Study with GLEA

Why study with GLEA?

• Expert supervisors
• Influencing policy and practice across the educational sector
• Interdisciplinary culture
• National and international partnerships
• Supportive learning environment
• Engagement with fellow postgraduate researchers

Our academic experts

Staff in GLEA are internationally recognised as leaders in the fields of:

• Interculturality in teaching and learning
• Internationalising the curriculum; building capacity and quality into course design and pedagogical practices
• Decolonising the curriculum
• Inclusive education
• Equity of attainment
• Inclusive education
• Literacy and language development
• Numeracy, maths and statistics
• Student wellbeing and mental health
• Gender studies in education

Stimulating learning environment

GLEA promotes a supportive research environment that provides opportunity for critical thinking, reflective practice and rich discussions on research. PhD study at Coventry University is overseen by the university’s Doctoral College, who provide access to a wide range of learning opportunities and support throughout the student lifecycle from application through to graduation.

Our students are encouraged to work within the GLEA research offices, which are located in the White Friars building in the heart of Coventry City Centre. Our offices are within easy reach of local public transport, and walking distance from the University Library, Student Hub and other support services.

As well as the learning opportunities available to all students at Coventry University, GLEA research students are able to access local activities, including the below.

Doctoral discussions

Our doctoral discussions are informal workshops led by our PGR teams. These sessions give students the opportunity to share best practice, discuss progress and work through challenges, acting as a source of support for one another.

Research seminars

Our research seminars are delivered by experts in the field, whether they be internal researchers from Coventry University, or speakers from the wider education sector. Recent seminars have covered topics including race inequality, challenges and support for care leavers, and higher education across global borders. These seminars give students the opportunity to hear from the experts in an environment where questions and debate are encouraged.

Coffee Connect

Monthly sessions within the Centre to give students the opportunity for informal networking with our staff.

PGR opportunities

Within GLEA, we provide opportunities to study PhDs in a range of different ways. Choosing to undertake a PhD with us will help you to explore some of the wider issues associated with equitable education and global learning.

GLEA offers the following Postgraduate Research opportunities:

Part-time, Online Masters or PhD in Global Education

Our online, part time programmes include our Master of Arts by Research in Global Education, and our PhD in Global Education. These programmes are designed to develop you into an educational researcher with a global outlook. Offering a flexible route of study, this programme is ideal if you are looking to undertake a programme whilst working in an educational setting - wherever you are in the world.

We will aim to develop your capability to work within a professional context with a knowledge of research that enhances your ability to see beyond the context in which you work. You will have the opportunity to build up a substantial piece of original research that has real relevance to policy and/or practice.

Traditional PhD

We welcome applications from suitably qualified self-funded or sponsored PhD candidates that relate to our current research themes in global education and/or equity and attainment, and applications can be for part-time and full-time study. We offer students entry points in September, January and May.

If self-funding, many charities, foundations and trusts provide funding for postgraduate study, from small grants to full scholarships. Some are for specific subject areas while others have more general eligibility criteria. Find out more about other funding opportunities.

Cotutelle Studentships

We also offer several joint PhDs (cotutelles) to offer students the opportunity to explore important issues in higher education, such as with Aarhus University, Denmark, and Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Successful applicants will enrol at Coventry University as their home institution and will spend between a third and half of their time at Aarhus University, depending on their research design. On successful completion, students will receive a PhD award from both universities.

The specific topic areas of these studentships are changeable (within the education theme) and are offered at specific points in the year where funding is available. Studentship funding includes payment of fees and an annual stipend (dependent on successful progression through each year).

For details on the formal application process and forms, please see making an application on the university’s website.

Guidance on what to include in your research proposal is available in our Research Proposal Guidelines.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified self-funded or sponsored PhD candidates that relate to our current research themes.

• Global learning: education without boundaries
• Educational leadership and policy
• Gender, equality and diversity

Please contact globallearning@coventry.ac.uk for further information.