Study for a PhD in Educational Research
We offer a portfolio of research-led continuing professional development opportunities at doctoral level which are closely associated with our centres.
Structured PhDs

Traditional route PhD - independent study
We offer supervision in a range of research areas by world-renowned specialists in a range of topics within our areas of specialism.
Traditional route PhDFrequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions accordion Accordion
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Can I study part-time?
Most of our PhD programmes are studied part-time. The exception is the Traditional route PhD which can be undertaken as full-time or part-time study.
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Do I have to visit the campus to study for a PhD?
This depends on which programme of study you choose. For the PhD in E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning and the PhD in Educational Research - Higher Education you must attend some campus-based residentials.
Two of our PhD programmes, the PhD in Higher Education: Research, Evaluation and Enhancement and the PhD in Education and Social Justice, are studied entirely online. Supervision for the Traditional route PhD - independent study can be conducted online or on campus. As Lancaster University students, all of our learners are welcome to visit the campus at any time.
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Do I have to write a research proposal?
If you decide to apply for a Traditional route PhD then you will have to provide a 1500-2000 word research proposal. For the other PhD programmes, you will need to provide a personal statement.
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How much are the fees?
The fees for our doctoral programmes are given with the "Fees and funding" section of each of the programmes.
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Who should I contact for further information about a particular PhD programme?
Contact details for the different PhD programmes can be found within the web pages describing that programme.
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Which Higher Education PhD programme should I choose?
Can’t decide between the two higher education programmes offered by Lancaster University’s Department of Educational Research? Use the comparison table on our Which Higher Education PhD programme should I choose? webpage to inform your decision.
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Where can I find resources for doctoral researchers?
Professor Paul Trowler has provided some Learning resources on topics of interest to doctoral researchers which were originally developed for HEREE doctoral researchers. The resources include videos and interactive exercises on a variety of topics including: writing proposals, research questions, ontology and epistemology, and the "So What?" question.
PhD theses
All PhD theses awarded by the Department of Educational Research are available from Lancaster University's library with recent theses available in electronic form.
A full list of theses is available via OneSearch and this Library web page gives more information about Theses and Dissertations.