Education Research MPhil/PhD

Key information

Award: MPhil, PhD Study mode: Full time, Part time Campus: Waterloo Campus Duration: 2-4 years FT, 6-7 years PT. There are two entry points for the programme each academic year in October and February

Overview

The School of Education, Communication & Society welcomes applications for the PhD in Education Research. The MPhil/PhD programme offers the chance to undertake a piece of research that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to your field of study.

We are looking for outstanding candidates to join a supportive and dynamic research community.

Students are supervised by staff in one or more of our three Research Centres:

• Centre for Research in Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
• Centre for Public Policy Research
• Centre for Language Discourse and Communication

In addition to its world-leading academic contributions, the School has a proud history of contributing to public policy debates and the concerns of professional communities of practice across multiple sectors, both nationally and internationally. We provide programmes of study that lead doctoral students to the cutting edge of knowledge, and help education professionals critically analyse, research and effectively respond to changes in thinking and policy in their fields.

We recommend that prospective students read through the Research Centre webpages to find their preferred area of research and potential supervisor.

Course Detail

The School provides extensive research training and supervision on a range of themes including: curriculum, pedagogy and assessment; education management; school improvement; higher education; student & teacher identities; informal & workplace learning; inequality and social and environmental justice; the nature of professional expertise; and the evolving practices and policy contexts of professional work.

There is a particular emphasis on rigorous interdisciplinary and critical perspectives with staff and students working in and across a range of disciplines.

We also run MPhil and PhD programmes in Interdisciplinary Policy Studies and Language, Discourse & Communication. We are home to a range of research projects, funded by research councils (ESRC and AHRC) and major charities (e.g. Wellcome, Leverhulme and Nuffield).

Admissions tutor

• Centre for Language, Discourse & Communication – Dr Eva Ogiermann
• Centre for Research in Education in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics - Dr Heather King
• Centre for Public Policy Research - Dr John Owens
• Programme Lead – Alexandra Georgakopoulou

How to apply

1. How to Apply

First identify a potential supervisor who will be able to support the application, by searching our Research Centre pages. You will need to complete a case for support, the specific nature of this will vary according to the supervisor.

After you have applied, your application will be considered carefully. Applicants may be invited for an interview (either in person or via phone/skype). We try to process all applications within six weeks of the receipt of a completed application form.

We strongly encourage you to apply well in advance of the time when you would like to begin your study. Starting an MPhil/PhD can involve a lot of organisation, arranging accommodation, financial support etc.

2. Personal Statement and Supporting Information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Education Research Checklist

• Personal Statement | Yes | A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
• Research Proposal | Yes | This requires a research proposal of about 1,000 words covering the research aims or questions, the theoretical background to the proposed research and its relationship to previous work in the relevant field(s), the significance of the proposed research, the likely methodological approach and why it is appropriate to the aims of the project, the timescale of the project, and how your proposed research complements your previous experience and anticipates possible future research work.
• Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
• References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
• Writing Sample | Yes | This would usually be an extended piece of writing such as a dissertation/thesis from masters or undergraduate study, or perhaps a research paper if you have been involved in more recent research (and you are the sole author). The writing sample should be in English.
• Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

3. Course Intake

No set number.

4. Application Closing Date

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.

The final application deadlines are detailed below; on these dates, the programme will close at 23:59 (UK time) and we will open for the corresponding intake in 2026 soon after the same intake has passed in 2025.

• February 2025 entry – 20 October 2024 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2024 for Home fee status
• October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
• February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status

Please note that funding deadlines may be earlier than the application deadlines listed above.

Fees or Funding

UK Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year
• Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year
• Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year

UK Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £7,500 per year
• Part time tuition fees: £3,750 per year

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £28,000 per year
• Part time tuition fees: £14,000 per year

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

Study environment

Base campus

Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Study Environment

The School is located on the Waterloo Campus right in the heart of London, next to London's South Bank Centre which includes the British Film Institute (BFI), Hayward Gallery, and the National Theatre. The Waterloo campus is home to the Franklin Wilkins library, with the Strand campus and the Maughan Library only a short walk away across the river.

