maxted
• Dr Jim Reynolds
• Dr Eugenio Sanchez-Moran

This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change.

Why study by distance learning? 

The main advantage of studying by distance learning is the flexibility. Financial and practical implications of moving closer to the campus make distance learning a more feasible option and could allow you to combine study with other commitments, including work and family.  Similarly, your research could be related to your area of residence and therefore moving would be detrimental to your capacity to carry out the research.

Is the distance learning route for you? 

The distance learning route to PhD study is not for everyone.  You have to have a very clear idea of your project and be able to motivate yourself.  Undertaking PhD study off campus can sometimes be quite isolating, so the ability to proactively seek out connections from within relevant research communities is important.  This route is well-suited to those who have a research project associated with their work or particular interests and where resources are available locally, over via the internet, to support your research e.g. appropriate archives and data collections.

How will I be supported? 

You will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students.  The only difference is that supervisory sessions will take place via audio and visual communication services such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person.

What is the cost?

We charge an annual tuition fee which is the same as our standard on-campus PhD but includes:

• Economy class flights to and from Birmingham for the compulsory two-week campus visit in September
• Accommodation at the University for the compulsory two-week campus visit in September
• Economy class flights to and from Birmingham at the end of the study period for the three-day PhD viva examination
• Accommodation at the University for the three-day viva examination

How often will I need to be on campus?

Although you may be able to undertake the majority of your study at an off campus location, you will be fully funded to make one compulsory visit to the University per year of study.  This will enable you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies. You will then be invited to attend the University for annual ‘in-person’ meetings which give you the opportunity to interact with other doctoral students both socially and academically, undertake important progress meetings and carry out necessary training. You will also generally be required to be present on campus for your viva voce.

Am I eligible?

Before we can offer you a place it is important that you have agreement from your potential supervisor and that they are satisfied that you will be able to undertake the PhD on an off campus basis. This may mean that slightly different entry requirements apply, such as English language and more extensive research skills training. Agreements will also need to be reached regarding some of the more practical aspects of undertaking the PhD in this way (for example attendance requirements, suitability of the chosen residency etc). It is important that arrangements are discussed early so that all parties involved know what to expect and to ensure you are able to successfully complete your studies. 

Can I study by distance learning anywhere?

Distance Learning courses can be undertaken from anywhere in the world, including the UK. 

However, it is worth noting that supervisory sessions for Distance Learning students will take place via audiovisual communications, such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person. 

While we have found that these 21st Century methods have proved popular, for those applicants who would prefer to visit the campus for face-to-face meetings with their supervisor, the traditional part-time study option may be more appropriate. 

How to apply?

Find the programme that you wish to apply for in our course finder and click on the 'Apply' button. 

As part of the application process, we will ask you to provide evidence to demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study for a PhD by Distance Learning. Please be prepared to provide evidence, and details, of the following:

• Examples of your postgraduate research experience and ability to work independently e.g. papers/presentations at professional and academic conferences or publications in professional journals or previous completion of an independent research project, etc. 
• Full reasons (academic and personal) for registering for the distance learning mode of study rather than by standard full or part-time on-campus options. In particular, how you will be able to carry out your project in your chosen location. 
• Access to local library facilities (where needed)
• Access to IT facilities
• Access to communications, including e-mail, and audiovisual communication media e.g. Skype and Facetime
• Access to facilities to support any study-related disability (where appropriate)

Please visit the course finder for a full list of subject areas available to study via distance mode.

• Schools & departments

PhD by Distance

The PhD by Distance programme allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh to study for a PhD in a field of Health in Social Science from their home country or city.

What's involved?

The PhD by Distance is not intended to be an online learning programme.

Students enrolled on this programme will be expected to come to Edinburgh at least once per year of study to meet with their supervisors.

The length and timing of these visits are negotiable but students should expect to spend at least two weeks at the University of Edinburgh during each year of study.

This could be for the annual review process, or to attend research training courses. It is also expected that PhD by Distance students will come to Edinburgh for their oral examination (viva voce).

PhD by Distance students will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students. The frequency with which students will meet with their supervisors, and method of communication for supervision sessions, will be provisionally agreed at the point of application and confirmed during induction. This must include at least one face-to-face supervision session each year with additional meetings and communication on a regular basis.  

Please be aware that some funding bodies do not permit students to study by distance, for example both ESRC and AHRC regulations currently state that students must be residents at the Institution where they are studying.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for the PhD by Distance are the same as for the School’s on-campus PhD programmes.  

In addition, applicants to the PhD by Distance will also be required to complete a PhD by Distance Applicant Admission Form and Study Plan.

