Part-time doctoral study at the Mathematics Education Centre

The Mathematics Education Centre (MEC) at Loughborough University is an internationally renowned centre of mathematics teaching, learning and support. The MEC was the fifth highest ranked education department in the UK at the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, having 85% of its research activity assessed as being “world leading” or “internationally excellent”.  The MEC 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 doctoral students on topics related to their research interests.  These can be found on http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/mec/staff/

We have funding to enable a well-qualified applicant to carry out their PhD study in the Mathematics Education Centre commencing in April 1^st, July 1^st or October 1^st, 2016. This studentship is for part-time study over five years and cover tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only. The focus of the proposed research should be related to mathematics teaching and learning within classrooms. It might interest practising teachers (primary, secondary or tertiary), consultants or mathematics educators. However, others are also welcome to apply. For more information about the Mathematics Education Centre, please visit our webpage: www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/mec/  

The closing date for applications is Friday December 4^th, 2015. Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be in January 2016.

Entry Requirements

All candidates must have an honours degree in Mathematics, Education, Psychology or a related discipline and have a Masters degree which involved some research undertaking. The exact qualifications required will vary according to the nature of the proposed project and prospective candidates are strongly encouraged, prior to applying, to approach potential supervisors to discuss the suitability of their qualifications and their proposed project. Please see our website http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/mec/staff/. Other qualifications may be considered in conjunction with significant experience in the field. Essential for success are good English language skills, both oral and written (see http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/englang/index.htm for the University’s requirements). The successful applicants will be expected, with support: to study relevant research literature; carry out an individual research study; attend, where possible, research seminars at the Mathematics Education Centre and day conferences of the British Society for Research into Learning Mathematics (BSRLM).

How to apply

Applicants must formally apply online at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/ and 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 teaching/learning in mathematics and related to your proposed area of research. This should be a specially constructed piece of writing, making reference to relevant academic literature.

Submitted materials will be assessed for coherence, clarity and relevance. These documents should be also e-mailed 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), Schofield Building, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU.

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.

Please quote reference: 2015/PHM/1