Education Management PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for Self-funded Students in the UK

A PhD in Education Management usually focuses on the leadership skills needed to succeed as a manager in the education sector. These doctorates usually require at least a couple of years of professional experience, as well as a Masters in a relevant subject area.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Education Management?

A PhD in Education Management is ideal for experienced teachers who wish to progress into a more senior role at their institution – or begin a research-based career.

PhDs in Education Management usually allows doctoral students to specialise in certain sectors and branches of education, such as:

• Adult learners
• Higher education
• International education
• Language learning
• Post-secondary education
• Primary education
• Secondary education
• Vocational education and apprenticeships

Within those sectors, there are opportunities to specialise in areas like:

• Assessment strategy
• Education policy
• Experiential learning
• Online learning
• Pedagogy

The ultimate goal of most PhDs in Education Management is to develop the valuable leadership skills and characteristics that education professionals need to become even more effective organisers and motivators.

You might come across PhDs in Education Management being described as a Doctor in Education (EdD).

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for a typical PhD in Education Management usually involve a Bachelors and a Masters degree in a related subject. You’ll also need to submit a compelling research proposal detailing your study plans. You may also need some professional experience, depending on the programme.

PhD in Education Management funding options

In the UK, PhDs in Education Management are funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which provides a tuition fee waiver and a living cost stipend. Depending on the programme, you may submit your own research proposal before being considered for funding, or apply for a project that already has funding attached.

It’s also possible to apply for a PhD loan to help with the costs of a doctorate in Education Management (although this can’t be combined with Research Council funding). Other options for financial support include university scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships and charities.

If you’re considering a part-time PhD in Education Management, it may also be worth asking your employer if they’re happy to sponsor you.

PhD in Education Management careers

A PhD in Education Management is great for experienced education professionals who want to develop their leadership skills and take on more responsibility at work. These PhDs also allow students to spend several years on an extended research project, which equips them with valuable experience that could be used to embark on a career in policy or government.