PhD in TESOL Research
Stirling, United Kingdom
DURATION
36 up to 96 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 53,200 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international (including EU) students | students from the UK : £19,000
Introduction
Overview
This PhD course is entirely dedicated to TESOL Research. This doctorate will be of interest to those who have a background in languages, linguistics, applied linguistics, or a related field, as well as to language teaching practitioners who have a keen interest in research.
This course will develop your research skills and set you on the path to becoming an autonomous researcher. The PhD is a significant qualification which will mark you out as an expert researcher in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages. You’ll achieve new skills in understanding complex matters, sharpen your problem-solving abilities, increase your confidence as a researcher and expand your knowledge of the field while also enjoying the PhD experience.
We’ll support you throughout your time on the PhD TESOL Research. Before embarking on your thesis investigation, the course will foster your research skills development through seven taught modules on TESOL which focus on research methods and educational theories. Our PhD in TESOL Research will provide you with an opportunity to go beyond what would be required from a Masters of Research (MRes) and an Educational Doctorate (EdD) in that you’ll produce a substantial 60,000 + word thesis.
The academic environment at the University of Stirling will not only give you freedom and challenges, but it will also provide you with numerous chances for intellectual debate with fellow experts. Your PhD journey will shape your future like no other qualification – academically, professionally and personally.
Top reasons to study with us
- Study in a vibrant academic division, which is top 15 in the UK for Education (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
- Receive dedicated support in your knowledge and research development process from day one of your PhD
- Benefit from a flexible course delivered intensively, allowing you to read and research extensively
Curriculum
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the academic year that starts in September 2024. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Starting September, full time (Stirling Campus)
Year one: Autumn semester
Compulsory module
- Research Design and Process (ASRP002) 20 credits
- Quantitative Data Analysis (ASRP004) 20 credits
Option module
Select 20 credits from PhD TESOL autumn options list
- Nature of Educational Enquiry (EDRP001) 20 credits
Year one: Spring semester
Compulsory module
- Qualitative Data Analysis (ASRP005) 20 credits
Option module
Select 40 credits from PhD TESOL spring options list
- Theory & Methods of Digital Social Research (EDRP002) 20 credits
- Sociolinguistics: Varieties of English (LINPP04) 20 credits
- Approaches in Discourse Analysis (TESP021) 20 credits
Year one: Summer semester
Compulsory module
- TESOL Research Practice (TESPR03) 60 credits
Year two: Autumn semester
Compulsory module
- TESOL Thesis (TESPR04) 360 credits
Gallery
Program Outcome
By graduation, you’ll be a well-rounded professional researcher who:
- has knowledge of the wider educational field,
- is proficient in the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods,
- has the skills needed to research any area within TESOL, and
- is able to make a contribution to scholarly knowledge and professional practice.