Mathematics Education Centre, Tel: +44 (0) 1509 22 7460

Information About Research Degrees

 

Postgraduate Research Studies in the Mathematics Education Centre, Loughborough University

The Mathematics Education Centre (MEC) at Loughborough University is an internationally renowned centre of teaching, learning and support. It is a key player in many high-profile national initiatives. With a growing number of academic staff and research students, the MEC provides a vibrant, supportive community with a wealth of experience upon which to draw. Centre staff are interested in supervising PhD students on topics related to their research interests, which include mathematical cognition, dyscalculia, socio-cultural and affective issues in mathematics education, technology enhanced learning and assessment and the development and evaluation of mathematics support. A full list of staff research interests can be found here and a list of possible projects proposed by staff can be found here. Candidates can work on one of these projects or propose one of their own if they feel passionate about a particular topic that is broadly in line with staff research interests. For more information, please browse our website, or have a look at our leaflet for prospective students.

Funding Opportunities

We have funding available for well-qualified students to enable them to undertake research in the Mathematics Education Centre commencing in October 2012. This funding covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and a living stipend that is currently valued at £13,590+ p.a. This funding is not open to international (i.e. non-UK/EU) students.

We do, however, welcome applications from suitably qualified students (UK/EU and international) who are self-funded, supported by scholarships from their governments, or sponsored by international scholarship programmes operated by the British Council and similar funding bodies. We are able to offer some assistance in preparing funding applications for well-qualified applicants. Individuals already working in the education sector who want to spend three years researching the teaching and learning of mathematics are strongly encouraged to apply.

The closing date for applications is 30th March 2012.

Postgraduate Open Day

We are holding an open day on Wednesday 22nd February 2012 at 17:00 in room A1.28 (Schofield Building) in the MEC. Anyone interested in knowing more about the kind of research that we do, or any other aspect of PhD study in the MEC, is welcome. Please confirm your attendance with Dr Paul Hernandez-Martinez (P.A.Hernandez-Martinez@lboro.ac.uk) by 17th February.

Entry Requirements

All candidates must have (or expect to gain) a good honours degree (usually at least 2.1) in Mathematics, Education, Psychology or a related discipline. Good English language skills, both oral and written, are essential. Applicants from the EU and overseas can demonstrate their English skills via a number of different qualifications; see here for further details. Successful applicants will be expected, with support, to study relevant research literature, attend appropriate training to fill gaps in their preparation and develop their general skills, identify research questions and take the lead in designing and conducting studies to investigate these questions. They will also be expected to take a full part in the research life of the Centre, participating in research seminars and reading group sessions, giving presentations and seeking funding to attend conferences.

How to Apply

Applications to the University can be made online here. Addidtionally, candidates must submit the following to accompany their application:

  • A one-page CV summarising relevant experience and skills.
  • A one-page cover letter describing their reasons for wishing to undertake PhD study in their chosen area and the personal qualities that they will bring.
  • A two-page essay on one or more issues affecting learning in mathematics.
Submitted materials will be assessed for coherence, clarity and relevance. These additional documents should be emailed directly to Dr Paul Hernandez-Martinez (P.A.Hernandez-Martinez@lboro.ac.uk) or posted to the Mathematics Education Centre (for the attention of Dr Paul Hernandez-Martinez), Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK.

Contact

Informal contact is welcome prior to any formal application. Dr Paul Hernandez-Martinez (P.A.Hernandez-Martinez@lboro.ac.uk) will be happy to talk through opportunities and direct applicants to potential supervisors.

 

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