IOE's impactful research leads the world in education and related social science. It informs our doctoral courses, supporting the largest cohort of education students in the UK.
Applications are now open
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Sign up for updates about our programmes, events and news.
Sign me upProfessional Doctorates
For those with a suitable psychology background wishing to become an educational psychologist, we offer:
Since 1997, our EdD (Doctor of Education) has provided a route into practice-based research for professionals working in education to engage in part-time doctoral research while working in a professional context. EdD students follow taught courses with a cohort of fellow-practitioners prior to undertaking extended research in practice contexts.
MPhil/PhD
We offer routes into research that can be taken full-time or part-time, and face-to-face or by distance learning. There are two forms of MPhil/PhD:
1) For those who already have a master's degree with appropriate research training
Face-to-face
- Culture, Communication and Media MPhil/PhD
- Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment MPhil/PhD
- Education, Practice and Society MPhil/PhD
- Learning and Leadership MPhil/PhD
- Psychology and Human Development MPhil/PhD
- Social Science MPhil/PhD
Online
2) For those with a bachelor's degree or a need to have suitable research training
- Culture, Communication and Media with integrated research methods training MPhil/PhD
- Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment with integrated research methods training MPhil/PhD
- Education, Practice and Society with integrated research methods training MPhil/PhD
- Learning and Leadership with integrated research methods training MPhil/PhD
- Psychology and Human Development with integrated research methods training MPhil/PhD
- Social Research with integrated research methods training MPhil/PhD
Want to develop your skills first?
If you would like to develop your social science research skills prior to undertaking doctoral study, or simply want to secure a qualification in social science research without completing a doctorate, you may be interested in:
These courses provide initial routes into research. Both the MRes and the PG Dip are standalone qualifications in research and also provide routes to further postgraduate research study on the MPhil/PhD or the EdD.
What our students have said about us
My course in critical pedagogy resulted in my students producing a piece of immersive theatre, ‘False Friends,’ which was presented around the campus and attended by around 100 students. The students there offered me a unique insight into the nuanced challenges faced by Indigenous-rooted students in accessing education and valuing their language and knowledge systems. Most importantly, perhaps, I also learnt of the power of research undertaken alongside students rather than upon them.
#1 in the UK
For 'Research power in Education' and for 'Research strength in Education'.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021Areas of expertise
- Disciplines of education
Exploring early years to workplace and lifelong learning, as well as children and families, health and wellbeing, and international development. - The organisation and improvement of learning
Investigating factors that lead to tangible improvements in learning taking into account broader social, cultural and historical contexts. - Curriculum, culture and knowledge
Appraising the relationship between knowledge, learning and culture in educational environments. - Children, families and early learning
Examining early learning and education for children in families and formal institutions. - Longitudinal and social research
Studying the long-term impact of education and skills in employment, health, social and other outcomes through statistical and quantitative research.
Header image credit: Mary Hinkley for UCL IOE.
