The successful completion of a programme of research within the School can lead to the award of PG Certificate Research in Education; a PG Diploma Research in Education; an MRes (Education); a Master of Philosophy (MPhil); Education Doctorate (EdD); Educational Psychology Doctorate (EdPsychD); and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD and PhD with Integrated Study).

Resources Available

All full-time research students have their own workspace in the ‘Research Suite’ of rooms dedicated to research students, where there are computer and telephone facilities. They have access to the University’s libraries and to the computer laboratories. There are other entitlements such as grants towards conference attendance and towards photocopying. Many research students work with supervisors in publishing articles and making their work public.

Summary of Research Awards

PGCert Research in Education

Research Module Assignments (60 credits)

Students registered for MPhil or PhD may complete work within the research training programme which leads to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Research in Education. Alternatively, students may register specifically for this award and take three/four modules (total 60 credits).

PGDip in Research in Education

Research Module Assignments (80 credits)

Research Method Assignment (40 credits)

Students registered for MPhil/PhD may complete work within the research training programme which leads to the award of a Postgraduate Diploma. Alternatively, students may register specifically for this award and take six modules (total 120 credits).

MRes (Education)

Research Module Assignments (80 credits)

Research Method Assignment (40 credits)

Dissertation 60 credits (15,000 words)

Students registered for MPhil/PhD may initially complete work within the research training programme which leads to the award of an MRes (following the 1+3 pattern advocated by the ESRC). Alternatively, students may register specifically for this award. The MRes (Education) is comprised of six modules and a dissertation of 15,000 words totalling 180 credits.

MPhil(A)

The MPhil has two modes, MPhil(A) and MPhil(B).

Research supported by Research Training Modules plus Thesis (40,000 words)

MPhil(A) is by research only with a thesis of 40,000 words.

MPhil(B)

either

Research Module Assignments (40 credits)

Subject Module Assignments (20 credits)

Dissertation 120 Credits (20,000 words)

MPhil(B) contains a taught element, and has a shorter dissertation of 20,000 words. The balance of work is made up from a 20 credit subject module and 40 credits research methods. Currently we have three subject pathways through this award: Research in Mathematics Education; Research in Science Education and Research in Dance Education. There is also a part-time MPhil(B) Childhood and Youth in Education programme of study.

or

Research Module Assignments (60 credits)

Dissertation 120 Credits (20,000 words)

Alternatively students may complete 60 credits from the Research Training Programme. As well as these credits students will complete a 120 credit dissertation. Students can elect for either mode of MPhil when they apply, or will be advised by the tutor as to the most appropriate route on the basis of their previous experience and qualifications.

EdD

This doctoral level qualification is partly assessed through a structured programme of course-based assessments related to research methods and to subject-focused areas of study. Students beginning an MPhil(B) may transfer to the taught doctorate programme. The taught doctorate is completed by a dissertation of approximately 50,000 words. For this award, the minimum period of study as a registered student is normally three years full-time or four years part-time.

either

Subject Module Assignments (60 credits)

Research Training (120 credits)

Thesis 360 Credits (50,000 words)

or

Subject Modules (80 credits)

Research Training (100 credits)

Thesis 360 Credits (50,000 words)

PhD

Research supported by Research Training Modules plus Thesis (80,000 words)

A PhD requires a minimum period of study as a registered student of normally three years full-time or six years part-time. Exceptionally, the School at its discretion may in individual cases reduce at the time of admission the period of study required of a student on a full-time PhD programme by up to one academic year or its equivalent.

It is a requirement that students without an MPhil degree begin at the Masters level (MPhil) before transferring to PhD level. PhD registration is then backdated to the commencement of the study. This process helps to ensure that student and supervisor are clear that a PhD is possible before formally registering - no time is lost and no more expense incurred than by direct entry to PhD.

The PhD is by thesis only, and is examined by a work of 80,000 words maximum and an oral examination. Students are required to complete a research training programme, normally in the first two years of registration. One to one supervision is provided throughout the length of the formal registration. Students who are involved in similar areas may also have some group supervision.

PhD with Integrated Study

120 Credits Research/Subject Modules plus Thesis 80,000 words

This extended programme requires a minimum of four years full-time study during which time a foundation of taught masters level modules are taken from the School’s Continuing Professional Development portfolio. As with a conventional PhD successful completion of the award also requires the submission of an 80,000 word research thesis and an oral examination.