PhD Programme

Course details

The programme is suitable for people who have a particular research question or topic in mind in the field of education, and wish to explore this through independent study in order to produce an original contribution to the subject.

It is suited to those who are practicing teachers, or those working in the wider education field, with a passion to pursue their studies further. This research-based doctorate also provides a solid foundation for those aspiring to a research career or an academic career.

This programme is not a taught doctoral programme (EdD), nor is it a ‘professional doctorate’ and there is no mandatory taught or directed study element to the programme. However, PhD students may participate in modules offered through the Hibernia College MATL programme and attend the Plymouth University graduate training programmes.

Entry requirements

The standard entry requirements are:

• A masters degree by a UK university or a degree of a non-UK institution deemed to be of equal standing to a UK degree, or
• A first class or second upper class first bachelor degree award by a UK university or a degree of a non-UK institution deemed to be of equal standing to a UK degree, or
• A professional qualification recognised as equivalent to a degree, or
• Other qualifications and experience that have demonstrated that the applicant can meet the challenges and demands of the programme, and
• Two satisfactory reports from academic referees. Verbal or e-mail references may not be accepted.

Applicants to the PhD programme will be interviewed and may also be asked to provide an example of written work.

Application procedure

• Initial Research Proposals will be submitted to the PhD Programme team.
• Proposals will be screened for suitability in relation to topic area and potential supervisory team, and suitable applicants will be shortlisted to be interviewed.
• Interviews of shortlisted candidates will take place.
• Following interviews referees will be contacted for a verbal reference.
• From the shortlisted interviews students will be selected.
• Selected applicants will then submit their full application (Plymouth University Postgraduate Application form) to Hibernia College. The College will then submit these applications to Plymouth University for processing.
• Once the applications have been processed by Plymouth University, the formal offer letter will be issued to the candidate from Plymouth.
• Successful applicants will be registered and enrolled and will commence the PhD programme on 1 October 2014