You are here: Home > Postgraduate > TEL Programme >Frequently Asked Questions

Doctoral Programme in E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning: Frequently Asked Questions

We've answered the most 'frequently asked questions' from applicants here. Please read through the questions and answers below - if anything is still unclear please contact the course secretary Alice Jesmont who will be pleased to help you.

Questions are grouped under the following categories:

How is this course different?

How does this programme differ from your Independent Study PhD, say, in e-Learning, or groups and communities in networked e-Learning programmes?

By studying in this programme you will benefit from a) a two year structured set of modules which will introduce you to major research and practice themes in technology enhanced learning. Your learning will be paced according to the modules and you will have the opportunity of submitting course work and receiving detailed comment on it from tutors and other course participants; and b) being a member of an online learning community from where you will receive the support of participant and tutor members

Is it a full or part-time programme?

Part-time

Can I study Full-Time?

No. The programme is delivered as a part-time course with reflection on professional practice in a participant's place of work. Studying full-time is therefore inappropriate.

Do I have to come to Lancaster?

I live outside the UK - what are the requirements for me to visit Lancaster University, and what requirements and restrictions are there for me studying this programme outside the UK?

You must attend one four-day residential meeting at Lancaster University in years one and two. Other than that, you can study on this programme from anywhere in the world as most of the learning and teaching is conducted via the Internet.

When are the residential meetings?

The 2014 residential dates are 31st March - 3rd April, 2014. The residential dates are set a year in advance but the exact dates depend on the university Easter break.

As an overseas student, will I be able to get a student visa to study on this programme?

Rules about visas for part-time and distance learners are different from those for full-time students. As a part-time, distance learner, you will not qualify for a Student Visa. You will instead need to apply for a Student Visitor Visa. This visa will allow you to come to the UK for the purposes of attending your residential at Lancaster University.

The new Student Visitor immigration category for short-term students was introduced in November 2007. Formerly, distance learner students wanting to travel to the UK to attend residentials could apply to enter the UK as a Visitor. This is no longer allowed and the Student Visitor Visa is the correct category in which to apply.

I require a visa to visit the UK for the residential - how should I apply for this?

If you are from a country which appears on the UK's Visa National List (known as visa nationals), you are required to apply for a Student Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK. You should apply for this from your nearest British Diplomatic Post, or Visa Application Centre (see web link below)

If you are a student from a country which does not appear on the Visa National List, (known as non-visa nationals) you are not required to obtain prior entry clearance and can travel to the UK and make your immigration application to an immigration officer when you land in the UK.

The Home Office UK Border Agency website provides essential information on applying for a visa.

What time commitments must I make?

What is the anticipated weekly time commitment to the course?

Participants will need to spend around 12-15 hours studying per week. This includes reading and responding to online discussions, two or three times a week (or as often as you are able to) throughout the programme. This will, of course, vary from participant to participant and from time to time.

When can I study on the course - are there scheduled classes/contact times or can I choose when to log on and participate?

The only scheduled classes are during the four-day residential meetings in years one and two. The flexibility of the VLE medium and form of learning should allow each participant to manage this in ways which suit their professional and personal life, as well as allowing them to participate fully in the online activities associated with the Doctoral programme.

The course involves quite a lot of contact between students and tutors through online tools, for seminars and project work. Is this flexible or are connections mainly at fixed times? I am trying to understand if I would need to be available at certain times during a working week or whether I can participate at weekends and in evenings.

The flexibility of the VLE medium and form of learning should allow each participant to manage this in ways that suit their professional and personal life, as well as allowing them to participate fully in the online activities associated with the Doctoral Programme. This for some students will be mainly weekends and evenings. When synchronous meetings are required their timing is negotiated with participants.

Who studies on the course?

Who studies on the course?

This professional doctorate is designed specifically for people who wish to study to an advanced level and carry out a piece of research of the highest possible standard in an aspect of their professional practice. Students taking this programme are highly motivated, self-managing individuals who work in positions of influence in any sector of education.

I have been in teaching for 12 years and have a Masters - do I fit the profile of a suitable applicant for this course?

Yes. Most of our applicants are established professionals with experience in the field of education and training. It is unlikely that we would accept someone who does not have some professional further or higher education experience, or experience in public and private sector organisations (e.g. as a teacher, librarian, resource person or learning technologist etc)

Is there an age limit?

