Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies
The Ph.D. in Educational Studies is a flexible, research-oriented doctoral program that can be pursued by students interested in any of the fields of study offered in the department. Students are required to take two first-year doctoral seminars and a second year doctoral seminar. All other courses in a student’s program are determined in consultation with a faculty advisor or program advisory committee and are based on the student’s prior academic work and research interests. Students in the Ph.D. program typically devote two years to coursework, and two to four years to developing and carrying out a research project designed to make an original contribution to knowledge in the area of specialization. The university allows doctoral students up to six years to complete program requirements. There is no set number of credits required for Ph.D. programs at UBC.
Doctoral Seminar and Colloquium
There are three required courses in the PhD program. The
first doctoral seminar (EDST 601A) is designed to help beginning
students become familiar with the department, policies and
procedures related to doctoral studies, and to engage in an
examination of critical theoretical traditions and conceptual
problems in the social sciences as applied to education. The
second doctoral seminar (EDST 601B) exposes students to positivist,
interpretive, historical, and philosophical methods, helping
students develop a sophisticated and deep understanding of
current methodological issues and debates. The third doctoral
seminar (EDST 602) integrates the learning from the first
two seminars, helping students with their scholarly writing
and in preparing for their comprehensive exams and thesis
proposals. In both the fall and winter an evening departmental
colloquium is held that all doctoral students are expected
to attend. The colloquia involve faculty and students in broad-ranging
discussions of issues related to research and scholarship
and their implications for educational practice.
Coursework in Specialization
Students in the Ph.D. program are expected to take courses
in their specialization so that they are familiar with current
theory and research. Courses are selected in consultation
with an advisor or program advisory committee. Most of the
courses in the student’s specialization are completed
in the first year of the program.
Other Coursework
Ph.D. students typically take additional courses to give
them the breadth and depth of understanding of contemporary
educational theories, issues and debates expected of those
pursuing the highest degree awarded by the university. Doctoral
study is oriented toward the thesis research, but coursework
beyond the student’s specialization is recommended when
it contributes to her or his development as a scholar.
Research Methods
Ph.D. students are expected to be familiar with the various
methods used in contemporary educational research and to become
expert in the particular methods they use in their own research.
Developing proficiency in research methods — including
the strengths and weaknesses of each approach — normally
requires enroling in available courses and reading widely
in the research methods literature. Before research proposals
are approved, students are expected to demonstrate that they
have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully
carry out their research plan.
Comprehensive Examination
All students in the Ph.D. program are required to successfully
complete a comprehensive examination after most of their coursework
is completed and before they present their research proposal.
The examination is prepared by the student’s program
advisory or research supervisory committee, depending on when
it is taken. Details about the mechanics of the examination
and choices that students make related to the format of the
examination can be obtained from advisors or the department’s
Graduate Secretary.
Ph.D. Thesis
The Ph.D. thesis is an original piece of research that contributes
to knowledge in the student’s area of specialization.
Students develop research proposals which must be presented
to and approved by a research supervisory committee made up
of a research supervisor and at least two other committee
members. Research supervisory committees provide direction
to the student, read and critique drafts of the thesis, and,
when the thesis is complete, participate in the final oral
examination.
Ph.D. Residency
There is no residency requirement per se, but Ph.D. students
are expected to make steady progress through their coursework,
comprehensive exams and thesis research. Current policies
require PhD students to achieve candidacy by the end of their
third year of study. Achieving candidacy involves completing
all coursework, passing the comprehensive exam and having
an approved research proposal. Statement
on Ph.D. Residency and Student Progress.
Information for New PhD Students [Word]
[PDF]
For further information, pleae contact our Graduate Advisor, Dr. Taylor Webb <taylor.webb@ubc.ca>; Phone 604-822-6381 or our Graduate Secretary, Christine Adams, <grad.edst@ubc.ca>; Phone 604-822-6647
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