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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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Postgraduate course

A PhD is your research, your questions and your passion. Immerse yourself in your chosen specialism and conduct high quality academic research, on campus or by distance learning.

Our PhD course lets you plan, design, and conduct research in an area that interests you. Your supervisory team will support you as you evaluate the latest research findings and produce your own thesis. If you know the area you want to specialise in, this course can help you become an expert in the field. A PhD will improve your career prospects and allow you to continue the pursuit of your intellectual interests.

Course location York campus, London campus or by distance learning

• Duration – 2 to 4 years full time, 3 to 7 years part time
• Start date – February 2025, June 2025, October 2024

Minimum entry requirements

2:1 degree in a related subject

Master's qualification

Tuition fees

UK 2024-25 £4,786 full time --> full time

International 2024-25 £14,000 full time --> full time

Please note that we are currently at capacity for processing international applications for postgraduate research courses. Applications are currently closed for our October 2025 intake. Please check this page again soon for further updates.

Course overview

Your PhD will be challenging, rewarding and will lead you to the highest educational qualification. Your research will be an original contribution to knowledge and have the potential to alter current policies, approaches or practices in the subject area.

You will collaborate with a supervisory team that has been carefully selected for you and be part of an exceptional research community of postgraduate researchers.

When you choose to study with us, you will gain plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional skills. These could include:

• Gaining teaching experience
• Presenting your research at conferences and events
• Engaging with further training
• Working with the community

Professional development and training

During your PhD, you will discuss additional training needs with your supervisory team. Your supervisors will help you identify your strengths and highlight areas for development.

The university delivers a blended training programme that will help you to develop your research and professional skills, enhance your CV and your employability.

Distance learning

Our PhD is also available by distance learning. Studying by distance learning will enable candidates to work remotely and engage with their supervisor through online meetings.

The PhD by distance learning is available to study full time or part time. Fees, assessment requirements and milestones are the same as PhDs on campus, and so are the expectations of time commitment and supervisory meetings.

Course structure

How you will study.

Your PhD will consist of 3 stages where you will:

• Produce a literature review of current research in your field
• Pose a set of novel questions that advance knowledge in your area
• Conduct your research and analyse your results
• Produce and submit your thesis
• Attend a viva voce (oral examination)

At this stage you will conduct the research. You will be expected to obtain ethical approval, collect your data and analyse your results, organising your work into coherent chapters for your thesis. You can present your research at conferences during this time and submit your work for publication. You will have a formal annual review to ensure your project is progressing.

At this stage you will be expected to collect your data and analyse your results, organising your work into coherent chapters for your thesis. You can present your research at conferences during this time and submit your work for publication. You will have a formal annual review to ensure your project is progressing.

Your final stage is where you will focus on writing and completing your thesis. You will have a final formal review alongside your regular supervisor meetings. At the end of your final phase, you will submit your thesis and undertake your viva voce. During this oral examination you will discuss and critically defend your thesis. An independent chair and examiners will be present to assess your research and findings.

Distance learning supervision

Supervision for a PhD by distance learning should take place regularly through online methods, for example Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

The commitment statement agreed when you apply for the PhD by distance learning should set out expectations for the frequency and mode of contact for supervision. The statement will also detail any face to face contact expectations and arrangements for written research reports.

Distance learning attendance and resources

When studying a PhD by distance learning, you will not normally be required to attend the University in person, except induction and oral examinations where attendance is expected. Exceptions to attending in person may be requested if you are not able to do so. 

During the PhD you will be expected to demonstrate attendance through participating in designated academic engagements, including supervisory sessions.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications.

2:1 degree in a related subject See full entry requirements including GCSEs

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.5 (with no skill below 6.0) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Applying for PhD by distance learning

Alongside the standard PhD entry requirements, you will also need to demonstrate that you can study successfully remotely. This includes:

• Showing that you can conduct your research with the resources available at your study site.
• Showing that you have access to appropriate IT facilities.
• Showing that you have the time, commitment and attitude to study successfully off-campus.
• Showing that you have access to support for study-related disabilities, if appropriate.

You will need to agree a commitment statement to confirm these requirements before you enrol.

Fees and funding

Uk 2024 - 2025.

The tuition fee for this PhD in the 2024 academic year course is £4,786 for full time UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

For UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man candidates studying part time, the tuition fee for this PhD course in the 2024 - 2025 academic year is £2,393 per year.

The total, capped amount for completing your PhD is £14,358.

