What our Students Say

Veronica Bamber

The PhD at Lancaster was absolutely seminal, both for me as a person and for my career. It gave me such confidence knowing that not only could I do my job better, but I knew why, and what the literature was. I used the programme as a platform for publishing papers, and a couple of years later I'm still reaping the benefits. Personally, I made wonderful friends, had great fun, and looked forward with glee to every single residential. A great experience and I have been recommending it to colleagues at every opportunity. Thank you, Lancaster!

Greg Benfield

Educational Developer, Oxford Brookes University

I joined the Doctoral Programme as an Educational developer specialising in learning technologies. I work in the Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development in Oxford Brookes University and my work focuses on supporting e-learning as a tutor on the Postgraduate Certificate of Teaching in Higher Education. I am a Fellow of the Assessment Standards Knowledge exchange (ASKe). As well as my work at Brookes I deliver national workshops on e-learning and assessment and have been involved in a range of national JISC and Higher Education Academy e-learning projects. My PhD was titled 'Student's Experiences of Technology-Mediated, Assessed, Group Work'.

Pete Boyd

The doctoral research programme provided a framework for me that helped me to develop projects that were related to my day job. The taught sessions and the group provided motivation and opportunities for discussion and thinking that were not then part of my normal routine at work. The synergy between my work and study helped me to progress my career as well as gain my doctorate.

Linda Drew

Dean of the Graduate School for Camberwell College of Arts, Chelsea College of Art and Design and Wimbledon College of Art at the University of the Arts London

I was conferred Professor in 2007 (for distinction in Art and Design HE Pedagogy) and delivered my inaugural lecture last April entitled "High Heels and Pedagogy". I now have three PhD students, two completing this year and I have examined two PhDs and will examine two more this year - all thanks to my wonderful introduction to the world of higher educational research at Lancaster.

Fiona Hallett

Reader in Education, Edge Hill University

Having heard many varied accounts of PhD study I cannot overstate the quality of the Doctoral Programme in Educational Research. The experience, itself, from the personal support from all involved to the breadth and depth of intellectual challenge was second to none. I published two articles from my research whilst writing up my PhD (both as a result of support and encouragement from tutors on the programme) and have continued to develop articles from my thesis since completing in February 2010. The academic environment developed by the department enables students to engage with associated conferences and reading groups during, and beyond the life of, the Programme which enables students to become part of a vibrant academic community.

Paul Kleiman

Deputy Director PALATINE, Lancaster University

Undertaking the Doctoral Programme was not just a hugely challenging and immensely satisfying educational experience. It marked a significant development in my professional career, and enabled me to establish a national and international reputation as a specialist in the field of creativity in higher education.

Steve O'Connor

Assistant Professor, Department for Health Services Research, Maastricht University

Completing my Doctoral training in Educational Research at Lancaster University was one of the best career choices I have ever made. The stimulating environment and constant encouragement from experts in the field enabled me to develop not only my research skills, but my professional identity as an educationalist.

Since gaining my doctorate, I have been one of the successful applicants for an EU Erasmus Lifelong Learning grant to develop a blended learning leadership training programme for public health professionals in Europe (LEPHIE), and am currently working with the Organisation for PhD Education in Biomedicine and Health Sciences in the European System (ORPHEUS) to develop a common framework for professional doctorates in nursing science within Europe.

Alison Shreeve

The Doctoral Programme in Educational Research was a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional development. Since achieving my PhD I have increased my research outputs, gained a new post as Head of School and become a National Teaching Fellow. The Doctoral Programme and the confidence I gained through doing it has been a major contribution to my achievements.

Brian Windram

Senior Lecturer, Edinburgh Napier University

Having come into higher education directly from the accounting profession, I undertook the doctoral programme to enhance my academic capabilities, confidence and credentials. The programme offered me the opportunity to think deeply about educational policy, about learning and about the important connections between education and work.The stimulating and supportive social interactions with my cohort and the Lancaster staff during and between the regular residential events was invaluable and greatly enhanced the educational experience.

Since gaining my PhD I have taken up a promoted post with responsibility for international collaborative programmes as well a number of interesting external academic appointments with various accounting professional bodies.

Keith Brown

Director of International Development, Teeside University

I joined University of Sunderland after a long career in industry and studied the Cert Ed at Sunderland which gave me the impetus to conduct research into higher education. I was in the first cohort and really enjoyed the Programme graduating in 2000. I then progressed at Sunderland to Director of the International Office and in 2006 moved to Teesside University to establish the Centre for International Development becoming a member of the University's Corporate Executive Team.

Whilst I haven't undertaken much research since completing the PhD it has helped me enormously in my subsequent career in understanding how HE works, the policy framework for HE and in the internationalisation of HE.

Ian Willis

Centre for Lifelong Learning, University of Liverpool

I really enjoyed the doctoral programme, well not quite every single moment! But the overall experience has been a real boost to me professionally. No question that it helped me to develop my teaching and research, plus I have made good friends and networks. The programme has also has opened up opportunities that I could not have foreseen.