This PhD provides an opportunity to undertake in-depth research linked to our expertise in any professional field within the Centre for Lifelong Learning. Our faculty has expertise in a range of people-focused professions. We support interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research projects linked to one or more of our main professional areas Projects linked to one or more of the following areas are welcomed:

• Career development work
• Coaching
• Counselling
• Early childhood
• Education
• Learning and development
• Lifelong learning
• Psychotherapy
• Social policy
• Social studies
• Social work

We may also be able to offer supervision linked to one or more of the following cross cutting themes related to the main areas above: culture, gender, ethnicity, social justice, intellectual history, policy / politics, work / employment, professional identities / learning, life history, widening participation, depth psychology, mental health, well being, spirituality, loving kindness, and/or playfulness. This list is not exhaustive and alternatives may be considered.

This PhD is an open route that covers a range of professional and academic areas. Along with other departments at the University, we provide both open and named routes. This reflects the fact that your PhD research, as with life more widely, may not necessarily fit neatly into any one disciplinary box. It leads to the award of a University of Warwick PhD without a specific named route on your University transcript. If you prefer to follow a PhD with a named route, there are strong links between this PhD and our named route in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning (P-X352). So this option can be pursued.

Most of our students self-fund their PhD research but it is also possible to apply for scholarships.

CLL currently provides a fees only PhD scholarship for up to two students.

For up-to-date University information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home/EU and Overseas students, please visit Warwick's PGR Fees and Funding webpage. Due to the competitive and restricted nature of scholarship opportunities, you are advised to develop a self-funded ‘back up’ plan.

Hover above the names listed below for a quick overview then click to view the full profile.

Dr Anil AwestiLink opens in a new window
Professor Will CurtisLink opens in a new window
Dr Alan DolanLink opens in a new window
Dr Steve GascoigneLink opens in a new window
Dr Phil GossLink opens in a new window
Dr John GoughLink opens in a new window
Professor Ruth HewstonLink opens in a new window
Dr Nalita JamesLink opens in a new window
Dr Charlotte JonesLink opens in a new window
Dr Tania LydenLink opens in a new window
Dr Phil McCashLink opens in a new window

Dr Kevin StoneLink opens in a new window

2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or a good Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Supported by a good research proposal (2500 words)

English language requirements Band B
IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above

International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.

• Link opens in a new windowApplications for full-time January 2024 starts are open: apply nowLink opens in a new window
• Applications for part-time January 2024 starts are open: apply nowLink opens in a new window
• Applications for full-time April 2024 starts are open: apply nowLink opens in a new window
• Applications for part-time April 2024 starts are open: apply now
• Applications for full-time October 2024 starts are open: apply nowLink opens in a new window
• Applications for part-time October 2024 starts are open: apply now

For full details on applying and preparing a research proposal visit our webpages.