School of Education MPhil, PhD

Research ( full-time, part-time)

Cambridge, Chelmsford

January, April, September

Intermediate awards: MPhil, PhD

Duration: MPhil: Full-time, from 1 to 3 years. Part-time, from 2 to 4 years.

PhD via progression from MPhil, including that period: Full-time, from 2.5 to 5 years. Part-time, from 3.5 to 6 years.

PhD: Full-time, from 2 to 4 years. Part-time, from 3 to 6 years.

For further guidance on the duration of Research Degrees please refer to the Research Degrees Regulations.

Apply online

For application deadlines visit our how to apply page.

Overview

Make a substantial and original contribution to knowledge in the fields of education or social care with this PhD programme.

Our School of Education will provide you with a thriving environment as an education researcher - we're committed to developing research in education, identities and inequalities, contributing to knowledge and making a difference to people’s lives and societies.

If you work in a professional setting, such as a school, college or other education environment, you might also be interested in our Professional Doctorate in Education.

Full description

Supervision and support

In order to support you, we’ll compile a specialist team of supervisors that reflects your research interests and supervisory needs.

Your supervisors will meet with you regularly to provide advice and guidance with your studies and with the writing of your thesis.

Find out more about our supervisors and their expertise.

Where you'll research

Your faculty

In the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, we use our expertise and connections in Cambridge and beyond to nurture creativity through experimentation and risk-taking, and encourage critical thinking, in order to educate, entertain, inspire and understand, as well as to improve people’s lives.

Where can I study?

Chelmsford
Tindal Building on our Chelmsford campus

Our striking, modern campus sits by the riverside in Chelmsford's University and Innovation Quarter.

Explore our Chelmsford campus

Cambridge
Lord Ashcroft Building on our Cambridge campus

Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

Explore our Cambridge campus

Fees & funding

Course fees

UK students, 2024/25 (per year)

£4,786

UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)

£2,392

International students, 2024/25 (per year)

£15,900

International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)

£7,950

ARU research

ARU's academic excellence was recognised in 2021, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Sixteen areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research. The results showed that we're making a significant impact on the societies we live in.

Careers

Research and professional training will be part of your programme, with workshops including scientific writing and publishing, research methods, subject updates and conference presentation.

Contact details

If you're interested in finding out more about research study opportunities, please email Dr Phil Kirkman at [email protected]

Entry requirements

MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelor degree or equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.
PhD: You’ll need a Master degree or equivalent in a related subject area.

Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request.

If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.

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Important additional notes

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the programme as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Contact our postgraduate research degree team for more information about studying a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate at ARU.

You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your research programme.

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