No. Most of our applicants are established professionals so our participants do tend to be mature people. Offers to study are made on qualifications, experience and suitability for the programme, not age.

What technical skills are required?

Does the course assume or require a certain level of proficiency with specific web-design packages or the use of HTML or programming?

The only technical skills required for this programme are the ability to use a personal computer and associated software, and an ability to access the Internet. The programme does not focus on the technical issues of course design or programming. We focus on the educational and learning potential of Technology Enhanced Learning.

To what extent is the practical use of technologies and actual hands on experience gained on the course?

The programme does not focus on the technical issues of course design or programming. We focus on the educational and learning potential of technology enhanced learning.

Is the course/qualification fully recognised?

Is this kind of PhD recognised in Europe?

A PhD degree is the highest possible qualification attainable in UK Higher Education.

Since the programme is blended with an online component, what is its acceptance by the academic circle generally in the UK? I'm concerned about its recognition by other universities or accreditation bodies, as some have reservations for programmes delivered online.

No distinction is made between the various study methods leading towards the award of the PhD degree. The degree is universally recognised by other universities and accreditation bodies.

When does the course start and run?

When is the next start date for the course? 

1st January, 2014

What is the duration of the course in terms of months/years?

The minimum period of registration is four years, the majority of students take five years to complete. It is possible to extend your registration to six years if required. Students remain on full fee until a final draft of their thesis has been submitted.

How many students are accepted?

Our 2013 intake was 25 students.

Is there one intake stream per year or multiple?

We only have one cohort, or group, of students who start in January of each year.

When is the application deadline for this class?

We don't set a deadline for applications but we do recommend you apply by 11th September, in order to ensure your application is considered for the first allocation of places. . We can however accept applications right up until the course start date if places are still available. You should check with the Course Secretary as to the likelihood of available places after the end of September.

Is it possible to take a break during the course, between years, if the demands of one's full-time employment require it, for example?

Yes. Intercalations are possible but this does mean that you will need to join a new cohort and you won't continue the programme with your original cohort. 

How much does it cost and is there any financial help?

What are the tuition fees for this course including any incidental items such as exam fees?

The 2013/14 fee for the course is 3,465.00 per academic year, for four years minimum, for UK/EU nationals. The overseas student fee is 6,310.00 per academic year, for four years minimum. (fees are subject to a small increase each academic year).

Are there any other costs associated with the programme?

Additional costs will include travel to Lancaster and accommodation and subsistence for the two compulsory short residential meetings. You will also require a personal computer and printer, and a broadband connection to the Internet. Core readings are made available electronically and a wide range of electronic resources are used e.g. e-books & e-journals, but you will also have key texts recommended for further reading which you may wish to purchase or borrow from a library.

Are there any scholarships available for the programme?

Not at present.

As a British citizen currently residing in another country (outside EU) would I pay the UK/EU fees or the overseas ones?

The general criteria governing "home" (UK) fee status are that you should be a UK national AND that you should have been "ordinarily resident" in this country for the 3 years immediately preceding the start of the course.

Each case is decided by the Postgraduate Admissions department and they may need to request further documentation from you to help them with this decision.

Full guidance notes on fee classification can be viewed on the UKCISA web site.

As a foreign student am I allowed to pay in instalments ?

All self funding students are able to pay their yearly fees in 2 instalments - full details of these will be sent to you on completion of your registration, at the start of the course.

Do you offer internships after completing or while pursuing the course?

No

How do I apply?

How do I apply?

To apply using the online system please click on the following link: http://www.postgraduate.lancs.ac.uk

Alternatively, application forms can be obtained from:

Postgraduate Admissions
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Lancaster University
LANCASTER
LA1 4YL

Telephone: +44 (0)1524 510880
Fax: +44 (0)1524 510857
E-mail: fass-pg-admissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Do I have to write a research proposal to apply for this scheme?

As this is a taught PhD programme we don't need a research proposal but you should explain why you wish to join this course and what benefits you expect to gain. This section is an important section of your application form as this course was oversubscribed in 2013.

Do my research interests have to match those of the staff on the programme?

Your PhD Research in years three and four does need to be supervised by an academic member of staff in the Educational Research Department so your study will need to match their interests in some way. But you will have the opportunity to discuss your research project interests with tutors and negotiate a topic that suits your interests and the interests of the tutor.

