Entry Year
Academic Year 2025/26
Entry Requirements
2.1
Overview
You’ll be part of a dynamic doctoral research environment and will study alongside students from over 25 different countries; we supervise students undertaking research in key educational areas including: education in divided societies; effective education; children’s rights in education; educational assessment and inclusion, and social justice and inclusion.
As part of a lively community of over 200 full-time and part-time research students you’ll have the opportunity to develop your research potential in a vibrant research community that prioritises the cross-fertilisation of ideas and innovative practices.
Staff in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work publish world-class research which has local and global impact. Our funders and partners include research councils, government departments, the EU, the Council of Europe and large foundations. Our research informs the development of policies in many areas, including education, criminal justice, teaching and learning, the well-being of children, social cohesion and justice, mental health and trauma informed practice.
Students are encouraged to join one or more of eight research centres in the School.
The Center for Children’s Rights (CRC) is internationally renowned for its research on children’s rights aimed at improving their lives. The CRC focuses on substantive children’s rights issues, children’s participation in decision making and children’s rights-based research methods. The CRC has a reputation for its consultations with children and is known for its work with various UN organisations such as UNICEF.
The Center for Shared Education (CSE) is committed to promoting sharing in education as a mechanism for delivering economic, social and educational benefits to children, schools and society, particularly in post conflict societies. The CSE has three core aims: to increase understanding of school-based sharing; to develop and share the model of shared education; to foster expertise and support practitioners.
The Centre of Language Education Research (CLER) conducts research in language and education to make difference across local, national and international contexts. The expertise of spans language assessment, literacy studies and multimodality, academic discourse, language materials development, and heritage and minoritized language communities, among other topics.
The Centre for Applied Behaviour Analysis (CABA) focuses on the discovery of natural laws of behaviour, the study of how behaviour is shaped by environmental contingencies and how changes affect behaviour. ABA is based on a philosophy of inclusion, evidence-based effective education, and person-centred research and practice, and covers three distinct fields: radical behaviourism; experimental analysis of behaviour and applied behaviour analysis.
The Centre for Justice Studies (CJS) provides a focus for criminological research. The scope of CJS research includes the causes and correlates of crime and other forms of social harms, as well as the responses of the criminal justice system. The CJS aims to encourage and support world-leading research on crime and justice related topics; to facilitate linkages between researchers and justice agencies, reform and abolition groups; and develop international excellence in criminological research; to create a vibrant culture of criminological ideas.
The Centre for Technological Innovations in Mental Health and Education (TIME) develops technology based, inter-disciplinary research in the areas of mental health and professional education and training. Key strategic drivers relate to the new Northern Ireland. Mental Health Strategy. The Centre has a particular focus on developing partnerships with industry, service providers and policy makers.
The Centre for Inclusion, Transformation and Equality (CITE) focuses on inclusion, transformation and equality, addressing core themes of disability; gender & LGBTQ+; equality in education; and ethnicity, race and decoloniality. The four key drivers of CITE are Inter-disciplinarity and intersectionality; building a collaborative and inclusive research culture; impactful research; and participation and co-production.
The Centre for Child, Youth and Family Welfare (CCYFW) provides insights into the lives of children, young people, and families and to achieve better welfare outcomes and improve wellbeing. The centre undertakes high quality research impacting children, young people, and families across regional, national, and international contexts. Staff work collaboratively with policy makers, agencies, practitioners, children and young people, families to review existing evidence, knowledge, and interventions, identify gaps, and develop new theoretical insights, interventions, tools, and models to enhance service delivery.
Subject Summary
You’ll be part of a dynamic doctoral study environment, alongside students from over 25 different countries working on a range of topics within the field of Education. We have a lively community of around 200 full-time and part-time research students. You’ll have the opportunity to become part of a supportive research community that lends emphasis to the cross-fertilisation of ideas and innovation in the advancement of knowledge.
Education Highlights
Internationally Renowned Experts
- In the World Rankings, Queen’s is:
Ranked 202 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Ranked 28th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024).
Queen’s ranked 18 in the world for international outlook (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023).
Over 99% of Queen’s research environment was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
SDG10 Reduced Inequalities: 39 out of 901 institutions.
The School is home to leading international academic experts in specialist fields with a number of academics holding positions on government advisory councils, Chair positions on internationally recognised committees, memberships of several research centres across the University and visiting professorships in research excellent universities across the world.
Education (176 – 200) is ranked in the top 200 subject rankings in Times Higher Education.
Queen’s is ranked 16th in the UK for Education (REF 2021/ Times Higher Education).
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 places Education, 6th for International Outlook.
