Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education, PhD (Education), is a terminal research degree designed for students who already possess substantial knowledge in Education and wish to advance in an area of specialisation. The programme develops a new generation of researchers whose work is located at the intersection of context, theory, practice, reflection and insight.

The programme is best suited to individuals who wish to pursue careers in academia, university-level research, education leadership, policy, teaching, writing, or educational consultancy. Students take a theoretical and research-based approach to learning, develop a research niche within a sub-field of Education, and complete an original doctoral thesis under supervision.

The programme provides research methodology and proposal development in the first semester, followed by guided doctoral thesis supervision from Semester 2 to Semester 6. The thesis must demonstrate sound scholarship and make a definite and original contribution to the body of knowledge in Education.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the program, students would be able to

PLO1 Integrate and contextualise comprehensive and systematic knowledge of one or more disciplines or sub-fields of Education.

PLO2 Think epistemologically and relate theory to practice through a critical understanding of theory and research methodology in Education.

PLO3 Select and apply research methods effectively and undertake a research project in a sub-field of Education.

PLO4 Address complex problems using intellectual, research and technological resources and tools.

PLO5 Retrieve and process information effectively and engage critically with current research and scholarship in Education.

PLO6 Present and communicate academic or professional work effectively using the conventions of academic discourse.

AVAILABLE OPTIONS AND SPECIALISATIONS

Applicants may specialise in options determined by their foundational qualification and research interest area. Specialisation directs the thesis title and supervisor allocation.

Educational Foundations may include Educational Management and Administration, Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instructional Design, Counselling and Educational Psychology, Early Childhood/Elementary Education, Educational Measurement and Evaluation, and Vocational and Technical Education.

Arts and Social Sciences may include English/Language Education, Islamic Studies Education, Economics Education, Geography Education, Social Studies/Multicultural Education, Political Science Education, and Entrepreneurship Education.

Science Education may include Biology Education, Chemistry Education, Physics Education, Mathematics Education, Computer Education, and Library and Information Studies.

PROGRAM ALIGNMENT WITH IOU’s VISION & MISSION

The PhD in Education aligns with IOU’s vision and mission by:

• Providing facilitated access to quality higher education to students around the world, particularly in Education.
• Promoting Islamic values of peace, harmony and tolerance through the curriculum, pedagogical practices and teaching approaches.
• Contributing to the establishment and strengthening of knowledge-based communities globally.
• Creating diverse scholarly communities where students engage in intellectual rigour, high ethical standards and critical evaluation.

Semesters

Admission Requirements

Applicants are expected to meet the following requirements:

• A relevant Master’s degree in Education at HEQF Level 9 / ISCED exit level 7 from IOU or another institution recognised by the Senate, with a minimum CGPA of 3.50 on a 5-point scale, 2.50 on a 4-point scale, or equivalent 60% in the Master’s degree result.
• A Master’s degree in another discipline with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education may also be considered.
• Completion of a minimum of 240 credits in Education or a related field in previous studies.
• Competence in English as the language of teaching and learning. Applicants with English as an additional or foreign language are required to achieve IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
• Ability to pursue independent research, engage with scholarship conventions, integrate complex information, review literature, and write a fully developed thesis on an Education topic.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, candidates must complete the minimum 360 credits within the minimum study period, complete a doctoral thesis that demonstrates an original contribution to the field of Education, publish a research paper in a reputable journal or obtain acceptance for publication, and meet any other stipulations published by the Senate.