university of reading phd education

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PhD Education

University of reading, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Education Studies

Course type

As a postgraduate research student at the Institute of Education at the University of Reading, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse research community, working alongside leading experts within education.

We have a long and established track record of research excellence and international impact. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), 80% of our research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. As a research student with us, we encourage you to participate in the wide range of opportunities available to you at the Institute, and to engage with the important and often complex issues which arise in research within the field of education.

All postgraduate research students automatically become members of the University-wide Graduate School. The Graduate School's Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP) offers a rich array of training sessions and workshops which have been especially designed to help you gain the additional skills that will enable you to carry out your research professionally and effectively. The RRDP is delivered primarily using the expertise of academic and specialist staff within the University and complements any subject-specific training that we provide. The RRDP includes training sessions on research methods, writing academic papers, getting published, public engagement and career planning.

Our PhD students go on to work in academia as postdoctoral researchers, but also quickly find employment in widely varied fields with links to education in all its forms, be it scholastic, government policy, corporate, non-profit and public training strategy and all areas of the world that benefit from education in any format.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

To be accepted onto our doctoral programme, you will need to have achieved a high merit (a mark of 65 or more or equivalent), in a master's programme in a related discipline, or if you are applying for a 1+3 PhD (Masters plus PhD), you need to have achieved a high 2.1 (a mark of 65 or more or equivalent) in your undergraduate degree.

Education Doctorate Programme EdD

Bangor university, education studies (full-time) ma, education phd, education studies (part-time) ma, national education (wales) (english-medium) ma.

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PhD opportunities

We have a long and established track record of research excellence and international impact.

In the latest Research Excellence Framework, 98% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Education).

As a research student with us, we encourage you to participate in the wide range of opportunities available to you at the Institute, and to engage with the important and often complex issues which arise in research within the field of education.

Our expertise

We have a national and international reputation for impactful research which at the same time makes important contributions to theory across the education, language and learning spectrum.

Explore information about our research staff and their projects  

Visit our latest news page

PhD supervision 

When you undertake a PhD with us, you'll be assigned a supervisor with expertise that aligns with your research topic.

Our expert academics are leaders in their areas of research, and will work closely with you to ensure your time with us as a PhD student is as rewarding as possible.

Find out more about our staff and the areas of doctoral research they supervise

Types of doctoral degree

We offer several routes to a doctoral qualification, so you can find the one that suits you and the topic you wish to study.

Part-time study

Part-time PhDs are available as well as full-time, so you can choose a mode of study that suits your circumstances.

PhD by Distance

Our PhD by Distance programme allows you to benefit from the expertise of a Reading-based supervisor, while conducting your research in a different location.

Take the next step

• How to apply for PhD
• How to apply for EdD
• Get a prospectus
• Ask us a question
• Learn about the Graduate School

IoE Doctoral Supervisors

As a PhD student at the University of Reading’s Institute of Education (IoE), you will be part of a vibrant and diverse research community, working alongside leading experts within the research field of education.

Below you will find a list of IoE potential PhD supervisors and their research interests. You can also learn more about research projects of some of our staff here .

If you would like to learn more about pursuing your PhD research at the IoE,  please click here . If you would like to learn more about our graduated and current PhD students, please click here .

(Please note that if you are applying to do an EdD, a supervisor will be allocated to you by the programme.)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

If you are interested in pursuing your PhD research with us, the initial step to make would be to apply online using the application system, and for this application to include a research proposal. It is important that you take a look at the supervisors and their research interests listed below before making an application, so that you can see whether we are able to provide supervision in your area of interest. You are welcome to contact a potential supervisor before applying but we need a formal application before we can interview you or offer you a place. Please follow the link  for all the relevant information on how to apply online.

If you need any further assistance, please contact the Postgraduate Research (PGR) Administrator (Gaby Burford) at [email protected] in the first instance.

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PhD opportunities

Join our thriving and welcoming programme by undertaking a PhD in Philosophy. We offer supervision from leading experts across a wide range of areas.

Why study for a PhD with us?

Combine rigorous supervision and a full schedule of events with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere in which students and staff learn from each other.

Fees and funding

The University is committed to supporting postgraduate research students. Find out more about PhD fees and funding, including information on studentships and bursaries.

How we support you

You'll receive support from the Department of Philosophy and the Doctoral and Researcher College, which is the University of Reading's hub for all doctoral activity.

Life in the Department

Become an important part of a flourishing and welcoming community. You will work alongside internationally renowned academics and collaborate with colleagues from across the University.

Our research

100% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Philosophy).

Read our stories

Explore the stories behind our staff, students and alumni and learn about life in the Department of Philosophy.

Take the next step

• How to apply
• Get a prospectus
• Ask us a question
• Learn about the Doctoral and Researcher College

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Literacy studies, doctor of philosophy (ph.d.), you are here, a research-focused doctoral program for scholarship on reading, writing, and literacy. .

The Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies is committed to furthering knowledge in literacy and literacy education. Doctoral students construct an individualized program of study based on their areas of interest, to develop their understanding and expertise in particular aspects of the field.

