education doctoral training programmes

Education MPhil/PhD

Distance learning programme

This is the programme information for 2025 entry

If you require details of the previous year's programme, Education MPhil/PhD (2024), click here

IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society offers world-leading doctoral programmes in education and related social science. Our Education MPhil/PhD distance learning students undertake their research project, working closely with their supervisor(s) online (e.g. using Teams/Zoom and email) to develop each stage of their research, whilst engaging in a tailored programme of online research training courses and activities available from the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE faculty’s Research Training Programme, the multi-institutional Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network, and from other sources.

UK tuition fees (2025/26)

Overseas tuition fees (2025/26), programme starts, applications accepted.

• Entry requirements

The normal minimum requirement is a Master’s degree from a UK university in a subject appropriate to the programme to be followed, or a qualification of equivalent standard appropriate to the programme to be followed awarded by a university (or educational institution of university rank) outside the UK. The majority of our successful applicants hold a Merit at Master’s level, and may have additional relevant experience. Students without a Master’s degree who have completed the UCL PGDip in Social Science Research Methods, obtaining a grade B or above in any two or more modules, may also be considered for admission to this programme.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

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

IOE has specialised, research-active staff who are able to supervise students in education and related social sciences, including leadership, management, and teaching and learning in all phases of education, from early years through schooling and post-compulsory education to professional and lifelong learning. Other areas include health, the life course and economics.

Who this course is for

The MPhil/PhD is for applicants with a strong interest in an aspect of educational and social research, which may be understood broadly across the life course, in relation to other subject areas and wider social, economic, political and cultural changes. You may have a background in education or a cognate area of study. It is suitable for both recent graduates and those progressed in a career.

What this course will give you

IOE is a world-leading centre for research in education and related social science. We host the UK's largest doctoral cohort in these areas. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2024), the Institute was ranked first for education for the 11th year running, ahead of Harvard, Stanford, Oxford and Cambridge. In the UK's recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), we were ranked first for research strength and research power in Education, according to the Elsevier REF 2021 Results Analysis Tool. We attract extensive research funding each year and host many prestigious research centres and projects.

There are no residency requirements and the programme has been designed to engage students in distance learning so it is not necessary to attend.

Students undertake their research project, working closely with their supervisor(s) online (e.g., using Teams/Zoom and email) to develop each stage of their research, whilst engaging in online research training courses modules and activities.

The viva examination takes place in-person at UCL or online. Students are welcome to visit and use campus facilities including the library, attend seminars etc.

The foundation of your career

Students gain experience of planning and implementing research methodologies, academic writing and presentation, management of their own research projects, and engagement with a wide range of researchers, practitioners, policymakers and other groups relevant to their chosen topic.

Employability

IOE doctoral graduates progress to a diverse range of careers in research, policy, management and practice, within education, cultural sectors and related areas of social science.

IOE is a leading centre for education and social science research. Students will have the opportunity to network with other doctoral students from around the world, as well as with world-leading academics within their field of study. The institute hosts several online seminar series as well as both national and international conferences. In addition, students are encouraged to take part in conferences elsewhere, expanding networking opportunities.

Teaching and learning

Distance learning students engage in independent learning supported through: (i) individualized online supervision (e.g., via Teams/Zoom and email) and (ii) peer group (cohort) learning through asynchronous and synchronous learning activities following a robust Online Research Training Programme (Online RTP). However, students are welcome to visit and use campus facilities to engage in in-person research training, access the library, attend seminars etc.

Education MPhil/PhD engages distance learning students in a robust Online Research Training Programme (Online RTP) to complement their individualised online supervision.

The Online RTP comprises of six `core' modules with asynchronous and synchronous learning activities introducing social science research in education. Modules build students' critical perspective in: approaches to educational research, research and the theoretical field, research methods, qualitative and quantitative analytic procedures and academic writing and presentation.  Learning activities engage students in developing their doctoral research through independent study, peer group study and module tutor feedback.

Students with prior learning have flexibility in opting to engage in advanced online courses from the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE Research Training Programme, Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network and other sources, as agreed with supervisors.