The School offers a supportive, lively and outward-looking intellectual environment. There are plenty of opportunities for informal interaction and designated study rooms for doctoral students.

As part of a large multi-faculty institution, students also have the opportunity to build close ties across the College, as well as active cross-institutional links.

Postgraduate Training

Our extensive research training for MPhil/PhD students consists of an initial foundation programme which covers different approaches in the social sciences. It gives you a firm grounding in key social science theories and methodologies and invites students to grapple with experimental and innovative epistemologies.

You will be allocated two supervisors who will work with you throughout your studies. Students will also join one of our three research groups (Centre for Language, Discourse and Communication; Centre for Public Policy Research; Centre for Research in Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), all of which run a full programme of subject-specialist seminars. Many of these sessions are constructed around students' own research problems, and all of them provide extensive opportunities for students to learn from one another.

Students are also encouraged to participate in the training provided by the College's Centre for Doctoral Studies and the London Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Training Partnership (LISS-DTP) supported by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council.

Student Destinations

The course provides a good grounding for an academic career, as well as personal enrichment and career enhancement opportunities for those already working in, or interested in moving into, education-related roles within the formal and informal learning sectors, local and central government, research and policy organisations, educational charities and NGOs.

Entry requirements

UK requirements

• A minimum 2:1 first degree, in addition to a Masters degree with at least a high Merit showing evidence of capacity to work at distinction level.
• Applicants will also need to provide a piece of independently produced academic work (e.g. a Master’s essay/dissertation or published or unpublished paper) that has been assessed by the supervisor and admissions tutor as showing potential for doctoral level work.

Equivalent International qualifications

Select a country to view the equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

English language band: B

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The MPhil/PhD in Education Research at King's College London offers students the opportunity to undertake in-depth research in the field of education. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, research, policy, and education-related roles. It is ranked 1st in London for research quality by the Education Unit of Assessment in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF).

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Objectives:

• To enable students to conduct original research that makes a significant contribution to the field of education.
• To develop students' critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.
• To prepare students for careers in academia, research, policy, and other education-related fields.

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Description:

The program is designed to provide students with a rigorous and supportive research environment. Students are supervised by faculty members who are experts in their field and have a strong track record of research publications. The program also offers a variety of research training opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and conferences. Students are encouraged to participate in these activities to develop their research skills and knowledge.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The program covers a wide range of topics in education research, including curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, education management, school improvement, higher education, student & teacher identities, informal & workplace learning, inequality and social justice, the nature of professional expertise, and the evolving practices and policy contexts of professional work.

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Structure:

The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including written assignments, presentations, and a final thesis.

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Assessment Criteria:

The assessment criteria for the program are based on the following:

• Originality and significance of research
• Depth of understanding of the research area
• Quality of research methodology
• Clarity and coherence of writing
• Effective communication of research findings

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision.

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Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced researchers who are experts in their field.

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Unique Approaches:

The program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching, including:

• A focus on interdisciplinary and critical perspectives
• Opportunities for students to work closely with leading researchers in the field
• A strong emphasis on research training and development

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

The program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in academia, research, policy, and education-related roles.

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Career Opportunities:

• Academic researcher
• Research scientist
• Policy analyst
• Education consultant
• School leader
• Teacher educator

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Career Outcomes:

Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in academia, research, policy, and education. Many graduates have secured positions at top universities, research institutions, and government agencies.

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Other:

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Waterloo Campus:

The program is located on the Waterloo Campus of King's College London. The campus is located in the heart of London and is home to a variety of facilities, including the Franklin Wilkins Library.

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Supportive Environment:

The program offers a supportive and collaborative environment for students. Students have access to a variety of resources, including academic advisors, research supervisors, and a dedicated student support team.

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Funding:

The program offers a variety of funding opportunities, including scholarships, bursaries, and research grants.

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UK Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £6,540 per year Part time tuition fees: £3,270 per year International Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £24,360 per year Part time tuition fees: £12,180 per year UK Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year International Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year