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Postgraduate Research

Education research degrees

The length of programme registration will be longer as it includes the maximum writing-up phase. See further details on how research degrees are structured at Hull and thesis submission expectations.

Our academic staff have expertise in a variety of topics from technology to youth work. Find out more about a PhD in Education at Hull.

About our Education research degrees

We offer postgraduate research options across a broad variety of topics ranging from technology enhanced learning, higher education, youth work and community development research to themes around leadership, policy and inclusive practices within Education. Students explore a range of current educational practice, looking at key issues and policy. Graduates leave with reflective and practical skills and the knowledge they need to contribute to their chosen learning community. Much of our research is participatory in nature, that is, we do research with people rather than to them.

Our highly experienced, research-active team supervises postgraduate students from around the world and research theses have been successfully completed on a wide variety of subjects.

Research topics

Our academic experts welcome applications for postgraduate research into a wide range of topics. Contact us for help with being matched up with a potential supervisor.

The faculty supports six sub-groups which are actively involved in a number of research projects:

  • Higher Education Research Interest (HERIG)
  • Professional Identity, Partnership and Practice (PIPP)
  • Technology Enhanced Learning
  • Inclusive Education
  • Early Years Education
  • Youth Work and Community Development

The Postgraduate Training Scheme

It is now widely recognised by employers, professional bodies and research funding agencies that specialist expertise alone is not sufficient preparation either for research or a subsequent career. With this in mind, we require all our postgraduate research students to follow a research training programme relating both to their particular field of study and to generic skills; for example, information technology and communication skills.

Programme structure

PhD structure

Full timePart time
3 years of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required6 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required

Masters structure

Full timePart time
1 year of research, with up to 12 months writing up if requiredN/A

Writing up and thesis submission

A standard full-time PhD programme comprised three years of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation (also referred to as “writing-up”). Part-time is six years plus up to 24 months thesis finalisation if needed. Full-time standard Masters programmes are comprised one year of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation if needed.

For full-time students, the thesis finalisation phase should take three months but may be extended to one year without further paperwork. The maximum thesis finalisation period is included in your overall programme length, which means that international PGRs will not need to apply for an additional visa to cover this phase.

If you need to move into the thesis finalisation period of your research degree, you must enrol for this phase and you will be liable to pay a continuation fee.

Thesis submission timelines

It is expected that you will submit your thesis within the timeframes outlined below:

Doctoral degrees

  • Submission by 3 years and 3 months full-time.
  • Submission by 6 years and 6 months for part-time.

Masters degrees

  • Submission by one year and 3 months full-time.

Entry Requirements

What do I need?

You should normally have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a related discipline appropriate to your intended research.

Contacting your prospective supervisor before you submit your application is not essential but may be helpful.

Typical offer

2:1 in a relevant subject area

Fees & Funding

How much is it?

Ready to get started?

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

Make your application online now, and our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible to make you an offer.

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Got questions? We've got answers.

We’ve time for you anytime. Call or email our postgraduate admissions team today, and we'll be happy to help you.

International student? Please use the link below to get in touch with our international team for answers and advice.