Higher Education PhD

At the Surrey Institute of Education (SIoE), our aim is to produce the next generation of researchers, ready to address the complex problems in higher education, and help shape higher education policy and practice at local, national and international levels.

SIoE is one of the largest institutions in the UK dedicated to multidisciplinary research solely within higher education.

We’ve secured research grants from a variety of funders, including the British Academy, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Office for Students (OfS), the Leverhulme Trust, the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) and the Society for Research into Higher Education (SRHE).

You’ll benefit from our vibrant research culture and you’ll work alongside leading academics who are at the forefront of their respective fields, giving you access to expertise in a range of areas of higher education.

The University of Surrey is 33rd in the UK rankings for overall research quality by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. The research quality of the Surrey Institute of Education was ranked 20th out of 83 submissions for Education. In terms of outputs [research papers and other published works], 43% of the Institute’s outputs were considered world-leading (4*) for their originality, significance and rigour, placing us 11th out of the 83 submissions. For impact, we have been ranked 20th with 100% of impact case studies judged to have outstanding or very considerable impacts in terms of their reach and significance. Over half of our research environment was judged to be of 3*quality or, in other words, an environment conducive to producing research of internationally excellent quality and very considerable impact in terms of its vitality and sustainability.

Our PhD is research-based, so you’ll spend most of your time developing a research question, conducting original research, analysing your results and writing up your findings, all under the guidance of your project supervisors. We’ll also give you tailored research methods training through online and face-to-face tutorials.

Current students are researching topics including:

• Internationalisation of higher education: Chinese language learning in Pakistan
• Promoting English foreign language students’ willingness to communicate through teacher classroom behaviour and strategies in the Saudi context
• Challenges to teaching values: exploring the effect of changing national context on the professional identity of international academics teaching in UK universities
• Students’ experiences: neoliberal expectations and students’ mental health in British Higher Education
• Enhancing EFL students’ feedback literacy in China’s application-oriented universities.

We’ll equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to shape professional practice and policy, allowing you to pursue a highly fulfilling career in academic, research and learning development positions within the higher education sector. Graduates can also take up roles as researchers for government think-tanks, as well as policy research advisers.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

You’ll have a confirmation assessment to review your project formally. If you're a full-time student, this will take place around 12-15 months into your studies or 24-30 months if you’re studying part-time. You’ll be required to submit a written report and successfully complete an oral examination.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which you will discuss in a viva examination with at least two examiners.

Progress reviews 

In addition to the confirmation process you’ll have six-monthly progress reviews with your supervisors. These meetings are an opportunity to reflect on your progress, discuss successes and challenges and set targets for the next six months. These reviews will be monitored by postgraduate research directors and recorded on your student record. 

You’ll also have one formal meeting with your supervisors every month and can expect to have more frequent meetings between these. The regularity of these will depend on the nature and stage of your project. 

Professional development 

You’ll be invited to engage in regular departmental activities within the Department of Higher Education, giving you a breadth of tangible experience and real-world insight into a higher education institution.

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.