Developing globally competent educational researchers

Coventry University (CU) is inviting applications from suitably-qualified graduates for a self-funded PhD studentship

Developing globally competent educational researchers

The online PhD in Global Education is a structured PhD designed to develop you into an educational researcher with a global outlook. Using research to change yourself and society, this programme is ideal for those looking to undertake a PhD whilst working in an educational setting - wherever you are in the world.

The PhD aims to develop the capability of individuals to work within a professional context whilst researching and theorising their own practice in schools, universities or other educational contexts. Delegates will be colleagues who construct their identities as practitioners and/or policy makers, and your prime motivation will be to generate professional knowledge, applying this to practice, and ultimately advancing your career.

Integrated within this programme is a track to master's by research, which you can take if you do not wish to progress to the PhD. You will have the opportunity to build up, through the degree, a substantial piece of original research that has real relevance to policy and/or practice.

Key features
• A structured route to completion through nine portfolio submissions.
• Significant taught element (60 credits of relevant master's level 7 modules, delivered online).
• Comprehensive induction and researcher development training workshops tailored to an international, at-distance cohort and delivered online.
• The development of a global network of postgraduate researchers who are supported to develop as a cohort of peers and a community of practice.

Structure:
The PhD is led by a dedicated supervisory team, all of whom are active researchers in the education field. All taught elements take place on an online learning platform, using a combination of online induction, online modules, live webcast and asynchronous discussions.

Full time MRes/PhD students are required to fulfil 60 credits of module activity including:

• Developing as a Global Education Researcher
• Composing Literature Reviews in Education
• The Research Article in Education Studies

Supervisory meetings will take place virtually on a monthly basis and researchers will be able to access a virtual community to participate in discussions with others on the programme. There is an expectation to engage in progress review panels, to ensure work is on track to completion.

Assessment is through an individual viva voce examination via video conference, and thesis of up to 80,000 words.

The PhD is aligned to the Centre for Global Learning: Education and Attainment (GLEA) at Coventry University, one of the University Research Centres that conducts fundamental and applied research impacting upon teaching practice and learning outcomes, creating better futures, societies and providing the framework for excellence in education.

For further details please visit coventry.ac.uk/globallearning

Potential areas for supervision:

• Equity issues in Education
• Attainment and Education
• Cross cultural research
• Intercultural Capabilities
• Educational Policy and Leadership
• Language and Literacy in Education
• Special Educational needs.


Further details in relation to the Research Centre can be found here: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/areas-of-research/global-learning/

PhD Loans for 2020/21
You may be able to get a UK PhD loan of up to £26,445 from Student Finance England or Student Finance Wales for a doctoral degree in any subject. The money only needs to be paid back when you earn over £21,000 a year.

Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Candidate Specification
• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60 per cent mark in the project element or equivalent, with a minimum 60 per cent overall module average.
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

PLUS

• Applicants should have at least five years' experience working in an educational setting. As the doctorate focuses on professional practice, this is necessary in order for the application of theory to practice.
For further details see: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/

How to apply
Enquiries may be addressed to Professor Megan Crawford, Programme Lead. Please email GLEA globallearning@coventry.ac.uk

All applications require full supporting documentation, a research proposal* ( between 1-2,000 words) and a personal statement.

*A proposal will usually (but not always) include the following key elements:
• An outline of the background and context of the research issue
• Reasons why the specific topic is important (rationale)
• Some reading of literature related to the topic / issue
• An outline of the main research question you want to investigate.

To apply online please visit:
https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/studentships/crb-doctor-of-philosophy-(phd)-in-global-education

Eligibility: UK/EU/International graduates with the required entry requirements

No funding applicable (self-funded opportunity)

Start date: September 2020

Duration of study: Part-time study over six years

SEPTEMBER ENROLMENT
• Overseas applications – Closing date 30th June 2020
• UK/EU applications – Closing date 31st August 2020

Interview dates: Via Skype, will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Enquiries may be addressed to globallearning@coventry.ac.uk