Is it best to start thinking now about a possible research topic and would I need to find a staff member interested in my ideas?

It is useful but not essential as you won’t be allocated a supervisor until you move into Part 2 - you will find a full list of the interests of staff on our website.
During Part 1 your ideas may change as a consequence of your study on the programme.

Could you provide me with your admissions requirement for this program?

The programme does not assume any previous research training but those admitted should normally have relevant professional experience and be currently engaged in teaching and learning activites as this programme supports professional development activities. For admission to this programme applicants should normally have:

  • an honours degree (2.1 or above) from a British University or CNAA, and preferably a taught Master's degree; or
  • qualifications of a comparable standard from a University or recognised degree awarding body in another country.

In addition, applicants should normally have at least three years' experience of teaching, research or administration in a university, further education college, or comparable institution or similar experience from a commercial or industrial training context.

What TOEFL score is required - are equivalent tests/certificates from other institutions considered?

For students whose first language is not English an English Language Test Certificate will be required:
IELTS - Overall 6.5 with at least 6.0 for reading and writing
TOEFL - At least 580 with a good reading and writing score
These are the only two tests accepted by Lancaster.

I have qualifications from a non-UK university, will these be accepted?

Yes as long as these are of a comparable standard to a UK University. We require copies of certificates.

Is it best to start thinking now about a possible research topic and would I need to find a staff member interested in my ideas?

Yes - please see a full list of the interests of staff but we understand that your ideas may change as a consequence of your study on the course.

As an overseas student, will I be able to get a student visa to study on this programme?

As this is a part-time, distance learning programme a student visa is not needed and would not be given for this programme.

I require a visa to visit the UK for the residential - should I apply for a student visa?

If you are from a country which appears on the UK's Visa National List (known as visa nationals), you are required to apply for a Student Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK. You should apply for this from your nearest British Diplomatic Post, or Visa Application Centre (see web link below)

If you are a student from a country which does not appear on the Visa National List, (known as non-visa nationals) you are not required to obtain prior entry clearance and can travel to the UK and make your immigration application to an immigration officer when you land in the UK.

To check whether you are a visa national or not, please refer to the following link to the UK Border Agency:
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/visadatvnationals

For further information about Student Visitor Visas and how to apply for one, see the following link to the UK Border Agency: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/studentvisitorinfo

For a list of British Diplomatic posts throughout the world, and Visa Application Centres, see the following link: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/wheretoapply/

I live outside the UK - what are the requirements for me to visit Lancaster University, and what requirements and restrictions are there for me studying this programme outside the UK?

You must attend one four day residential meeting at Lancaster University in Years one and Two. Anyone anywhere in the world can take this programme as most of the learning and teaching is conducted via the Internet.

How can I get more information?

Would it be possible to speak to a course tutor at some point in the future?

Yes of course, all our tutors are happy to speak with prospective students. You should contact the Course Secretary, Alice Jesmont, in the first instance, who will be able to arrange this.

I have read all the details on the website but I'd like to get a fuller flavour. Could you recommend any other websites/articles/publications?

The way we run the doctoral programme may also interest you - we work as a community of learners, involving participants and tutors. We try to make it possible for participants to take control of their learning and to design the way in which the community works and interacts. We're interested in working with people who like to share their learning and develop learning relationships, and who can look at their own practice as a way of learning about the use of new technologies in the learning process. We think that working in these ways helps each learner 'work out' what learning means for them, and work out what it is they want to research for their thesis. We think you might enjoy it!!

As a community, we're also interested in developing new ways of working in online learning contexts, and in new ways of researching online learning.

To get a flavour of what we mean, you might like to have a look at a book which is about learning through communities: E-Learning Groups and Communities.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your application or have further questions please contact Alice Jesmont who will be pleased to help you.

Course VLE (Moodle)

http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/portal

| Home | About | Contact | Undergraduate | Postgraduate | Staff |
| Research & Publications | News and Events | Student Resources |
County South, Lancaster University, LA1 4YD, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 1524 593572 E-mail Enquiries

Save this page: delicious logo Del.icio.us Digg It Reddit Reddit Facebook Stumble It Stumble It!

Privacy and Cookies Notice