Key Facts
Research students are encouraged to play a full and active role in relation to the wide range of research activities undertaken within the School and there are many resources available including:
- access to the PG Researcher Development Programme; office accommodation with access to computing facilities and support to attend conferences for full-time students; and a range of lectures and workshops on key aspects of writing a doctoral thesis.
Course content
Research Information
Associated Research
Our research comprises a variety of methodologies, among which are randomised control trials; ethnographic, children’s rights-based, multidisciplinary, projective and constructivist methodologies, and large-scale attitudinal surveys. Innovations in methodology, as well as developing innovative practice, are key drivers of our research activity. The wider influence of research is also evident in the extensive involvement of staff and students in key national and international research networks and our ability to attract major international conferences to Queen’s.
Research Success
The School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work provides a rich and vibrant context for educational research. The core discipline of Education at Queen’s is one of the leading areas for educational research in the UK and Ireland.
PhD Opportunities
Our research is organised through eight research centres.
The Center for Children’s Rights (CRC)
The Center for Shared Education (CSE)
The Centre of Language Education Research (CLER)
The Centre for Applied Behaviour Analysis (CABA)
The Centre for Justice Studies (CJS)
The Centre for Technological Innovations in Mental Health and Education (TIME)
The Centre for Inclusion, Transformation and Equality (CITE)
The Centre for Child, Youth and Family Welfare (CCYFW)
Any project and funding opportunities can be found at the link below.
Research Impact
The School's research funders and partners include the research councils, government departments, the EU and the Council of Europe. Our research informs thinking and the development of policies locally and internationally.
Research Projects
Education deliver a wide range of research projects including working with the Queen's Communities and Place (QCAP) research centre at Queen's https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/qcap/, supporting the dissemination of a Shared Education model with the Department for Education in Northern Ireland and internationally. Our researchers are also working towards improving literacy on an international level for primary school students with innovative methods and robust research.
Current PGR Student Profiles
Qurat ul Ain (she/her)
PhD Education Student
SSESW, Queen’s University Belfast
Project title - An exploratory trial to investigate whether peer tutoring or individual work improves metacognition in secondary school students
As an international student from Pakistan, fortunate to be funded by The Department for Education (DfE) Northern Ireland, my journey to Queen's University Belfast was fueled by a quest for a revolutionary academic experience. Delving into the realm of Education and its potential to bridge gaps in student achievement, my research area revolves around Education, with a specific focus on the transformative power of peer tutoring and its impact on metacognition among secondary school students. I aim to uncover how peer tutoring can enhance students' metacognitive abilities and, in turn, influence their academic attainment.
I found my purpose at SSESW—the School of Social Sciences, Education, and Social Work. Drawn by its distinguished reputation and inclusive environment, SSESW perfectly aligned with my aspirations. The school's track record of impactful research and ground-breaking studies further underscores SSESW's reputation as a hub of academic excellence. Previous scholarly contributions from SSESW have influenced policies and practices, making a tangible difference in the realms of education and social sciences.
At Queen's University Belfast, I have access to a wealth of academic resources, networking opportunities, allowing me to engage with leading minds in the field and stay at the forefront of innovative research.
PRIMARY SUPERVISOR: Professor Allen Thurston
SECONDARY SUPERVISOR: Professor Alison Mackenzie
Current PGR Student Profiles
Dadan Nugraha (Indonesia)
PhD Education
Project title: English Language Teachers' Digital Pedagogic Habitus and Post-Pandemic Educational Policy in Indonesia
I am incredibly fortunate to have undertaken my doctoral research at the School of Social Science Education and Social Work (SSESW) at Queen's University Belfast (QUB). This esteemed institution fosters advanced educational research and provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The most valuable aspect of this experience is receiving regular written feedback from my supervisor and engaging in frequent discussions with him. His encouragement, attentiveness, and creativity greatly aid in my development as a professional educator and academic. He hones my skills in various areas, including academic writing, formulating thoughtful questions, offering constructive feedback, and engaging in meaningful conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, I have immensely benefited from auditing various modules and attending workshops and seminars offered by the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work (SSESW) academic staff. In addition, the events organised by research centres like the Centre for Language Education Research have proven very beneficial. The relaxed discussions with both the school's academic staff and my fellow PhD students proved invaluable, as did the unwavering support and efficiency of the administrative team. Being a PhD student at this esteemed school has been a profoundly significant experience for me, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone with a genuine interest in the field of Education.
PRIMARY SUPERVISOR Dr Ibrar Bhatt
SECONDARY SUPERVISOR Dr Jennifer Roberts
Career Prospects
Introduction
Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles in educational practice, the public sector or within NGO’s. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Researcher Plus, bolster our commitment to employability.