Doctoral loans are available to help you pay for your course. Find out more about UK Government Doctoral loans .

More information about funding your PhD is available on our Funding your research degree page.

International 2024 - 2025

The tuition fee for this PhD course is £14,000 per year in the 2024 academic year for full time international candidates.

For international candidates on a part time course, the tuition fee for this PhD course in the 2024 - 2025 academic year is £7,000 per year.

More information about funding your PhD is available on our International Fees and Funding page.

International Visa and Immigration

UK 2024-25 £4,786 full time --> full time

Additional costs

Depending upon the nature of your research project, a bench fee might be applied as a separate cost to your tuition fee. Bench fees are normally incurred for laboratory consumables and other significant project costs and any goods will remain under the property of the University.

If you have any queries regarding bench fees, please speak to your potential supervisor during the application process.

Any bench fees will be included in your offer letter and if you accept, the charge will be in addition to your tuition fees.

Contact us to discuss your research proposal

If you know what subject you want to research or you just want to find out more, contacting a School Postgraduate Research Leads is a great first step.

Our School Postgraduate Research Leads are the right people to talk to if you want to study a research degree. They can put you in contact with an academic who is researching a similar subject, and who could be your research supervisor during your course.

School Postgraduate Research Leads

School Postgraduate Research Lead : Claire Hind - [email protected]

Contact Claire if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Drama and theatre
• Music performance and production
• Fine art, illustration and photography
• Media production
• Visual communication

School Postgraduate Research Lead: Dr Scott Cole -  [email protected]

Contact Scott if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Language and linguistics
• Children, young people and families
• Teaching and education
• Psychology and mental health

School Postgraduate Research Lead:  Robert Edgar -  [email protected]  

Contact Robert if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• History and American studies
• Politics and international relations
• Religion, theology, philosophy and ethics
• English literature and media studies

School Postgraduate Research Lead:  Adam Odell -  [email protected]  

Contact Adam if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Maths and data science
• Computer science
• Biomedical science
• Sport and exercise science
• Health sciences

School Postgraduate Research Lead: Rosie Binfield-Smith - [email protected]

Contact Rosie if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Business and management
• Sociology, criminology and policing
• Accounting, economics and finance
• Tourism, hospitality and events

School Postgraduate Research Lead:

Ghulam Mujtaba - [email protected]

Contact Ghulam if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Management, Business Management and International Business
• Management Studies Research
• Public Health and Global Healthcare Management
• Digital Marketing
• Project Management
• Computer and Data Science

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Discover Our PhD Program!

Interested in developing your expertise and conducting primary research in order to make a meaningful contribution to the fields of education, community, teaching and learning?

Completing a PhD in Education: Language, Culture and Teaching will provide you with the skills and knowledge to conduct research in order to positively impact teaching and learning.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting standard Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, applicants to the Doctoral Program in Language, Culture and Teaching will have undertaken a Masters-level Program (with a B+ average) including a component based on original research at a recognized university. Applicants must submit evidence of relevant professional preparation and/or personal and career experience.

Applicants are required to submit a file of their academic, career, and life experience for admission to the Doctoral Program. This file shall consist of:

• Faculty of Graduate Studies admissions  application  form
• One official copy of  transcripts  of each post-secondary institution attended
• Three  letters of reference  (at least two must be from academic referees; the other may be from a professional referee)                – You will provide three names and email addresses of referees in your MyFile application, and referees will receive an automatic request for reference. They will have two weeks to complete the letter of recommendation online
• A  curriculum vitae
• A  statement of area of interest  with a discussion of intended research (see details below)
• Two  samples of written work
• English language test score  (if applicable)

Applicants of interest to the Program may be interviewed in the final stages of selection. This interview will be arranged at the convenience of both the Program and the candidate. The purpose of the interview is to assess the overall suitability of candidates and to determine if there are faculty members available in their area of research interest.

Final admission will be offered to candidates only if faculty supervision is available.

The Statement of Interest

What Makes a Good Doctoral Statement of Interest? Tips for applicants.

The statement needs to reflect who you are, what research interests you have and what would make you an asset to the program in 500 words minimum (2 pages, double spaced, 12 font).

It must be brief, concise, direct and clear. Use headings if needed. Make it easy to read. Remember the admissions committee reads hundreds of applications. Your Statement must stand out in form and substance.

