University of Sheffield, School of Education

Part-time PHD PROGRAMME in Malta

The University of Sheffield, School of Education is now offering a PhD programme with a taught element in Malta, based on its successful experiences of similar programmes in other locations. The School has a strong track record in the supervision of research degrees, and currently holds the highest possible ranking for teaching quality, from the national body, the QAA.

Study Schools in Malta

Students will attend Saturday study schools in Malta, three times each year for a minimum of four (and maximum of eight) years. Students will be welcome to visit their supervisors in Sheffield but are not expected to do so. At the end of the PhD programme the thesis will be examined by Viva Voce conducted at the University of Sheffield and the student will be required to attend at their own expense.

Areas of Study

The School of Education has a wide range of research staff whose interests and expertise cover a variety of areas of Education and Educational Research. Supervision at doctoral level will be offered to students whose interests match the expertise of staff in the School of Education, Sheffield.

Support for Study

As well as thrice-yearly study schools, students registered on the Malta-based PhD programme will have access to on-line learning resources, including the on-line electronic journal collection at the University of Sheffield.

Selection

Students will be carefully selected by written application, including an outline of their proposed area of research, and telephone interview. A good Masters degree and supportive academic references are necessary entry requirements.

Fees and Timescale

For fees, and details of local arrangements please contact Mrs Sue Mifsud Midolo , our local partner, at St Catherine´s High School, Pembroke – e.mail sue.mifsud.midolo@stcatherines.eu.

For further details of the programme please contact the Academic Director, Professor Cathy Nutbrown e.mail - c.e.nutbrown@sheffield.ac.uk.

Supervision and Teaching

• In every case, students will have two supervisors, one of whom will travel to the Malta study schools three times each year.
• Regular contact will also be maintained by e.mail. Clear expectations and guidelines will be set for students and staff and students agree their way of working – timescales for communication and nature of support.
• Students form close working relationships with their supervisors as they develop their thesis. The Malta-based Study Schools are a central part of the research-training programme where all students will be given a thorough grounding in methods and methodology.