Open PhD (2022 Entry)
This PhD provides an opportunity to undertake in-depth research linked to our expertise in 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.
Teaching and learning
We provide a pleasant PhD study room and dedicated personal tutor support in addition to the supervisory team. A combined staff and student seminar programme provides a collegiate forum for sharing and discussing current topics and ideas.
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 header
- 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 requirements header
Additional requirements header
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Research themes for this PhD can include:
- Career development studies
- Coaching
- Counselling
- Early childhood
- Education
- Lifelong learning
- Psychotherapy
- Social policy
- Social studies
- Social work
The above is not an exclusive list of research areas and you are free to propose additional topics or themes.
Recent examples of areas for PhD supervision (an indicative list):
- Adult Education in HE
- FE
- Lifelong Learning
- Community education
- Popular/radical adult education
- Informal learning and work-based learning – with a focus on issues of inequality, (class, gender, ethnicity and age)
- Access issues
- Experiences of learning
- Learning transitions
- Theoretical enquiry
- Identities, transitions into the labour market
We have four PhD routes. There is some flexibility in choice of route and applicants are encouraged to discuss this with their potential supervisor. The most important aspect is the nature of your project and its potential for supervision in our department.
Within each route, you will find links to potential supervisors' profiles. You are asked to view your intended supervisor's profile and read their work. Please think about what might make your proposed PhD attractive to your supervisor, and customise the proposal accordingly.
- How does your project relate to your intended supervisor's work?
- How might your project enhance, advance, or develop it?
- Could you take it in a different direction?
- What kind of methods and approaches are likely to appeal to your potential supervisor?
We receive a large number of proposals every year and only have capacity for proposals that are carefully tailored to our specific areas of expertise.
Visit our website to explore our PhD routes and areas of expertise.