Course summary
The PhD (Professional) Education is a doctoral research programme of equivalent standing to the traditional Doctor of Philosophy, with a focus on research and professional practice. The course is designed for current and future educators who wish to conduct original research relating to their professional context or area of educational practice, and aims to support the dissemination, development, and management of a range of professional practice and policy development. Students undertake four core modules and one optional module, followed by a thesis stage, during which they conduct field work, analyse their data in light of existing knowledge, and write a thesis for examination. The modular stage aims to help students refine their research topic and identify specific research questions through a critical review of literature. Optional modules offer students the opportunity to design a pilot study for their thesis research or gain research experience by assisting on a research project led by academic staff. The thesis stage requires rigorous data collection and analysis in order to produce a 60,000-word thesis that systematically presents the research, learning, and contribution to knowledge. Throughout the duration of the programme, students are part of a diverse, supportive, and intellectually challenging research environment in the School of Education. In addition to the programme requirements, all students are encouraged to engage in broader postgraduate training opportunities, present their work to academic audiences, and communicate the significance of their research to colleagues and peers. Achieving the award of PhD (Professional) is recognition not only of an original contribution to knowledge, but also of the students' ability to continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at doctoral level.
Assessment method
During the taught stage, students will be assessed through written assignments, portfolios, and presentations. Students will also need to successfully complete a viva examination. Supervisors will provide regular feedback and grades to mark their progress through the curricula. In addition, students should expect to participate in formative peer review of each other’s ideas and work throughout the programme through active group discussion and a variety of presentation methods (e.g. annual student conference presentations, poster sessions, 'PechaKucha' sessions). The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly – usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Entry requirements
First or second class honours degree or equivalent professional experience. If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications. Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/. If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study. In addition to the stated qualifications required, applicants are required to submit a research proposal with their application. For guidance on writing a research proposal, please visit: http://bit.ly/WritingAResearchProposal. For information about potential PhD supervisors in the School of Education, please visit https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/education/schoolstaff
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £2415 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2415 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2415 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2415 | Year 1 |
| International | £7950 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Full time and part time postgraduate research students will be invoiced the published set fee each academic year enrolled, up to the point of thesis submission.
Upon first enrolment, the full set fee is payable.
All continuing students are required to re-enrol on their anniversary of their first enrolment. The relevant set full time or part time fee is payable by all continuing students on re-enrolment.
A reduced 'writing-up' fee in the 12 month period prior to thesis submission may be applicable subject to your progress. After your Viva Voce examination, additional fees will be payable if a second Viva Voce examination is required.
Research students may be required to pay additional fees in addition to cover the cost of specialist resources, equipment and access to any specialist collections that may be required to support their research project. These will be informed by the research proposal submitted and will be calculated on an individual basis. Any additional fees will be outlined in your offer letter, prior to accepting your place at the University of Lincoln.
Provider information
University of Lincoln
Brayford Pool
Lincoln
LN6 7TS