University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The PhD is a wholly research-based programme focused on producing an original thesis that makes a substantial contribution to knowledge in an education-related field. Typical areas of supervision available include teacher education and professional learning, curriculum and pedagogy, educational leadership and policy, inclusion and special educational needs, higher education, assessment, and digital and international education.

Although there are no taught modules as part of the doctorate, researchers normally engage with a structured research training programme. This usually includes training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, ethics and research governance, advanced literature review techniques, and transferable skills workshops (academic writing, project management, public engagement and knowledge exchange). Candidates take part in regular research seminars, reading groups and departmental events and are expected to present work-in-progress at internal and external conferences.

The core output is an extended thesis, typically examined by viva voce. Students progress through formal milestones (probationary reports, upgrade from MPhil to PhD where applicable, annual progress reviews) and may be encouraged to publish papers or produce policy briefings during their candidature. Interdisciplinary supervision and collaboration with other schools or centres within the university are common.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a relevant postgraduate qualification, typically a good master’s degree in education or a closely related social science subject. Candidates with a first-class or upper second-class honours degree and substantial professional experience in education may also be considered. Entry is competitive and depends on the availability of supervisory expertise and research alignment.

Application materials usually include a detailed research proposal, academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, and two academic or professional references. All applicants are assessed on the quality and feasibility of their proposed research, their academic background, and fit with available supervisors. International applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates from the PhD in Education go on to careers in higher education as lecturers, researchers and research fellows, or take senior roles in school and college leadership. Other common pathways include research and evaluation posts in government departments, policy institutes and think tanks, roles in educational charities and NGOs, curriculum and assessment design, and consultancy in the education sector.

Doctoral training also prepares graduates for roles that require advanced research skills, such as monitoring and evaluation, knowledge exchange, and leadership positions within local authorities and international education organisations. Many alumni continue to publish and secure research grants, maintaining active profiles in academic and practitioner communities.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham is a research-intensive institution with a long-established School of Education and a strong research culture that supports doctoral study. Students benefit from experienced supervisors working across a wide range of education specialisms and access to interdisciplinary expertise across the university.

Doctoral candidates can draw on comprehensive researcher development provided by the university’s doctoral training and researcher development services, including methods training, careers support and funding advice. The university’s global networks and international campuses enhance collaborative and comparative research opportunities, while regular seminars, workshops and public engagement activities help students develop networks and disseminate their work beyond academia.

The School’s focus on high-quality supervision, a supportive research environment and opportunities for impact-oriented research make it a suitable setting for those seeking to advance knowledge and influence practice and policy in education.