This program was previously known as Reading/Writing/Literacy Ph.D. Beginning in Summer 2024, this program will be titled Literacy Studies Ph.D.

What Sets Us Apart

About the program.

In the Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies, doctoral students customize their course of study to their individual interests. Of 20 required courses, 10 of them are electives, allowing students to work with their advisors to develop a program that is best suited to the individual’s areas of interest.

4 courses per semester (fall/spring)

Culminating experience Comprehensive examination and dissertation

Duration of program 4–6 years

Transfer courses accepted Up to 8 courses with approval

The Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies emphasizes the interrelationships and integration of theory, research, policy, and practice. Doctoral students construct individual programs of study with their advisor to suit their interests, combining core courses with additional coursework in research methodology and electives.

In addition to the core doctoral courses, students focus on developing their understanding and expertise in particular aspects of the field. These aspects might include teacher education, pedagogy and curriculum, leadership, policy, urban education, multicultural education, adult and community-based literacy in and out of school, or literacy in international contexts. Throughout the program, students learn to conduct research on critical issues and problems in literacy.

In the Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies, students create individual programs of study. They are encouraged to develop one or more areas of concentration. Options include, but are not limited to:

• Teacher education and professional development
• Literacy policy and leadership
• Postsecondary learning environments
• Adult literacy education
• Reading, writing, and literacy across elementary, middle, and secondary curricula
• Children’s and adolescent literature
• Literacy practices with families, schools, and communities
• Urban education
• Digital literacies and technologies for teaching and learning
• Critical literacies

Students in the program benefit from the vast resources of the University of Pennsylvania. We encourage our doctoral students to choose electives from our program's courses, from other Penn GSE programs, and from across the University of Pennsylvania. 

The program includes six required courses, four research courses, and 10 electives. For more information on courses and requirements, visit the  Literacy Studies Ph.D. program in the University Catalog .

Our Faculty

Our faculty are renowned scholars and researchers who are committed to educational practice and to supporting scholar-practitioners.

"Their willingness to push to find the right solution for me ended up reshaping how I approach a lot of work I do, and gave me a unique angle with how I was coming at education and literacy."

T. Philip Nichols

Our graduates.

The Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies prepares scholar-practitioners for careers in research and teaching at colleges and universities and other educational organizations with a primary mission related to furthering knowledge in literacy and literacy education.

Alumni Careers

• Assistant Professor, Baylor University
• Assistant Professor, California State University
• Assistant Professor, North Carolina State University
• Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut
• Assistant Professor, Texas Tech
• A ssistant Professor, University of Florida
• A ssistant Professor, University of California, Davis
• Director of Undergraduate Research, University of Connecticut
• Professor, Reading Area Community College
• Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh

Admissions & Financial Aid

Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements , as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.

Contact us if you have any questions about the program.

Graduate School of Education University of Pennsylvania 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]

Tamika Easley Program Manager (215) 898-3245 [email protected]

Kemba Howard  Administrative Assistant  (215) 898-8525 [email protected]

Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.

All Ph.D. students are guaranteed a full scholarship for their first four years of study, as well as a stipend and student health insurance. Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

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UTAP student Meresa García shares her passion for literacy and community work with Penn Libraries in “Penn Today”

Celebration of writing and literacy seeks proposals on safe spaces for october conference.

Collaboratory for Teacher Education

The Collaboratory for Teacher Education at Penn GSE is a laboratory for the design, implementation, and study of experimental approaches to teacher education.

Literacy.org: National Center for Adult Literacy/International Literacy Institute

The National Center for Adult Literacy (NCAL) focuses on research, innovation, and training in adult education and technology. The International Literacy Institute (ILI), established by UNESCO and Penn in 1994, provides leadership in research, development, and training in the broad field of international literacy and...

Philadelphia Writing Project

The Philadelphia Writing Project (PhilWP) is network of over 800 teacher consultants who work with teachers and other educators to explore literacy, writing, teaching, and learning in their classrooms and schools regardless of grade or discipline.

You May Be Interested In

Related programs.

• Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D.
• Literacy Studies M.S.Ed.
• Literacy Studies Ed.D.
• Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ph.D.
• Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ed.D.

Related Topics

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Ph.d. in education literacy specialization.

Doctoral students in the Literacy specialization developed advanced knowledge in reading and writing development and instruction with particular attention to students with learning differences, including differences due to disability or socioeconomic background. The specialization offers a balanced emphasis on reading and writing, including developing these skills in digital environments.

Students in this specialization

• Gain a rich understanding of the development of reading and writing skills with particular attention to students with learning differences across grade levels.
• Conduct research on reading and writing instruction, curriculum, assessment, multimodal and digital literacy tools, and learning English as a second language.
• Develop a rich methodological toolkit for designing learning and instructional investigations and assessing the outcomes of educational interventions.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Teomara Rutherford

Specialization Coordinator: Dr. Steve Amendum

Specialization Courses

In addition to the doctoral core courses, the following specialization courses are required of all Ph.D. students in Literacy:

• EDUC 802: Reading Development and Instruction
• EDUC 807: Writing Development and Instruction
• EDUC 822: Critical Issues in Literacy Development and Learning Problems

Sample Course Schedules

Sample Literacy course schedules for students who enter the Ph.D. program in the following semesters are available through the links below.

