PhD/Doctoral Programme in E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning: Introduction

In January 2008 the Centre for Studies in Advanced Learning Technology, Department of Educational Research, Lancaster University, U.K launched a new structured, part-time Doctoral Programme in E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning leading to a PhD. This innovative programme combines a limited number of face-to-face residential meetings with considerable 'online' learning and is available to anyone in the world wishing to develop their e-learning research and practice.

Acting Course director: Professor Michael Reynolds

Modular Structure

Part One (Years 1 and 2)

Module One: Research Methods in Education and Social Science Settings: Philosophy, methodology, techniques and tools. 40 credits.
Module Two: The Development of Professional Practice. 30 credits
Module Three: Researching Technology Enhanced/Networked Learning, Teaching and Assessment. 40 credits.
Module Four: Groups and Communities: Researching the Design of Technology Enhanced Learning. 40 credits.
Module Five: Interculturality and Globalisation in TEL. 30 credits.

Part Two (Years 3 and 4): Preparing for the Thesis

Module Six: Reflecting on Technology Enhanced Learning in Post-Compulsory Education. This module includes the writing of a research proposal, for the individual research carried out in Part Two and written up in the thesis.
Thesis (approx 50,000 words). The qualification awarded is a PhD.

More information on course structure and modules

Admissions Information

This next cohort is expected to be over-subscribed. If you intend to apply to join our 2011 cohort then we would advise your application is sent before the 11th September, 2010.

Next Start Date: 1st February, 2011

There is a four day compulsory residential meeting in Lancaster, (Provisional dates 5th - 8th April 2011)

The programme does not assume any previous research training but those admitted should normally have relevant professional experience and be currently engaged in teaching and learning activities as this programme supports professional development activities. For admission to this programme applicants should normally have:

an honours degree (2:1 or above) from a British university or CNAA, and preferably a taught Master's degree; or
qualifications of a comparable standard from a university or recognised degree awarding body in another country.

In addition, applicants should normally have at least three years experience of teaching, research or administration in a university, further education college, or comparable institution or similar experience from a commercial or industrial training context.

Participants will need to spend about 12-15 hours studying per week. This includes reading and responding to online discussions, two or three times a week (or as often as you are able to) throughout the programme. This will, of course, vary from participant to participant and from time to time. The flexibility of the VLE medium and form of learning should allow each participant to manage this in ways which suit their professional and personal life, as well as allowing them to participate fully in the online activities associated with the Doctoral programme.

For students whose first language is not English an English Language Test Certificate will be required:

IELTS - Overall 6.5 with at least 6.0 for reading and writing
TOEFL - At least 580 with a good reading and writing score

There is more information about application and admissions on our frequently asked questions page.

Further information

There is extensive information on this programme on the following pages or you can download all the information as a pdf booklet.

More Information on the programme
Programme structure and modules
Information on the residential
Benefits of the programme
Frequently asked questions

If you would like further information please contact Alice Jesmont who will be pleased to help you.