Higher Education PhD

Why choose this course
Our PhD in Higher Education will produce the next generation of researchers, ready to address the complex problems in higher education and help shape higher education policy and practice at local, national and international levels. 

The Department of Higher Education has a growing reputation in the field of academic development and practice. We are one of the largest departments in the UK dedicated to research solely in higher education, and since 2013 we have attracted research grants from a variety of funders including Leverhulme, British Academy, HEFCE, SRHE and SEDA. 

At Surrey, you will benefit from our vibrant research culture and specialist expertise in the areas of academic identity and development, assessment and feedback, and learning and teaching in the disciplinary context. This research spans a connection with general higher education as well as within various disciplinary fields including STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), English for academic purposes, veterinary sciences, business studies, politics, etc. 

You’ll be supervised by leading academics who are at the forefront of their fields and have research strengths in diverse disciplinary subject areas, which will provide you with exposure to a range of different higher education areas.

What you will study
The Higher Education PhD will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to shape professional practice and policy that will enable you to pursue highly fulfilling careers in academic, research and learning development positions in the higher education sector. Future careers also exist as researchers for government think-tanks, as well as policy research advisers on matters regarding higher education. 

As a PhD student at Surrey, you will receive individual supervision from a team in your specialist area, as well as tailored research training in a variety of research methods. In addition to regular supervisory sessions, you will be invited to engage in regular departmental activities within the Department of Higher Education which will provide you with a breadth of tangible experience and real-world insight into a higher education institution. 

The Doctoral College run a series of compulsory workshops, including 'Welcome to your Doctorate'. In addition, you will be required to complete some research methods training. The research training modules are a combination of online/blended modules and face-to-face modules. When not collecting data and attending training sessions, you will be encouraged to work at your desk in the Department.

Research support
The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.