Applicants should provide information about previous experience of distance study together with a statement detailing the potential risks and characteristics of distance learning.

Experience of studying at a distance is desirable in applying for the programme however this is not a specific requirement for admission.

It is important however that applicants demonstrate an awareness of the challenges of this mode of study.

Applicants must also provide details of the access they will have to research facilities at the normal site of study and whether a local advisor is proposed.

Applications to the PhD by Distance will only be accepted if applicants have access to local University standard library facilities and to the internet.

Applicants will also be required to have a discussion with the proposed principal supervisor and to complete a provisional study plan in consultation with them as part of the admissions process.

International students wishing to study part-time will be considered for this Distance programme.

What programmes are available by distance?

Phd/phd by distance counselling studies.

The PhD/MPhil in Counselling Studies programme is an advanced research degree enabling students to conduct in-depth independent research on a topic of their choice, thereby contributing to the knowledge and evidence base for counselling and psychotherapy.

PhD/PhD by Distance Health in Social Science

Doctoral research students are a new and crucial part of the Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences research community and we welcome applications from potential students in our fields of research interest.

PhD/PhD by Distance Clinical and Health Psychology

The PhD/MSc by Research programme provides the opportunity to do a substantial piece of research in an area linked to clinical and health psychology and to develop excellent research skills in the process.

PhD/PhD by Distance Nursing Studies

The PhD Nursing Studies programme is an advanced postgraduate research degree for students wishing to conduct in-depth independent research on an area to contribute to nursing knowledge and evidence. It offers the student a chance to make a significant contribution to knowledge in nursing.

Education (Advanced Practice) MA

Distance learning programme

This is the programme information for 2024 entry

If you require details of this year's programme, Education (Advanced Practice) MA (2025), click here

The Advanced Practice route enables participants working in educational settings to reflect on their own practice, taking a professional academic approach. It has been developed to help educational practitioners in both UK and international settings respond to professional needs they identify.  Study on this fully online programme therefore supports participants to develop the everyday educational practices they are involved in and in promotion applications towards leadership.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications closed

• Entry requirements

Normally a minimum of a second-class Bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, or a teaching qualification (Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent) with two years’ practical experience is required. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to consider the Graduate Diploma route.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The route has been developed to respond to the needs of educational practitioners in both UK and international settings. Its field of study is pedagogical practice examined through the different lenses of learning, assessment, the curriculum and action research. Learning is presented through using the community of practice as a tool to share and enhance understanding.

Participants in the programme may study their modules in any order. There are compulsory or core modules. The 'common core' modules (i.e. those linked to the MA Education programme) are only available in published terms but all the Advanced Practice route modules are available online in each term including the Advanced Practice core module. This means that participants in the Advanced Practice route can create their own pathway through the programme. Further advice is available in the Programme Handbook.

Who this course is for

The award has been developed for teachers, teaching assistants, educational administrators, lecturers, tutors, educational psychologists, and other professionals such as those in medicine, the police force, librarians, and support staff working in educational settings.

What this course will give you

Through an established virtual learning environment, participants follow directed tasks including reading, video and audio clips, as well as full lectures presented by IOE academics. Responses are then shared with the online community and participants are encouraged to respond to each other, thereby enriching their understanding of practice in different educational settings globally, from the perspective of practitioners or learners.

Participants are supported in exploring educational practice through engagement with international research, academic and professional literature, so examining updated knowledge about theories and practices in education.

The foundation of your career

The programme, and this route in particular, is designed to empower participants as education practitioners through development of transferable academic skills in practitioner research and engagement with literature.

Successful participants in this programme have become leads in their settings and some choose to continue to doctoral study (PhD or the EdD).

Employability

The majority of participants on this programme are already in employment, normally in educational settings. It is expected that study on the programme will open up opportunities either for promotion within the participants' current place of employment, or enable them to apply for new roles within an educational setting.

Studying on the Advanced Practice route means that you will meet virtually with others who are working in the same or similar areas both in UK and in international settings. As the programme is mainly taught online, this networking will be through module forums and opportunities for synchronous engagement, for example live discussion groups. However, as a registered student at IOE, you are able to join face-to-face open seminars or Special Interest Groups (SIGs) which are advertised through your UCL email.

Teaching and learning

The pedagogical approach to the programme is situated in an Assessment for Learning approach.  The experienced programme team uses both distance learning and online learning strategies to ensure that all participants are supported to achieve their MA. Distance learning involves engagement with texts written by the team, readings accessible through the library and engagement with online forums. It can also include links to videos and other online resources. Distance learning is distinctive in that it tends to be 'self-study' and uses less interactive activity. Online learning is subtlety different and involves both synchronous and asynchronous teaching including lectures, seminars and opportunities for tutorials. Both modes use a range of tools to support learning and teaching, such as 'Padlet' or 'Zoom'.

