PhD in Education

Apply using the Applicant Portal

The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.

An application is only complete when:

1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

Proposed Supervisor

On your application form, you must name a supervisor in the Faculty, related to your topic, whom you would like to supervise your research project. You may also suggest one additional supervisor as a potential co-supervisor.

Before you submit your application, you are required to contact the prospective supervisor to discuss their availability and the suitability of your proposed research with them. Contact information and general availability are available on the Faculty of Education website.

If you do not name a prospective supervisor on your application form, we will  not be able to evaluate your application.

Please note that agreement from a prospective supervisor does not guarantee an offer of admission. 

Research Proposal

All doctoral applicants are required to submit a research proposal of up to 1,500 words. Your proposal would generally contain:

• A research title 
• A clear, well-motivated and viable research question(s)
• A brief discussion of the relevant literature, covering the theoretical basis for your research, the current state of knowledge in the field, and details of what your research will contribute
• The research methods you propose to use

The word limit includes footnotes, appendices, figures, tables, etc, but does not include references.  Special formatting is not required. 

​Personal Statement

You will be asked to submit a personal statement of up to 1,500 words. In your personal statement:

• you may want to explain the reasons for your interest in your topic and pursuing a doctorate, as well as any previous work that you have done in the area
• you may note any relevant skills, including interdisciplinary ones, that you possess which put you in a stronger position to execute your research project in exciting and innovative ways
• if applicable, you may want to provide contextual information that explains how your previous academic results were achieved in adversity, due to, for example, serious health problems and/or social, political, or economic hardship
• if there are other factors that you believe should be factored into consideration for your application, please identify them as such

Special formatting is not required.

Selection Process

Applications are considered on a rolling basis and applicants can usually expect to receive a decision within 12 weeks following the submission of their completed application and required supporting documents.

Early application (by early December) is advisable even if candidates are not applying for funding. The majority of applications are received October to December and many supervisors may already be at full capacity after that.

Interviews are conducted in person or via video-conference.

Further information on How To Apply

Things You'll Need

In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.

• Two academic references  
• Transcript  
• CV/resume
• Evidence of competence in English  
  If required - you can check using our tool
• Proposed Supervisor
  For more information on finding a Supervisor, see 'How to Find a Supervisor' below.
• Project title (M)
• Research proposal (M)
• Personal statement (upload)

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

• Gates Cambridge Reference  
• Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.

How to Find a Supervisor

Information on the process of identifying a supervisor can be found on the Doctoral Paths: Apply page of the Faculty of Education website.  

A full list of potential supervisors will be published on the Doctoral Paths: Apply page of the Faculty of Education website ahead of applications for 2024 opening.

You are required to identify a prospective supervisor ahead of submitting your application. Before you apply, you should contact a potential supervisor directly to discuss their availability and your research proposal.

Time and interest permitting, the potential supervisor may advise on how a research proposal might be developed or improved. Such advice does not guarantee an offer of admission.