Doctor
of Philosophy / Master of Philosophy
Both of these degrees involve a
period of research, followed by the submission of a thesis. They differ
inasmuch as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) takes three years of full-time
study and requires the submission of a thesis of not more than 100,000
words and the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) takes two years of full-time
study and requires the submission of a thesis of not more than 60,000 words.
Both degrees are also available by part-time study: over a period of 6
years for a PhD and over 4 years for an MPhil.
Most students who are accepted begin a period of research leading to a
PhD. However, the first year of both degrees is probationary and progress
to year two is dependent on satisfactory progress.
"...the Graduate School arranges
seminars and talks throughout the year and which all research students are
invited to attend."
Students following both degrees are normally supported in their research
by two supervisors. The first of these is generally a member of staff who
has expertise in the general area of the prospective student's proposed
research topic. Many students will know the names of both supervisors before
they begin study, but it is not unusual for the second supervisor to be
appointed during the first year.
The Moray House School of Education offers a number of courses in research
methodologies, which research students are encouraged to take during their
first year. In addition Moray House has a Graduate
School which arranges
seminars and talks throughout the year and which all research students
and supervisors are invited to attend.
Students applying to begin these degrees must submit the standard University
application
form.
You should also submit a detailed research proposal - see
research proposal guidelines.
A list of the School's key research areas is
available here.
The full range of research interests across The Moray House School of
Education can be accessed via our
research section here. For research in
sociology of sport and recreation, recreation management and sport policy,
please contact Dr
Gavin Reid (g.reid@education.ed.ac.uk).
|
Guidelines
for a research proposal |
The University's application form is designed to enable you to give an overview
of your academic experience and qualifications for study at PhD/MPhil
level. By asking you for an outline research proposal we hope to get
a good picture of the kind of research you want to undertake and your
understanding of what such research is likely to entail. This, together
with information from your referees, will help us to assess whether the
Moray House School of Education would be the appropriate place for you
to pursue your research interests.
At the application stage you are unlikely to be in a position to provide
a comprehensive research proposal, and indeed the detailed shaping up of
a research plan would be very much done in conjunction with your supervisors(s).
But it is important for us to appreciate what you are hoping to investigate,
how you envisage carrying out the research, and what the results might
be expected to contribute to current knowledge and understanding in the
relevant academic field(s) of study. In writing your proposal please indicate
any prior academic or employment experience relevant to your planned research.
By asking you for an outline research proposal
we hope to get a good picture of the kind of research you want to undertake
and your understanding of what such research is likely to entail.
The description of
your proposed research should consist of 4-5 typed sheets of A4.
It can take whatever form seems best, but should include some information
about the following: |
| • |
The general area within which you
wish to conduct research, and why (in explaining the attractions
of your chosen research field, you might find it helpful to indicate,
for example
- what has stimulated the particular interests that you have
- any study or research in the area you have already undertaken) |
| • |
The kind of research questions that you would
hope to address, and why (in explaining what is likely to be the
main focus of your research, it may be helpful to indicate, for example
- why these issues are of particular concern
- the way in which they relate to existing literature) |
| • |
The sources of information and type of research
methods you plan to use (in explaining how you will be collecting
your research data it may be helpful to indicate, for example
- which sources you will be targeting
- how you will access these data sources) |
| In addition to the
above issues, please include any comments you are able to make concerning: |
| • |
the approach that you will take
to the analysis of the research data generated |
| • |
the general timetable you would
follow for carrying out and writing up your research |
| • |
any plans you may have for undertaking
fieldwork away from Edinburgh |
| • |
any problems that might be anticipated
in carrying out your proposed research |
NB This guidance applies to all candidates, except those
applying to conduct PhD research as part of a larger already established
research project (for example, in the Department of Physical Education,
Sport and Leisure Studies). In this case you should provide a two to
three page description of a research project that you have already undertaken,
as a means of complementing information given in the application form.
If you are in any doubt as to what is appropriate, please consult Dr
Joanne Williams (Jo.Williams@ed.ac.uk)
or Dr Gale Macleod (Gale.Macleod@ed.ac.uk),
PhD programme coordinators.
|
Key research areas |
The School’s research interests
are organised around the following broad themes:
• Children's and Young People's Learning and Development
• Higher, Community and Language Education
• Education, Society and Policy
• Equity, Inclusion and Diversity
• Sport Science and Human Performance
For further information on research interests please visit our 'Research
Themes & Projects' section.
For general information on the research opportunities and an application
pack, please contact educationpg@ed.ac.uk.
If an area is not listed here, then contact Dr Joanne Williams (Jo.Williams@ed.ac.uk)
or Dr Gale Macleod (Gale.Macleod@ed.ac.uk)
for advice on whether your proposed topic could be accommodated.
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