Full-time students typically study 2 modules per term over one year while part-time students study 1 module per term over two years.  Modules run for 4-9 weeks and are awarded 6-10 `training points'.  

Students also undertake two `core skills' courses to: (i) introduce UCL and IOE academic regulations, prepare for upgrade and ethics application and, (ii) enhance students' use of digital information and resources.  

Assessment is undertaken through completion of a thesis and viva examination. The maximum word length for a PhD degree thesis is 100,000 words. This includes footnotes, tables and figures but excludes bibliography, appendices and supporting data. In some instances, supervisors may wish to recommend a shorter length. Students should therefore consult with their supervisors on the length of theses in their subject area or topic, including the minimum length. The viva examination takes place in-person at UCL or online.

Education MPhil/PhD students engage in self-directed learning. Duration of full-time study is 3 years and part-time study is 5 years. Typically, full-time students engage in their doctoral studies for at least 35 hours a week, whilst part-time students engage in at least 15 hours a week.

Research areas and structure

Applicants to the IOE Education MPhil/PhD programme must apply to one of the six departments within the IOE: Culture, Communication and Media; Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment; Education, Practice and Society; Learning and Leadership; Psychology and Human Development; or the UCL Social Research Institute.

Applicants should look at the departmental websites to find out more information about the work of each department, and to identify one or more potential supervisors for their work. Even though applicants apply directly to the MPhil/PhD programmes in the department of their principal supervisor, the programme they follow once enrolled will be identical.

Research environment

You will have the opportunity to access to the wider UCL community. The Institute’s programme has been designed to provide comprehensive and broadly based research training and to meet the requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the UK Researcher Development Framework.

As a research student at IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society you have the opportunity to participant in online seminar groups when engaging in distance learning as well as in-person seminar groups when visiting campus, along with seminars organised by research centres or according to interest groups.  This promotes collegiality and enriches learning.

The length of registration for the research degree programmes is 3 years for full-time.

You are required to register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transfer to PhD after successful completion of an upgrade viva 9-18 months after initial registration.

Students undertake their research project, working closely with their supervisor(s) online (e.g., using Teams/Zoom and email) to develop each stage of their research, whilst engaging in online research training courses and activities.

IOE Centre for Doctoral Education provides an extensive Research Training Programme. Courses are available from the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE faculty’s Research Training Programme, the multi-institutional Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network, and from other sources. The training offers a wide range of introductory, advanced methods, advanced theoretical, and generic non-credit bearing academic skills courses, as well as student led workshops and reading groups which you can attend.

A mandatory core course is provided online and in-person that aims to meet the needs of early-stage doctoral students. In addition, distance learning students are required to take six tailored online research training core modules (Approaches to Educational Research; Research and the Theoretical Field; Research Methods; Qualitative Data Analysis; Quantitative Data Analysis; Writing and Presenting Educational Research) in their first year of full-time study or first two years of part-time study, and are then able to choose from a selection of advanced online courses.

Full-time MPhil/PhD students are required to fulfil minimum 20 ‘points’ of training activity in their first year, and are encouraged to fulfil the same in their subsequent years of study. Each point is worth approximately a half-day of face-to-face training, or an online equivalent.

Other activities such as attending and presenting at conferences also count towards research training. Students may undertake additional training beyond these minima, as relevant to their research and/or as agreed with their supervisors.

You are expected to upgrade from MPhil to PhD status towards the end of your first year of study if full-time. Students whose performance is satisfactory will transfer from MPhil to PhD status.

Processes aimed at assisting you during your course of study include the Research Student Log (an online project management tool), and periodic reviews of students’ progress.

Upon successful completion of your approved period of registration you may, if necessary, register as a completing research status (CRS) student while you finish writing your thesis.

The length of registration for the research degree programmes is 5 years for part-time.

Students  undertake their research project, working closely with their supervisor(s) online (e.g., using Teams/Zoom and email) to develop each stage of their research, whilst engaging in online research training courses and activities.

IOE Centre for Doctoral Education provides an extensive Research Training Programme. Courses are available from the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme, IOE faculty's Research Training Programme, the multi-institutional Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network, and from other sources.