• Students entering in the Fall of odd years
• Students entering in the Fall of even years

Specialization Requirements

All Ph.D. students in this specialization must also pass a  specialization area exam in Literacy .

Recent Graduates

Our graduates accept academic positions in research universities, departments of education, and school districts, as well as industry positions in educational organizations.

For example, recent PhD in Education graduates with a literacy specialization have accepted positions at the Educational Testing Service, the University of Buffalo, Lesley University, the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, the University of Saint Joseph, and University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Student Spotlight

Andrew Potter

“I have learned so much from the opportunity to work alongside accomplished professors in research and teaching settings. I work on Dr. MacArthur’s Supporting Strategic Writers (SSW) research project, funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). In my role as a research assistant, I have collaborated with other researchers to support curriculum revisions, data collection of student writing assignments, field observations of classroom instruction, and quantitative data analysis of student outcome measures.”

Program Faculty

Our faculty hold grants from the National Science Foundation, the Institute of Education Sciences and private foundations. They have been recognized for their work by the American Educational Research Association, the International Literacy Association and the Literacy Research Association.

Graduate Students

Alumni Profile

Zoi philippakos.

“UD has an impeccable reputation and has always conducted research that was relevant and innovative. As I had hoped, I had the chance to work with researchers who supported my research interests, were willing to collaborate, and viewed their students as future colleagues. It was a privilege to have Dr. MacArthur as my advisor and now as a colleague. I have learned how to be ethical in research but also how to conduct research, work with schools, teachers, parents, students, my students, and love what I do! Thank you, UD for being my academic home!”

Research Projects

Request More Information

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Reading Education Ph.D.

Are you looking to take the next step in Reading Education? In Auburn’s Ph.D. in Reading Education program, you’ll become a literacy expert. As a doctoral student in Auburn’s Reading Education program, you’ll work closely with faculty who are committed to your success.

You’ll gain skills in both quantitative and qualitative research. You’ll combine your expertise in literacy and research by creating a doctoral dissertation that advances knowledge in the field. When you graduate, you’ll be equipped to work in a variety of areas in reading education. Our graduates work in many different settings:

College or University Faculty

State Reading Initiative Development and Implementation

School, Regional, State Reading Education Leaders

School System Reading Specialists

Current and Future Teacher Training

Ph.D. programs are not part of the Auburn University approved Educator Preparation Programs. The state of Alabama does not have certification/license at this level and therefore this degree is not eligible for reciprocity in other states.

Degree Overview

The Ph.D. degree leads to recommendation for Class AA Alabama professional educator certification.

Coursework — 80 hours minimum

Reading education coursework — 27 hours

Includes internship — 6 hours

Advisor-approved courses* — 43 hours

Exact programs of study are developed with your chair and faculty committee.

Masters or other graduate work may count toward total degree hours

*RSED 6000/6006 Advanced Survey of Exceptionality is required if a survey of special education course was not previously completed.

Research — 10 hours minimum

Work with major professor to choose research topic

Complete 10 hours of research and dissertation

View all degree requirements

Ready to join the Auburn Family?

Visit Auburn’s Graduate School homepage for checklists, resources, valuable graduate student information and to begin your application. Please contact department faculty listed above with program-specific questions.

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Literacy Education, Ph.D.

• Admissions & Financial Aid
• Requirements

The doctoral degree in Literacy Education prepares graduates to develop critical skills and expertise in cognitive, social, and critical perspectives toward language and literacy.

In this program, students will conduct and publish significant research and scholarly work, design innovative curricula and assessment, advocate for literacy policy, and teach pre- and in-service school personnel. Students will draw on the expertise of faculty through a combination of coursework, independent studies, and other mentoring, as well as offerings from across the School of Education and University, to develop a program of study that focuses on childhood literacy, adolescent literacy, or teaching English as an additional language. Opportunities are available for collaborative or individual presentations and authoring around issues of literacy, reading, and language arts.

Suggested Application Deadline: January 15 or October 1 | More admissions information

Take classes and work with with faculty who have received special recognition for teaching excellence, and are leaders in national and international professional organizations such as National Council of Teachers of English ,  International Literacy Association , and  Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages .

Expertise in teaching and instruction is also developed with the department and with participation in the Future Professoriate Program . This includes orientations, year-round services for teaching assistants, and opportunities to co-teach with fellow doctoral students and department faculty, guest lecture, and independent instruction. Opportunities to gain and demonstrate that expertise include teaching, field supervision, advising, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation students.

Our graduates are faculty in literacy education and teach preparation at prestigious universities, or work in foundations and policy organizations, program and curriculum development, consulting, and children’s literature.

Program Contacts