PhD in Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD) is a 4-year full-time program that provides graduates with a wide range of skills, in-depth knowledge and understanding in their chosen fields of research. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills required to conduct educational research in academic institutions, teach at tertiary institution level, engage in policy advisory and development, undertake educational leadership, or work in other areas with a high level of proficiency and greater sense of responsibility. The PhD program provides an in-depth understanding of the nature, implementation, and evaluation of educational developments in Kazakhstan and globally, focusing on the development of critical thinking, collaborative leadership, and research skills to enable graduates to contribute to the development of the education sector in their respective regions/countries.
Advantages of the Program:
Scholarship covering tuition fee and providing monthly stipend
Module at the University of Pennsylvania or the University of Cambridge
Opportunity to work 10 h/w as a Graduate Teaching Assistant
Opportunity to work as a Research Assistant
Opportunity for funding for international and local conferences
Program Aims
The PhD in Education program aims to:
- prepare future academics for careers in schools and departments of education in universities and pedagogical institutes in Kazakhstan and beyond;
- provide Ph.D. students with a wide-range of skills, and in-depth knowledge and understanding in their chosen fields which will enable them become future policy and decision makers for careers in Ministries of Education and other governmental agencies in Kazakhstan and beyond;
- develop education leaders who will be able to promote positive educational change and reform in Kazakhstan beyond;
- empower Ph.D. students with skills to become excellent education researchers capable of conducting high quality research on a wide variety of educational programs and policies;
- educate future academics and researchers focusing on education in Kazakhstan, Central Asia and other international contexts for careers as area specialists in universities in other parts of the world.
Program Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to
Critically analyze educational theories, concepts, issues and debates in national, regional and international contexts
demonstrate in-depth understanding of the philosophical underpinning of educational research with specific reference to individual thesis research projects
critically analyze, evaluate and apply educational research generated by others
conceptualize, plan and conduct educational research projects in their chosen field in accordance with scholarly integrity
make a contribution to the body of knowledge in their area of specialization through original research, including developing national and international publications
effectively communicate their area of expertise to different audiences in a variety of formats
take initiative to work for education advancement in Kazakhstan and beyond through engagement in educational research, policy, and practice
work collaboratively with others from diverse background to achieve shared goals
teach in their discipline at the university level
Transformative experiences of cross-cultural studies
As part of their PhD studies, PhD students from NUGSE visit the University of Cambridge, UK or the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), USA for an 8-week study abroad. This year, three students went to Cambridge and the other three to UPenn. They participate in a wide range of academic and social activities at the host universities. They have group and one-on-one meetings with the professors, researchers, and PhD students to discuss their thesis research, share experience, and do networking. They also attend short courses, seminars, and conferences organized at the host universities. They use the libraries and other resources available at these universities to prepare their research proposals. By participating in a variety of socio-cultural events, these students develop an in-depth understanding of cultural diversities and common humanity.
EDUC 705 Advanced Methods of Education Research (Qualitative Methods): the course will examine several common qualitative research methods from both a theoretical and applied perspective. Students will gain practical experience in conducting qualitative research and analyzing qualitative data. The course also trains students to evaluate qualitative research and identify the strengths and weaknesses in the different approaches to data collection.
EDUC 704 Advanced Methods of Education Research (Quantitative Methods): the course provides a clear overview of research methodology. In particular, the course provides information needed to understand quantitative methods process from idea formulation to data analysis and interpretation. Students will be able to use descriptive and inferential statistical analysis to conduct scientific educational research on their topics of personal interest.
EDUC 711 Globalization and Education: this course takes as a premise that globalization and education are linked in multiple ways in the current era. Researchers, policymakers and educators everywhere are increasingly tasked with accounting for the global mobility of policies, practices, people, and ideas, and this course provides the theoretical resources needed for this task.
EDUC 709 Introduction to Scholarship in Education: The primary purpose of this course is to offer students who enter the Graduate School of Education doctoral program one common course that introduces them to becoming a scholar and a member of the academic community. In this course, students will learn the basic skills you need to engage in scholarly work and critical thought so as to participate as professionals in academia.
EDUC 720 Philosophy of Education: this course is designed to provide doctoral students with an in-depth introduction to philosophy of education as an academic discipline. It will introduce various theoretical discourses in the field of philosophy in education and the representative works of major influential philosophers.
EDUC 712 Education Policy and Reform: this course is designed to provide a clear outlined overview of education policy and reform in an international background and context. The course covers the entire system of education including primary, secondary and higher education.
EDUC 704 Advanced Methods of Education Research (Quantitative Methods): the course provides a clear overview of research methodology. In particular, the course provides information needed to understand quantitative methods process from idea formulation to data analysis and interpretation. Students will be able to use descriptive and inferential statistical analysis to conduct scientific educational research on their topics of personal interest.
EDUC 711 Globalization and Education: this course takes as a premise that globalization and education are linked in multiple ways in the current era. Researchers, policymakers and educators everywhere are increasingly tasked with accounting for the global mobility of policies, practices, people, and ideas, and this course provides the theoretical resources needed for this task.
EDUC 709 Introduction to Scholarship in Education: The primary purpose of this course is to offer students who enter the Graduate School of Education doctoral program one common course that introduces them to becoming a scholar and a member of the academic community. In this course, students will learn the basic skills you need to engage in scholarly work and critical thought so as to participate as professionals in academia.
EDUC 720 Philosophy of Education: this course is designed to provide doctoral students with an in-depth introduction to philosophy of education as an academic discipline. It will introduce various theoretical discourses in the field of philosophy in education and the representative works of major influential philosophers.
EDUC 712 Education Policy and Reform: this course is designed to provide a clear outlined overview of education policy and reform in an international background and context. The course covers the entire system of education including primary, secondary and higher education.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Education Program is a 4-year full-time Program. Students undertake their studies at Nazarbayev University, with an 8-week module at either the University of Pennsylvania or another prestigious international university. Each PhD student is assigned an Advisory Committee comprising a Main Advisor and a Co-Advisor from the Graduate School of Education. Upon the Advisory Committee's request, a student may also have an External Advisor from another university.
Throughout the duration of the Program, every student will be required to complete a series of milestones. These include completing coursework, passing a Qualifying Exam, developing and defending a PhD research proposal, obtaining approval from the Ethics Committee, writing and defending a PhD thesis.
Throughout the duration of the Program, every student will be required to complete a series of milestones. These include completing coursework, passing a Qualifying Exam, developing and defending a PhD research proposal, obtaining approval from the Ethics Committee, writing and defending a PhD thesis.
Allocation of Advisors - Fall Year 1
Beginning Research Proposal - Summer Year1
Study Abroad - Fall Year 2: Dates TBC
Qualifying Examination - Spring Year 2: January-February
Proposal Defense - End of Spring Year 2
Data Collection - Fall Year 3
First Thesis Draft/Revisions - Spring Year 4
Submission of Final Thesis Draft - Spring Year 4
Submission & Defense - Spring/Summer Year 4
Why NUGSE?
State grants and scholarship for international students for education
Conferences, workshops, and other academic and extracurricular activities
Monthly stipend and opportunities for research assistantships for PhD students
International residency for PhD students to work on PhD thesis
Internationally recognized and research-active faculty who deliver quality education in English
Great school facilities, library and sport center
Opportunity to be an author, peer-reviewer and editor of “NUGSE Research in Education” – a student-led peer-reviewed journal
More than 190 student clubs and societies at NU to develop creativity skills, personal and professional qualities
Do you have any questions?
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General e-mail: gse@nu.edu.kz
53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan,
010000, Nazarbayev University
53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan,
010000, Nazarbayev University