The training offers a wide range of introductory, advanced methods, advanced theoretical, and generic non-credit bearing academic skills courses, as well as student led workshops and reading groups which you can attend.

Part-time students are required to fulfil minimum 12 ‘points’ of training activity in each year of study. Each point is worth approximately a half-day of face-to-face training, or an online equivalent.

You are expected to upgrade from MPhil to PhD status at around 18 months if part-time. Students whose performance is satisfactory will transfer from MPhil to PhD status.

Accessibility

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

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

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

Students are responsible for covering any travel, accommodation, and other expenses involved in conducting research for their thesis and should account for these costs when planning their finances.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide .

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 .

After choosing a programme to apply for, you should develop a research proposal and identify a potential supervisor. For more information, visit our website to find a supervisor and get in touch with departmental graduate 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.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

Year of entry: 2024-2025, got questions get in touch.

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Think Postgrad

This Doctoral Training Programme guide takes you through the key differences with a PhD. While searching through PhD options, you may have come across doctoral training programmes. You may also read about Doctoral Training Partnerships or Centres for Doctoral Training.

What is a DTP (Doctoral Training Programme)?

A doctoral training programme (DTP) is usually a funded PhD course. Research Councils , charitable trusts and other major funders often award these studentships to Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs). CDTs are partnerships that run across several universities with a unified goal to work on joint research topics. CDTs often link up with industry partners. These industry links have the double benefit of supporting the funding and giving the research candidates experience in industry while they complete their PhD.  

A doctoral training programme follows a clear four-year structure, unlike a PhD or DPhil. The first year focuses on training the candidate’s research skills to prepare them for the next three years, armed with stronger methods and skills. The next three years are very research intensive. Let’s break these differences down further below:   

The research topic for a Doctoral Training Programme

As DTPs are funded by Centres for Doctoral Training, candidates will focus on a pre-determined research question. This means the topic is set by the institution. Unlike a self-funded PhD where the researcher works towards their own proposal, a Doctoral Training Programme will guide the researcher to work within a framework of a wider, central proposal. 

DTPs give less choice than in a traditional PhD. However, it's worth noting that although a self-funded PhD offers you more freedom with your proposal, the finished thesis rarely stays close to the original question.

If you are set on a particular subject, perhaps a self-funded PhD is the best route for you. However, if you’re open to a wider topic within a set field and looking for a framework to research within, it would be worthwhile exploring a DTP.  

Subjects you can study as part of a Doctoral Training Partnership:

Seven Research Councils, along with Innovate UK and Research England , are responsible for funding in the UK . The groupings are in subject area and it's worth spending some time checking through their individual sites for guides and links to doctoral training programme funding.

• Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Medical Research Council (MRC)
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
• Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

How long is a DTP?

As a guide, a Doctoral Training Programme normally lasts 4 years, sometimes called 1+3. You'll complete a structured first year, followed by 3 years of research.

It’s worth considering that while this is longer than a PhD, DTPs are fully funded. Do consider whether the additional year will impact your future plans.  

A structured first year

On a Doctoral Training Programme, you would build your research skill and methods through a mixture of lectures, seminars, symposia, and practical sessions. Centres for Doctoral Training work together with the university’s Graduate School to prepare students for transferable skills such as qualitative and quantitative research methods and communication. These skills will carry you through the next three years and beyond academia. You will have the opportunity to focus on weak spots you didn't focus on in your undergraduate degree. 

As universities recruit several DTP candidates each year, you will find that the first year cohort of researchers all train at the same time. This allows the university to really nurture you as a new researcher. You'll be doing this while training with peers.  

A competitive application process

Doctoral Training Programmes often offer a competitive stipend, an annual maintenance grant (sometimes tax free) and fees are paid directly to the university, so there is less administration for the successful candidate.  In 2023/24, the minimum stipend is £18,622, paid in regular instalments. Because of the financial support, applying to DTPs is a highly competitive process.  

