Published: 06 Nov 2025 407 views
The University of Derby has an opportunity for a postgraduate research studentship in the Institute of Education and Skills.
The studentship does not provide for a stipend as stipulated by the Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain.
The successful applicant will be expected to complete their MPhil/PhD within three years on the MPhil/PhD route, contribute to the College REF submission and get involved in the wider research activities of the College.
Applicants will become part of a friendly and welcoming team and will be supported and managed by their supervisors.
The vacancy details are as follows:
Philosophies of education form the foundation upon which we understand schools, curricula, teacher training, qualifications, and the relationship between general and vocational education. Implicitly, these philosophies are also embedded in educational practice, as pedagogical actions are evaluated against standards of professionalism, ethics and the common good – concepts that itself are a very product of philosophies of education. Despite their importance, educational philosophies often play an overlooked yet critical role within education systems.
The proposed doctoral research, therefore, addresses the different developments of English and German philosophies of education. These theories have evolved within distinct philosophical traditions shaped by socio-historical and political contexts. Germany’s educational thought, deeply influenced by neo-humanism, draws heavily on the work of Wilhelm von Humboldt. In contrast, the UK’s educational theory has been shaped by analytical philosophy, with significant contributions from thinkers such as John Dewey and later R.S. Peters (see Benner, 2003). The role of Utilitarianism (Bentham) has also shaped modern conceptualisation of education, considering the moral implications of mass education and schooling. Later turn towards performativity and marketisation (Ball, 1994, 2003), underpinned by broader neo-liberal ideas, have also played an important role in the development of education. As these traditions are influential still, this research will trace the genealogies of educational theory in both countries, offering a deeper understanding of their historical foundations as well as contemporary implications.
Tuition fee bursary at home fee level of £5,006 per annum (subject to amendment)
Please review the entry requirements before submitting your application and check out the 'Application documents' section.
Before you begin your application, make sure you have:
This is provided on the individual studentship advert and must be specified in your application.
A 500-word personal statement outlining your suitability for the studentship project. This is a mandatory requirement and you must upload it into your application. You should include your reasons for applying for the studentship, your experience in the field, how you feel you would benefit from studying and relevant information about your previous studies.
A CV outlining your academic and professional experience.
Your qualification details including grades and dates taken. You will have the opportunity to upload scanned copies of your qualification certificates and transcripts in the application. If you have no formal qualifications, you can also state this in your application.
A scanned copy of your passport or full birth certificate. This will help us verify your application to study with us. International applicants can provide a copy of their passport only for visa assessment purposes, and their current visa if residing within the UK.
Two signed academic references. This is optional at application stage but highly encouraged. If successful in your application, two academic references will be a mandatory requirement of admission. The references should be in written format, signed and dated from either a supervisor or tutor from your most recent studies.
Please review our entry requirements before submitting your application and check out the 'Getting Started' section below.
Completed applications should be submitted via the online application system quoting funding reference: EXT_IES_Philosophies_25-26
Closing dates for applications: 16 January 2026.
Interviews: Monday 2 and Wednesday 14 February 2026.
If you have not been invited for an interview by the interview date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
For enquiries which are subject-specific please contact:
Dr Jack Bryne Stothard - [email protected]
Dr Johannes Schmees - [email protected]
For more details, visit University of Derby Scholarship webpage
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