The Doctoral programme in Education is designed to enable students to become expert researchers in current educational issues and topics, equipping them to plan, conduct, and report high-level educational research, both empirical and non-empirical, using a range of research techniques in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. They should be able to take leadership roles in planning, conducting, analyzing a range of data types, as well as reporting and critiquing research in education.
Students are expected to publish research papers in education and to have an in-depth, highly developed understanding of topical issues in education and educational research on an international scale, as well as trends and innovations in education.
During the 3-5 years of study of the Doctoral programme in Education, students hold full-time student status.
The Doctoral Programme Coordinator is Prof. Adérito Fernandes Marcos.
Open doctoral topics
Applicants to our doctoral programme can pursue their research interests in two ways:
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Select from our Open Topics: We offer a range of pre-defined thesis topics, each supervised by a faculty expert in the specific field.
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Propose Your Own Topic: If you have a unique research idea, you are welcome to submit your own thesis proposal for consideration.
Your application must include a preliminary research plan. If applying for an open topic, please enter the corresponding topic code in the admissions platform during your application.
Browse Open Topics in Education >
- Research and Development for private and public organizations
- Academic careers
Students complete the curricular part of the programme during the first year, which is composed of the following 5 modules:
- Methodologies of Investigation
- Methods and Techniques for Quantitative Research
- Methods and Techniques for Qualitative Research
- Integrative Research Seminars
- Specialist Studies and Reading Programme
During the first year of study, students must also prepare a thesis proposal. The completion of all modules and University approval of the proposal is a requirement to progress to the thesis-writing stage of the programme.
Working directly under an academic supervisor, the doctoral student independently completes an original and significant research project. Students begin their thesis once their proposed work and supervisory arrangements have been approved by the University.
| Lei, Wai Seng
2026 |
| Chan, Emily On I
2025 |
| Qi, Zi Xiang
2025 |
Study plan & description of modules
For the programme’s government approval [in Chinese and Portuguese] click here.
Please click on any specific module below to see its description.
Modules
Year 1
This module will start with an introduction to the historical foundation of the scientific method, the main philosophical currents that have shaped scientific thinking, and how modern science operates. The module will then provide an overview on the different research designs and methodologies adopted in various fields of knowledge. A final emphasis will be given to techniques of academic writing, publication, and scientific communication.
This module provides an overview of methods and techniques for quantitative research, including the concepts and practical applications of descriptive and inferential statistics, with the aim to motivate the students to build skills in data collection and analysis for their Ph.D. research. The topics covered include general concepts such as sampling strategies, evaluations of reliability and validity of data, and the connection between the research question/hypothesis definition and quantitative data analysis. Different types of statistical tests and techniques are presented and computational tools (Excel, R, and SPSS) are used in practical workshops.
This module enables students to plan and conduct qualitative research studies. The module introduces instrumentation for data collection, including interviews, observation, and reflection on practice. For qualitative studies, it considers matters of researcher bias, sampling, piloting, reliability and validity in the conduct of research, operationalizing research questions; the politics and micro-politics of research; insider and outsider research. This module also aims to enable students to analyze and interpret and present the results of different kinds of qualitative studies.
This module aims to introduce participants to key elements of doctoral research in the broad sense of an Academic framework. It focuses on providing an understanding of the research support Mechanisms at USJ and in overviews of the main research specialisation fields within the University of Saint Joseph, namely Business Administration; Education; Global Studies; Government Studies; History; Information Systems; Psychology; Religious Studies; Science. The course also provides an opportunity for the students to present and discuss their own work in a seminar environment.
This Module provides an initial experience of supervised research work where students will work with their intended supervisor in a collaborative tutorial model that resembles the practice of Thesis Supervision. During the Module the intended supervisor will guide the student trough multiple meetings (up to 15) during a full academic year The students will conduct autonomous research that should result in a preliminary literature review, research contextualisation and a thesis proposal completely finished and prepared to be submitted to the Foundation Year Final thesis proposal review and assessment instances.
This is the major part of doctoral student’s studies. Working directly under an academic supervisor, the student independently completes an original and significant research project. Students cannot start their thesis until the work proposed and supervisory arrangements have been approved by the university.
* - Internship
** - Elective