If you're applying to a DTP, you will be expected to submit an application form and CV, as well as sit an interview and a written or practical test. Interviews can vary from being with an individual to a large panel. It’s important to prepare for every interview of course! But if you're applying to a DTP, it’s worthwhile spending some time rehearsing interviews with a group of friends and working on the transitions between a written test and an interview, so that you're not under pressure on the interview day.

Difference between other PhDs and a DTP  

To summarise all of the points above:

• Almost all DTPs are fully funded, often with a competitive stipend. Some even offer additional funding for a research training support grant.
• Applications to a DTP can be extremely competitive, so if you’re thinking of applying to one, spend time on your application, brush up your interview skills and work on a few tests before your interview rehearsals.
• The first year of a DTP will see you join a cohort of other students, and you will form a research community. If group projects and directed learning are not for you, then perhaps consider a traditional PhD. However, if you’re keen on a transition from your masters to research degree, a DTP may have the perfect balance for you. 

Explore the latest PhD Studentships and research study funding opportunities on Postgraduate Studentships . Discover what PhD Studentships attract UKRI funding . Don't forget to join our mailing list for up-to-date advice and opportunities. 

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Where are you applying from?

Choose full-time or part-time., choose which course type., choose which start date., october 2024, october 2025, enhance your professional expertise with the edd professional doctorate, key course details, course overview.

The Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD) at Swansea University is a part time programme designed for teachers or senior leaders in schools who want to progress professionally in the education sector more broadly. The programme combines a research approach with a curriculum consisting of taught modules.

The EdD is designed to further explore educational matters through interdisciplinary and experiential teaching and learning, supported by the latest research insights. Throughout your academic experience, you will receive pastoral support from personal tutors and the programme director via online and in person meetings.

As a student on our Professional Doctorate, you'll cultivate a sophisticated comprehension of diverse educational challenges, exploring the abilities and expertise necessary for conducting and assessing independent research.

The structure of the EdD comprises of a taught phase which includes five modules taken over 3 years, and a research phase, during which time you will produce a doctoral thesis. During the research phase you will undertake your own research, to be presented and defended during a viva voce examination, as with other doctoral programmes. Due to the nature of the programme, the level of commitment to research and dedication to study and research time is essential and should be considered alongside other lifestyle commitments.

Why Swansea:

Based in the School of Social Sciences, on our stunning Singleton Park campus, you will study a programme designed to promote individual and collaborative research activity of international standard.

Postgraduate training is available to enhance academic and personal as well as professional development, as well as seminar programmes, workshops, and international conferences.

According to the most recent Research Excellence Framework in 2021, over 81% of the research in Education, Sociology and Social Policy was of international or world-leading quality.

Entry Requirements

Candidates interested in applying for the EdD should hold:  

• An undergraduate degree with a minimum classification of upper second (2:1) or equivalent
• A master's degree in a related discipline or equivalent professional qualification such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• Significant level of organisational experience, usually at least 3 years in a senior role
• Applications must be accompanied with a CV and proposal identifying a professional issue or problem that may form the basis of their future research or a research proposal if applicable.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 7 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

Applicants will be invited to an interview with the programme leadership team.  

As well as academic qualifications, Admissions decisions may be based on other factors, including (but not limited to): The identification of a relevant focus or issue for future research , performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places, and relevant professional experience.

As well as academic qualifications, Admissions decisions may be based on other factors, including (but not limited to): the standard of the research synopsis/proposal, performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places, and relevant professional experience.

Reference Requirement

As standard, two references are required before we can progress applications to the College/School research programme Admissions Tutor for consideration.

Applications received without two references attached are placed on hold, pending receipt of the outstanding reference(s). Please note that any protracted delay in receiving the outstanding reference(s) may result in the need to defer your application to a later potential start point/entry month, than what you initially listed as your preferred start option.

You may wish to consider contacting your referee(s) to assist in the process of obtaining the outstanding reference(s) or alternatively, hold submission of application until references are sourced. Please note that it is not the responsibility of the University Admissions Office to obtain missing reference(s) after our initial email is sent to your nominated referee(s), requesting a reference(s) on your behalf.

The reference can take the form of a letter on official headed paper, or via the University’s standard reference form. Click this link to download the university reference form .

