PhD in Education and Social Justice

The PhD in Education and Social Justice is a research-based program that focuses on the intersection of education and social justice. The program is divided into two parts, with a modular structure that includes six compulsory modules.

Structure and Modules

The program consists of two parts: Part One and Part Two. Part One includes five modules that provide guided study in key areas of education and social justice, while Part Two involves original research under the supervision of a member of staff, culminating in a 45,000-word thesis.

Part One

Part One consists of five core modules and two support modules. The core modules are:

• EDS851: Understanding Social Justice Internationally: Issues, Theories, and Approaches
• EDS852: Promoting Social Justice through Education
• EDS857: Education, Activism, and Global Social Movements
• Two additional core modules (not specified)

The support modules are:

• EDS854: Researching Social Justice
• EDS855: Social Justice in Institutions and Organisations

Part One Core Modules

Each core module involves researching and writing a publishable paper for an academic journal (7,000 words).

EDS851: Understanding Social Justice Internationally: Issues, Theories, and Approaches

This module focuses on international education development, introducing students to historical and present projects, key organizations, policies, and practices. Students will work alongside their cohort peers and engage in an action research project, exploring education issues for particular populations within the wider context of global justice.

EDS852: Promoting Social Justice through Education

This module draws upon various approaches to social justice, engaging with theories and issues that help develop critical understanding around the question of how education promotes or inhibits social justice. Students will use their own professional environment, those of their cohort peers, and other education settings to gather evidence and provide a contextual perspective to the learning.

EDS857: Education, Activism, and Global Social Movements

This module explores the relationship between education and social movements/change, paying particular attention to educational and social inequalities relating to race, gender, environment, migration, poverty, peace, and democracy. Students will analyze how social movements contribute to educational change and how social movement learning takes place.

Part One Support Modules

Assessment for the support modules involves a number of short assignments (5-5,500 words in total for each module).

EDS854: Researching Social Justice

This module provides a practical guide to improving competency as a researcher, covering the fundamentals, practicalities, and essentials of research. Students will encounter and use various research methods and methodologies, generating qualitative and quantitative data. The module will see students delve deep into the philosophy and theory of research, exploring epistemological principles behind research techniques and their associated processes.

EDS855: Social Justice in Institutions and Organisations

This module invites students to develop their understanding of and critically appraise social justice as a concept and characteristic of institutions. Students will question the nature of social justice as applied to any given institution and consider how theories of social justice may vary across institutions.

Conversion Process to Part Two

Towards the end of Part One, students must produce a PhD confirmation document containing a research plan for the PhD thesis (up to 5,000 words).

Part Two

In Part Two, students will embark on an original research project, producing a 45,000-word thesis based on the research proposal developed in Part One. The Part Two module, EDS856: Writing and Defending the Thesis, is designed to keep students on track as they carry out their main research project, providing guidance on writing and defending their thesis.

EDS856: Writing and Defending the Thesis

This module provides resources for entering and successfully achieving Part Two, signaling the final steps towards becoming an autonomous researcher. Throughout the course of their research project, students will be supported by an experienced PhD supervisor closely matched to their particular research interests. The module will help students evidence personal and practical proficiencies, including in-depth understanding of how research is carried out, recognizing and eliminating issues, and critically reviewing their own work.

Lancaster University

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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