At the doctoral level your statement should include:

• A brief comment of what you want to accomplish in the doctoral program, and what motivated you to choose your field and the particular program to which you are applying.
• Research questions you are curious about
• The kinds of theoretical framings you would like to engage in your research program
• The existing research you hope to extend
• Why you want to come to York’s Faculty of Education (as opposed to elsewhere)?
• Make an explicit connection between your interests and faculty expertise
• Have to offer the doctoral cohort you may potentially join
• Bring to the program and your colleagues
• Your active involvement in the field
• Identify in the statement how your past studies and/or work or other experiences are relevant to your research program choice

Do not repeat or list what is already in your CV. The statement is a chance for you to make sense of your application, in a holistic way, for the Admissions Committee.

Please note:

• It is an expectation that students attend all classes in their scheduled format (whether online, blended or in-person) in order to complete degree/diploma requirements.

Students who work full-time should register as part-time students.

Program Description

This program starts each September.

Students will undertake a program of studies with a minimum of 21 credits plus a doctoral dissertation.

Note: The program  does not  lead to teaching certification

Required Courses

A compulsory Seminar on Research and Issues in Language, Culture, and Teaching ( EDUC 5100 ) (6.0 credits). This seminar covers the conceptualizations of educational inquiry, theory and practice in relation to ongoing issues in holism, critical thought and the return to the humanities and arts as a way of informing human studies.

A compulsory  research methods course  beyond the introductory graduate level of at least 3.00 credits. (Students lacking pre-requisites must enrol in an introductory graduate-level course as an addition to their Program requirements. Equivalence of previous methods courses will be determined by the faculty supervisor in consultation with the Graduate Executive Committee). Courses  may be offered in an online, blended or face-to-face format. Course format is at the discretion of the faculty members who are teaching, so may vary in each academic year.

Elective Courses

A minimum of four half-courses (12.00 credits) or equivalent must be chosen from among the following:

• The formal course offerings of the Graduate Program in Education
• Courses in allied disciplines chosen from among the offerings of other graduate Programs at York University
• Courses in allied disciplines, to a maximum of one full course or equivalent, at other institutions
• Negotiated studies courses: Student Initiated Collaborative Inquiry (SICI), Directed Reading, Practicum Seminar. (Note: the content and weighting of negotiated studies courses must be determined by the faculty and approved by the Graduate Executive Committee).

NOTE:  Students may take no more than 6.00 credits outside the Graduate Program in Education toward their degree requirements.

Courses  may be offered in an online, blended or face-to-face format. Course format is at the discretion of the faculty members who are teaching, so may  vary in each academic year.

Comprehensive Examination

The Comprehensive Examination consists of a public defence of the dissertation proposal.

A Comprehensive Examination is set at the completion of all required course work, and typically held within six months of — and no more than one year from — the end of the student’s course work. Additional details on the Comprehensive Examination are available in the Graduate Program in Education Handbook.

Doctoral Dissertation Proposal & Dissertation

For regulations on the Dissertation Proposal & Dissertation Oral Examination, please consult the  Faculty of Graduate Studies site  for details.

Residency & Regulations

All graduate students at York University are responsible for being familiar with and following policies and procedures, including registering and paying fees in accordance with  Faculty of Graduate Studies and University policies, deadlines and procedures.   By registering, each student becomes bound by the policies and regulations of York University, including the Faculty in which the student is registered.

Both full-time and part-time study options are available. Students must maintain continuous registration, including payment of applicable (tuition) fees, in every fall, winter and summer term up to and including the term in which all requirements for their program of study are successfully completed, in accordance with Faculty and program regulations.

Students who fail to maintain continuous registration, including payment of applicable fees, will lose their status as full-time or part-time graduate students and will be withdrawn from their program of study. Students who have been withdrawn as a result of failure to observe registration requirements may petition for reinstatement.

Doctoral students must register and pay fees for a minimum of the equivalent of six terms of full-time registration. All requirements for a doctoral degree must be fulfilled within 18 terms (6 years) of registration as a full-time or part-time doctoral student in accordance with Faculty of Graduate Studies Registration Policies, including the requirement of continuous registration.

Students who successfully complete a doctoral degree in less time than the program length will, prior to convocation, be responsible for payment of a balance of degree fee.

Please be advised that programs in the Faculty of Education are intended to be delivered on campus or in official offsite locations in Toronto. Although mandated restrictions resulting from covid-19 have required classes to run online in the 2020-21 academic year, it is an expectation that students attend all classes in their scheduled format (whether online, blended or in-person) in order to complete degree/diploma requirements.   

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