Education Research (MPhil/PhD)
Shape the future of teaching and learning through impactful education research.
Key information
PhD
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Fees (UK / Overseas): Annual tuition fees apply and vary by student status and study mode.
See fees and funding
Start date: April 2026 / October 2026 / February 2027
Other research degree routes
MPhil:
A shorter research degree, often a pathway to PhD
PhD by Publication:
For researchers with an existing body of published work
Course summary
- Undertake independent, original research in what education promises, delivers and looks like for different groups of people around the world, supported by academics working at the leading edge of the field.
- Investigate how education can build a more just and equal society, and how it prepares children for life in the wider community.
- Base your project on previous research within education and leadership, the role of education in conflict affected countries, gender, citizenship education, special educational needs, mental health and wellbeing in childhood, teacher training, and transitions to adulthood.
- Benefit from collaboration across disciplines and partnerships that help ground your research in real educational settings.
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We have strong links with the Centre for Studies in Literature (CSL), Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR) and the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (SCCJ).
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We also work closely with local charities and 兔子先生 City Council, and approximately 100 local and regional primary and secondary schools and early years settings.
Why study a PhD in Education?
Anisa Sultana shares why she chose to study her PhD in Education at the 兔子先生.
My PhD aims to develop a pedagogical framework for higher education by engaging key stakeholders that ensures students are more engaged and it develops their employability skills.
The 兔子先生 has a particular focus on student engagement, as well as developing their employability skills and soft skills, and that really corresponds to my research interest, passion, as well as my skills.
I'm really blessed with the amount of support I am receiving from my supervisory team every day. I would like to mention my first supervisor because she is not only my supervisor, she's also mentoring me. She has created a lot of opportunities for me.
I love so many things about my PhD, but the thing I would like to mention is the feeling that I'm doing something that is going to help the research arena in the future. Future researchers will be reading my paper and they will be using my research for their research as well.
At the same time, I really appreciate the Graduate School鈥檚 Programme, especially the research culture drop-in sessions here, which create a mutually supportive atmosphere. We share our ideas and any issues we discuss, and the Grad School immediately addresses them and gives us solutions.
I'm a full-time student, full-time parent, and part-time teacher. It's like an emotional roller coaster. But at the end of the day, you need to believe that it鈥檚 all worth it.
Find a supervisor
Why choose Education at 兔子先生 for research?
Strong partnerships and cross-disciplinary links
Work alongside partners including local schools and early years settings, charities and 兔子先生 City Council, with links to CSL, CEISR and SCCJ.
Expert support, every step
You鈥檒l be guided by researchers with decades of experience across education, leadership and childhood-focused research and you'll have access to training and development through the Doctoral College.
Quality you can trust
Your programme is regularly and rigorously assessed externally by Ofsted and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
Research areas in Education
Explore the work we're doing across the five areas of expertise in our Education research. Including funded and self-proposed research opportunities.
View available PhD projects and see funded opportunities.
Early years education
In this area of expertise, we're exploring the experiences and opportunities that play a role in the development of young children.
Further education
We're exploring all aspects of further education, from adult education to transitions from military service, leadership and management to further education student experience.
Higher education
We're researching into issues in higher education, and finding solutions to them. Explore our higher education research.
Gender, race and education
Our work is identifying, exploring and engaging with forms of discrimination across gender and race in the education system.
Youth, development and social practices
Our work provides a platform that showcases research, innovation and wider activities being developed in collaboration with young people, community members and practitioner and academic colleagues.
Research degree options in Education
We offer several postgraduate research routes in Education, including PhD, MPhil and PhD by Publication. Find out about our research degree opportunities below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. You can apply for an existing project or propose your own research idea. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Available PhD and MPhil projects
You can apply for a pre-approved PhD or MPhil project, or develop your own research proposal.
If you already have a research idea, find a supervisor whose research interests match yours by searching our Find a PhD Supervisor page. Once you've identified someone suitable, contact them to discuss your idea.
PhD by Publication
A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.
Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6鈥12 months after registering with us.
From October 2026, all PhD by Publications will be completed by distance learning. However, there is no expectation that any student applying for a start date before this should be on campus.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate include an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master鈥檚 degree in an appropriate subject.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.
If English is not your first language, you'll need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Fees and funding
April 2026
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
(Including EU Scholarship)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢17,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢8,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: 拢5,006
- Members of staff: 拢2,000
All fees are subject to annual increase. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2025/26 please visit this page.
October 2026 and February 2027
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢5,238 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢2,619 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢17,900 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢8,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students may be eligible to receive our EU Scholarship.
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢17,900 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢8,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: 拢5,238
- Members of staff: 拢2,100
Additional fees
Some PhD projects may include additional bench fees for equipment and other consumables. These will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.
Funding support
Government Postgraduate Loan
Eligible for MPhil full-time and part-time courses (UK/EU students).
Government Doctoral Loan
Eligible for PhD full-time and part-time courses.
Other funding options
For information on other sources of funding, visit our funding your postgraduate research degree page.
What do my tuition fees cover?
If you are self-funding your PhD, your tuition fees cover the full cost of your postgraduate research programme and access to a wide range of academic, professional and support services, including:
Research training and development
Bespoke training, professional development courses, seminars, workshops and researcher-led events delivered through The Doctoral College.
Research community and support
Access to our research environment, Research and Innovation services, and researcher networking (77% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent, REF 2021).
Facilities, equipment and resources
Libraries, laboratories, computer rooms, laptops, electronic journals, specialist software (Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite), funding guidance and LinkedIn Learning. Explore our facilities.
Student support services
Including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support, including access to personal tutors. Read more on our guidance support.
Your PhD programme
Registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and viva administration.
Conference and development support
A contribution towards attending conferences or research-related development activities.
Students' Union membership
Giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice.
Graduation
Your graduation ceremony will recognise the significant contribution your research has made to your discipline.
Support and facilities
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Support from our Doctoral College, helping you become part of a thriving, collaborative research community
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Guidance from a dedicated supervisory team throughout your research degree
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Access to the , offering specialist training, workshops and research events to develop your skills as a researcher
What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?
A postgraduate research degree develops advanced expertise and transferable skills valued across academia, industry and the public sector.
You鈥檒l graduate with:
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Advanced research and analytical expertise
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Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
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Experience managing complex, independent projects
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Strong communication and presentation skills
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Leadership and research management capability
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Deep subject knowledge in your chosen field
How to apply
You can apply for a research degree in Education by completing our online application form. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Not ready to apply just yet?
Get in touch
We're here to help. Feel free to ask us a question.
Come to an Open Evening
Why not come to our next open evening? Open evenings are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campus and get all the information you need.
- MPhil: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
- PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time
We recommend you get in touch with the relevant subject area supervisor using our 鈥Find a Supervisor鈥 tool ahead of applying. You can discuss your research ideas with them and ensure we have supervisory expertise to support you.
Yes. You can apply with your own research proposal, or apply for one of our advertised funded projects.
Where next?
Find out more about 兔子先生's postgraduate opportunities and community.
Postgrad Research Degrees Webinar series
From applications to flexible study 鈥 get the insights you need to plan your research degree.
Find a PhD Supervisor
If you've already got your own research idea, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours.
How to apply for postgraduate research
Read our guide on how to complete and submit your postgraduate research application. Take the next step in your academic career today.
