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Postgraduate research

Teacher Education PhD

What is Teacher Education?

Our research strengths lie in curriculum studies, early years, leadership and diversity in education, learning for sustainability and professional development. We also have expertise in education policy, extremism and education and values in education.

Our School of Education and Humanities provides a stimulating and supportive environment with a blend of extensive professional expertise in different learning contexts – spanning early years to higher education.

You’ll join a strong education research community of over 30 academic staff with different supervisory specialisms. Progress your knowledge and skills with engaged researchers who are pushing forward new knowledge and professional practice. Explore strengths in curriculum studies, early years, leadership and diversity in education, and professional development.

Research environment

Our research environment has strong national and international links. This active background means that research students, whether studying full-time or part-time, join a group of engaged researchers involved in pushing forward both new knowledge and professional practice.

All students are required to take and complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods to support the development of their project and their education as researchers.

Research areas

Some of our recent research includes:

  • the application of constructivist learning theory to homework practice
  • how coursework and exam-based study affect the learning of pupils in secondary science education
  • primary trainee teachers’ choice of mathematical examples for learning and the relationship with mathematics subject knowledge
  • pedagogy to enhance teaching and learning in science and environmental education within Initial Teacher Education
  • the role of support workers in the learning of students with disabilities in higher education.

This research contributes to the research priority area Society and Learning.

Entry requirements

    • At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area

    • A master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic.

    • We actively encourage applications from students from a range of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement.

    • EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.

    • Please provide a copy of your research proposal. This should be 1,000 words (excluding references and appendices) following the structure outlined in this research proposal guide.

      Please note; we’re unable to process applications without a proposal for the School’s consideration. Not supplying one will delay the processing of applications.

Fees and costs

Start date Course code Fee (UK)
per year
Fee (international)
per year
October 2023 £5,100 £11,730
February 2024 £5,100 £11,730
October 2024 TBC TBC
February 2025 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

Industry links

As a research degree candidate, you’ll be supported by a supervisory team with expertise in your subject and/or research approach. A research degree deepens your understanding of your own professional practice and may open the door to work in full-time research and higher education.

You’re also encouraged to attend national and international academic conferences and, in the latter stages of your research, present your ideas and receive feedback at such events.

Benefit from our research specialisms

Our research strengths lie in curriculum studies, early years, leadership and diversity in education, learning for sustainability and professional development. We also have expertise in education policy, extremism and education, and values in education.

Join our wider academic community

You’ll have opportunities for cross-disciplinary projects that link to a range of other disciplines, such as psychology, management and health.

Publish your research

We support publication opportunities allowing you to contribute to your profession and achieve high-level academic recognition. With the help of your supervisors, you may want to submit journal articles as part of your researcher development.

"I joined the university in 2013 to follow my interest in teaching and research."

“Starting as a teacher in UK and Tanzania I soon switched to community-based environmental education, firstly in Leicester and then Mount Elgon, Uganda. My career has focused on international education and sustainability projects working for charities but with communities, large corporations and governments including the UN.”

Dr Paul Vare, Postgraduate Research Lead, School of Education