PhD in Higher Education: Research, Evaluation and Enhancement

The PhD in Higher Education: Research, Evaluation and Enhancement is a comprehensive program designed to equip professionals with a deep understanding of higher education research, evaluation, and enhancement. The program has a modular structure, consisting of three core modules and three support modules, all of which are compulsory.

Program Structure

• The program is divided into two parts: Part One and Part Two.
• Part One consists of five modules that offer guided study in key areas of Higher Education Research, Evaluation and Enhancement.
• Part Two involves carrying out an original piece of research under the supervision of a member of staff and producing a thesis (45,000 words) with the benefit of a sixth module.

Part One Compulsory Core Modules

• EDS845: Enhancing Higher Education: Policy and Change Processes: This module introduces students to recent research, key theories, concepts, and critical perspectives about policy-making and change processes aimed at enhancing practices and outcomes in higher education.
• EDS844: Evaluative Practice in Social Policy Domains: Higher Education: This module equips students with a comprehensive understanding of evaluative practices, applying approaches to higher education at individual programme, institutional, and sector levels.
• EDS842: Enhancing Learning Teaching and Assessment at University: This module improves students' critical appreciation of the way learning, teaching, and assessment in higher education are perceived, implemented, organised, and linked to policy and larger socio-cultural and political structures.

Part One Compulsory Support Modules

• EDS843: Researching Higher Education: This module supports students as researchers and professionals, providing insights into various research methods and how to apply research and evidence to improve practice.
• EDS841: Connecting Research and Practice: Integrated into the core modules, this module enhances students' ability to articulate and analyse aspects of their professional practice and connect these to related research literature.

Confirmation Process

• Towards the end of Part One, students produce a PhD confirmation document containing a research plan for the PhD thesis (up to 5,000 words), which is assessed by a panel of academics.

Part Two

• In Part Two, students embark on an original research project and produce a 45,000-word thesis based on the research proposal developed in Part One.
• EDS846: Writing and Defending a Thesis: This module provides guidance on writing and defending the thesis, with resources and opportunities for engagement with other students and access to a range of resources.

Assessment of the Thesis

• The thesis is approximately 45,000 words and is assessed against the same criteria as other Lancaster University PhDs, including a viva voce examination conducted via video conference if preferred, with external and internal examiners appointed to examine each student's thesis.

Lancaster University

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Overview:

Lancaster University is a public research university located in Lancaster, England. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK and is recognized for its high-quality teaching, research, and student experience.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Lancaster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can enjoy a range of facilities, including a library, sports center, and arts venues. The university also has a strong sense of community, with a variety of student societies and clubs to join.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings and Reputation:

Lancaster University is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK, demonstrating its academic excellence.

Excellent Teaching and Learning:

The university is known for its high-quality teaching and learning, with a focus on student engagement and support.

Vibrant Student Life:

Lancaster University offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and arts events.

Beautiful Campus:

The university is situated on a beautiful campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong Career Support:

Lancaster University provides excellent career support services to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

Lancaster University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including: * Arts and Social Sciences * Health and Medicine * Management School * Science and Technology