Alternatively, referees can email a reference from their employment email account, please note that references received via private email accounts, (i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail) cannot be accepted.

References can be submitted to [email protected] .

How you are Supervised

You will be assigned a supervisor on entry to the programme who will provide academic support and advice throughout your progress on the programme.

You will be taught by a team of experienced academics from internationally renowned research, academic and educational backgrounds, utilising their wide-ranging knowledge and expertise to ensure your learning experience includes the most up-to-date information and enables further skills development to enhance your career prospects.

Find out more about our academic staff by visiting our  staff profiles.

Welsh Provision

Tuition fees.

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

Note: The 2025/2026 UK fee is indicative pending confirmation from UKRI.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page .

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

Government funding is now available for Welsh, English and EU students starting eligible postgraduate research programmes at Swansea University. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up .

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

How to Apply

Suggested application timings.

In order to allow sufficient time for consideration of your application by an academic, for potential offer conditions to be met and travel / relocation, we recommend that applications are made before the dates outlined below. Please note that applications can still be submitted outside of the suggested dates below but there is the potential that your application/potential offer may need to be moved to the next appropriate intake window.

October Enrolment

UK Applicants – 15th August

EU/International applicants – 15th July

January Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th November

EU/International applicants – 15th October

April Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th February

EU/International applicants – 15th January

July Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th May

EU/International applicants – 15th April

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

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Doctoral programs.

The goal of the GSE PhD in Education is to prepare the next generation of leading education researchers. The cornerstone of the doctoral experience at the Stanford Graduate School of Education is the research apprenticeship that all students undertake, typically under the guidance of their academic advisor, but often with other Stanford faculty as well.

In this apprenticeship model, doctoral students are provided with a multi-year funding package that consists of opportunities each quarter to serve as teaching and research assistants for faculty members' courses and research projects. By this means, and in combination with the courses they take as part of their program, students are prepared over an approximately five-year period to excel as university teachers and education researchers.

The doctoral degree in Education at the GSE includes doctoral program requirements as well as a specialization, as listed below, overseen by a faculty committee from one of the GSE's three academic areas.

Doctoral programs by academic area

Curriculum studies and teacher education (cte).

• ‌ Elementary Education
• ‌ History/Social Science Education
• ‌ Learning Sciences and Technology Design
• ‌ Literacy, Language, and English Education
• ‌ Mathematics Education
• ‌ Science, Engineering and Technology Education
• ‌ Race, Inequality, and Language in Education
• ‌ Teacher Education

Developmental and Psychological Sciences (DAPS)

• ‌ Developmental and Psychological Sciences

Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education (SHIPS)

• ‌ Anthropology of Education
• ‌ Economics of Education
• ‌ Education Data Science
• ‌ ‌Educational Linguistics
• ‌ Educational Policy
• ‌ Higher Education
• ‌ History of Education
• ‌ International Comparative Education
• ‌ Organizational Studies
• ‌ Philosophy of Education
• ‌ Sociology of Education

Cross-area specializations

Learning sciences and technology design (lstd).

LSTD allows doctoral students to study learning sciences and technology design within the context of their primary program of study (DAPS, CTE, or SHIPS).

Race, Inequality, and Language in Education (RILE)

RILE trains students to become national leaders in conducting research on how race, inequality, and language intersect to make both ineffective and effective educational opportunities. RILE allows students to specialize within their program of study (DAPS, CTE, or SHIPS).

Other academic opportunities

• ‌ Concentration in Education and Jewish Studies
• ‌ PhD Minor in Education
• ‌ Stanford Doctoral Training Program in Leadership for System-wide Inclusive Education (LSIE)
• ‌ Certificate Program in Partnership Research in Education
• ‌ Public Scholarship Collaborative

“I came to Stanford to work with faculty who value learning in informal settings and who are working to understand and design for it.”

Doctoral graduates were employed within four months of graduation

of those employed worked in organizations or roles related to education

For more information about GSE admissions and to see upcoming events and appointments:

To learn more about the Office of Academic Affairs:

Stanford Graduate School of Education

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