Modules within this route are normally taught fully online through our VLE, Moodle. Attendance is measured through access to the material and activities, responses in forums and completion of tasks shared online.

The research element conducted as the Report or Dissertation is not considered a 'taught' module, but is fully supported with activities and distance learning materials. Additionally, each participant is supervised by a member of the Advanced Practice team which includes up to 3 or 5 supervisions during the academic year. These can be through virtual face-to-face or via written feedback to a submitted chapter. All participants are offered feedback on a full draft of their thesis in July, so that they can work on it during the summer break for final submission in the September.

The Advanced Practice route is situated in a formative assessment approach to learning so throughout module teaching there are opportunities for feedback from tutors and peers. Participants are also encouraged to engage in self-assessment, using Assessment for Learning tools such as 'audits' and quizzes introduced through Moodle. The formative assessment activities can be used to help complete the summative assessments which occur at the end of each module.

All modules have an essay (usually 5000 words) as the standard summative assessment. In addition, two modules offer alternative assessments of presentation ( Teacher as Author ) and portfolio ( Independent Study Module ). There are no examinations in this programme.

Please note, that currently the Advanced Practice route is only available fully online. Online teaching is mainly asynchronous, with some synchronous 'virtual' face-to-face sessions which are recorded to accommodate those wishing to study asynchronously. All modules offer virtual face-to-face tutorials to groups or individuals and the dissertation/report modules include virtual supervision opportunities using Zoom or Teams.

All participants on the programme take What is Education? and Understanding Research as common compulsory modules. The compulsory elements of the Advanced Practice route, along with the optional elements, follows:

• The Action Researcher: Exploring Issues and Contexts (compulsory)
• What is Education? (compulsory)
• Dissertation on Advanced Educational Practice (compulsory)
• Understanding Research (compulsory)
• Optional module
• Report on Advanced Educational Practice (compulsory)
• Optional module 1
• Optional module 2

As most applicants to the Advanced Practice route are full-time teachers it is unlikely and not recommended that the programme can be studied full-time. Only those applicants who are working part-time in any educational setting may be able to study full-time . In that case you will be advised to follow this pattern of study:

Autumn term: What is Education? and The Action Researcher

Spring term: Understanding Research and Option 1

Summer term: Option 2 (if studying a 30-credit report)

Full-time participants will normally begin the thesis (a 30-credit report or 60 credit dissertation) during the autumn term, with supervisions during spring and summer terms.

All participants usually study the Advanced Practice route online where attendance is recorded through responses to Keep In Touch (KIT) tasks.

NB On the part-time route, participants are expected to study 90 credits in each year. We recommend that in the first year participants study the three core modules with The Action Researcher in the summer term; and in the second year, participants study any option modules and complete their thesis (dissertation or report modules).

The flexible/modular option allows participants to structure study to suit their own needs. Each module will be studied for the same amount of time but during a five-year period participants can study 0 to 180 credits in any year. This is the most popular option for those who are working full-time.

Compulsory modules

Optional modules.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MA in Education (Advanced Practice).

Participants are expected to be working in educational settings, or have access to educational settings as a volunteer.  Some modules have an expectation that participants will carry out an inquiry or project in their educational setting.  This can be as a volunteer but the team do not make placements or arrange field opportunities. Those studying full-time may volunteer in a local setting or reflect on previous experiences if necessary.

All participants should normally have access to an educational setting either as paid work, or as a volunteer. Placements are not arranged by the programme team.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis .

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Participants should take into account any travel, accommodation and expenses involved in their report or dissertation.

Participants need to have access to an appropriate device with good access to the internet. Whilst a smart phone may be appropriate, it does not accommodate typing long essays or documents.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

IOE-Clarke Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024 Value: Tuition fees, return flights and stipend (1 year) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE-ISH Centenary Masters Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024 Value: Tuition fees and accommodation (1 year) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: EU, Overseas

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees .

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

• why you want to study Education (Advanced Practice) at post graduate level
• why you want to study Education (Advanced Practice) at UCL
• what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
• how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
• where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Normally applicants for the Advanced Practice route are working in educational settings. This may be full-time, part-time, or as a volunteer.

Most applicants are teachers or tutors, but we welcome applicants from other professions who support learning in their settings. Currently we have medical doctors, nurses and physiotherapists studying alongside teachers and tutors.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Got questions? Get in touch

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

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