Postgraduate research opportunities

The School offers both doctoral and Masters level programmes of study designed to develop a student’s skills of research, from conception through design, methodology and data collection, to analysis, interpretation and dissemination, while working with experienced supervisors on the conduct of an original piece of research. For details of our supervisors and some of the subject areas they cover please visit our research supervision page.

Applications are now accepted for two full-time 3 year PhD studentships – “social media in professional education and practice” For more details see: http://www.stir.ac.uk/education/news-and-events/news-archive/2013/3-year-phd-studentships/name-42761-en.html

• PhD/MPhil by Research (full-time)
  The School offers a wide range of opportunities to undertake a full-time doctorate. The study period lasts from three to four years, with the possibility of additional time for writing up. It is designed to enable you to research a topic in depth with the support of an expert supervisor, leading to an 80,000 word thesis.

  You will undertake your research under the supervision of a supervisory team, comprising a principal supervisor and a second supervisor (who may be from a different discipline if appropriate). We will advise you on your training needs, which may include participation in existing research methods modules or short courses.

  Stirling is part of the Scottish Graduate School in Social Science, and you are eligible to attend their events, as well as those organised through the Stirling Graduate School. We also expect you to play an active part in the wider research community in the School, attending our weekly seminars and presenting your own papers at our annual research student conference. As your research develops, we will also encourage you to take part in appropriate international and national research conferences.

  Your thesis is expected to be a substantial original contribution to knowledge and, in principle, to be capable of peer-reviewed publication. We offer two distinct types of thesis: as well as a traditional dissertation, we also offer a doctorate through a group of related publications based on your research.

• Part-time Cohort (PhD)
  This new part-time structured PhD programme, over 4-5 years, is particularly tailored for the needs of mid-career professionals practicing in various fields who are involved in providing or managing learning. The programme is structured, supported and assessed through research development workshops and a student cohort which involve significant levels of directed study and written assignments.

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• PhD by Publication
  This route leads to a PhD, through a final thesis comprising four to six published research papers interlinked by a contextualised narrative, within the standard word limit of 80,000.  The papers may include papers, chapters, monographs and books, and the majority of these must be published or accepted for publication within the PhD registration period.  All other aspects of the programme (supervision, involvement, length, cost and support) are the same as the thesis route.
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
  The School of Education is not accepting applications for the EdD programme during 2013 and 2014. Students who are interested in part-time doctoral study are invited to look at our Part-Time Cohort PhD Programme.
• Educational Research (MRes)
  This innovative programme prepares you for doctoral studies in Education through taught modules and a dissertation. You learn the skills of research, from conception, through to design, methodology and data collection, to analysis, interpretation and dissemination.