Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (Joint Program)
Program Website: Joint PhD Educational Studies
Field(s) of Study
- Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
- Social/Cultural/Political Contexts of Education
- Cognition and Learning
Faculty and Administration
For a listing of program faculty and administrative contacts, please visit the program directory.
Program Description
The PhD in Educational Studies is offered jointly by Brock University, Lakehead University, and the University of Windsor. The program prepares graduates to contribute to the development of knowledge and expertise in teaching/learning across all levels of the education continuum, to promote scholarly enquiry, and to participate in the development of methodological advances in the study of education. For further program and policy information, refer to the Joint PhD Handbook and the program website.
Admission Requirements
The minimum academic requirement for admission to the PhD is successful completion of a Master of Education or a Master’s degree in a cognate discipline, normally with an A standing. Applicants must provide evidence of research competence, which is normally demonstrated by a master’s thesis.
Applicants who do not hold a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in English. For students who must provide proof of English Language Proficiency, the minimum TOEFL score of 100 (with no section under 27) or IELTS 7.0 (with no section under 6.5) or equivalent score on other tests of ELP accepted by Brock University is required. For full listing of accepted tests see the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs English Language Proficiency webpage.
Access to the internet is required.
Fields of Study
There are three broad fields of study in the program: Cognition and Learning, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, and Social/Cultural/Political Contexts of Education. Study within each field is complex and multifaceted, involving critical review and deliberation of vital issues related to theory, practice, pedagogy/curriculum, and methodologies. The fields of study provide a foundation for students to engage in scholarly activities and explore their research interests. As part of this process, students may find that their explorations cut across one or more fields of study. In this way, the fields of study are considered permeable, allowing for the interchange of foundational theories, concepts, and methodologies. Students are required to declare a field of study as part of the application and admission process to the Joint PhD in Educational Studies program.
Further information on available student choices for EDUC 7P51 is available on the program website.
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies encompasses four broad content areas: policy, organizational theory, leadership, and change. The field of study explores the ethical, social, cultural, philosophical, and historical aspects of educational policy, leadership, and organizations. It draws upon the theoretical and methodological frameworks that situate the major issues, challenging institutional and community educational systems and practices within their larger socio-political, socio-cultural, and curricular contexts.
Social/Cultural/Political Contexts of Education
Socio/Cultural/Political Contexts of Education draws upon the humanities, sociology, cultural studies, anthropology, history, politics, and arts in relation to education. Our aim is to foster emancipatory research and democratic practice in institutional and community settings. Consideration is given but not limited to social constructs of race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability/disability, and how they intersect with and influence educational experience and practice.
Cognition and Learning
Cognition and learning critically examines the cognitive, behavioural, social-emotional, and cultural processes of educators and students by drawing upon psychology, philosophy, sociology, sciences and other disciplines. Integral components of this field include an examination of contemporary and inclusive instruction, wellness, assessment and evaluation, professional development, curriculum development and implementation, metacognition and executive function, and learning theories.
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