Employment after the Course
For further information on career development opportunities at PhD level please contact the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Career Development Team on ahssdevoffice@qub.ac.uk / +44 28 9097 5175
The AHSS Development Officers will be happy to provide further information on your research area career prospects.
People teaching you
Meet our Staff
SSESW
Professor Alison MacKenzie
Director of Graduate Studies
SSESW
Email: a.mackenzie@qub.ac.uk
Learning Outcomes
A research degree offers students an opportunity to foster their capacity for independent research and critical thought. It also allows students to explore an area of interest and so understand and solve theoretical and practical problems within the field. Undertaking a research degree can enhance a student’s written and oral communication skills and a PhD is almost always a formal requirement for an academic post.
Course structure
You are expected to take research training modules that are supported by the School. These modules focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods, and include participatory action research, arts-based research methods and multimodal interaction analysis, for example. Students will be provided with the SSESW PhD student training and engagement programme at the start of the academic year. You are also expected to carry out your research under the guidance of your supervisor.
Over the course of study, you can attend postgraduate skills training organised by the Graduate School. This training contributes to your training record which may be discussed at your annual progress reviews (APR).
You will normally register, in the first instance, as an 'undifferentiated PhD student' which means that you have satisfied staff that you are capable of undertaking a research degree. The decision as to whether you should undertake an MPhil or a PhD is delayed until you have completed 'differentiation'.
Differentiation takes place 9-12 months after registration for full time students and 18-30 months for part time students. You will be asked to submit work to a panel of two academics who will then meet you formally to explore your research at the 'Differentiation Panel'.
The Panel will make a judgement about your capacity to continue with your study based on the feasibility of your research design and commitment. Sometimes students are advised to revise their research objectives or to consider submitting their work for an MPhil qualification rather than a doctoral qualification, but this outcome is very rare.
To complete a doctoral qualification, you will be required to submit a thesis of approximately 80,000 words. You will defend your thesis at a viva voce [oral examination] with an external and internal examiner.
A PhD programme runs for 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time. Students can apply for a writing up year (thesis only) should it be required.
The PhD is open to both full and part-time candidates and is useful preparation for a career within academia or consultancy.
Full-time students are often attracted to research degree programmes because they offer an opportunity to pursue an area of academic interest in some depth.
A part time research degree is an exciting option for professionals already working in the education field who are seeking to extend their knowledge on an issue of professional interest. Often part time candidates choose to research an area that is related to their professional responsibilities.
If you meet the Entry Requirements, the next step is to check whether we can supervise research in your chosen area. We only take students to whom we can offer expert research supervision from our academic staff. Your research question needs to engage with the research interests of one of our staff.
The Application Process:
Please review the eligibility criteria on the webpages. If you believe that you meet these criteria, then follow the steps below:
Using the School filter option within our ‘Find A PhD Supervisor Tool’ (https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/find-a-phd-supervisor/), select ONE potential supervisor from our list of Academic Staff and send an email containing:
a brief CV (1-2 pages maximum);
a concise statement that you are interested in studying for a PhD, stating when you would start, and how you would plan to fund the research;
a brief statement of the research question or interest, and how the question could be investigated.
Our academic staff welcome approaches from prospective students. Staff can liaise with applicants to develop a research proposal of mutual interest. The potential supervisor should get back to you within a couple of weeks. They may invite you to meet with them or they may invite you to apply formally.
If you have difficulty identifying or contacting an appropriate supervisor, please contact our Director of Graduate Studies, Professor Alison MacKenzie or the SSESW PGR Team (email: a.mackenzie@qub.ac.uk or sseswdoctoralresearch@qub.ac.uk) who will be happy to help.
For part-time study – the closing date for this option is 31st August each year.
Full-time study (self-funding): full-time candidates who do not wish to compete for a studentship or who are not eligible to compete for a studentship the closing date is 31st August each year.
For full-time study and application for a scholarship/award - please be aware that awards are only available to full-time students. Candidates wishing to apply for scholarships available within the School must apply for full-time study at the same time. Available scholarships and closing dates are detailed on the Find A PhD page: https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/PostgraduateStudy/
Assessment
Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually.
This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.
The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.
Feedback
Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.
Facilities
The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces. Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour:https://youtu.be/vB0jafwkgd0
PhD students will have access to a shared office space and access to a desk with personal computer and internet access.
Learning and Teaching
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No Opportunities Currently Available
Entrance requirements
Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider,or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work.
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC |
| EU Other 3 | £20,500 |
| International | £20,500 |
1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Education costs
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.
Bench fees
Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.
How do I fund my study?
1.PhD OpportunitiesFind PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.
2.Funded Doctoral Training ProgrammesWe offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.
3.PhD loansThe Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.
4.International ScholarshipsInformation on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students.
Funding and Scholarships
The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Find a supervisor
If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.