Cristina Devecchi
Associate Professor in Education
level:PG;top_up:false;international:true;foundation:false;clearing:false;full_time:true;part_time:true;start_month:October, March;location:Waterside
Inclusion, Diversity and Special Needs PhD/PhD by Published works
Key Facts
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Duration
PhD: Full time 2 years - 4 years, Part time 3 years - 6 years
PhD by Published Works: 1 - 2 years -
Level
PostgraduatePG PhD
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See Fees and Funding
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See Fees and Funding
Updated 09/12/2025
Updated 09/12/2025
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Overview
Undertaking a research degree such as a PhD, or PhD by Published works in Inclusion, Diversity and Special Needs is an intellectual challenge like no other. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the subject you are passionate about, set your own work goals, and make an important contribution to your field. Successful defence of the final thesis will provide the researcher with the highest qualification that any UK university can award and offer an excellent opportunity to move into higher management and research positions within Education and aligned fields. We welcome applications from graduates holding an MA in any subject and/or have experience of working in formal, informal, or non-formal education. Find out more about the research going on in our Centre for Education and Research.
Deadlines for all applicants: October intake final date for application submission 1 August, March intake final date for application submission 11 December.
Highlights
- We offer a range of support, including a skilled supervisory team for your project, and a suite of to help you progress in your research studies
- There is a close-knit research community made up of students and staff, as well as a vibrant programme of networking and social events
- Membership to the Centre for Education and Research and to its Special Interest Groups
Entry Requirements
We would normally expect you to have a master’s degree from a UK university, or equivalent international qualifications, or qualifications and relevant experience that we consider to be equivalent.
As part of the selection process you may be invited for an interview once your application has been reviewed by the Admissions office and the Research lead.
All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:
- successful interview outcome.
- availability of suitable Research Supervision Support.
If you are applying for Research study, you will need to write a research proposal. Find out how to write a research proposal.
More detailed information about the research degrees is available on our Graduate school page.
If you’d like to join us as a research student, then please review the webpages below:
- browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.
- Find out how to apply for a MPhil/ PhD/ PhD by Published Works at the University of Northampton.
- IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component including writing. We will also consider equivalent English language qualifications.
We are unable to consider applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components from a test taken within the last two years
What You'll Learn
Inclusion, Diversity and Special Needs is an area of central importance to the Centre for Education and Research. As a team we have expertise in removing barriers for those described as having special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as expertise in most areas of Inclusion and diversity.
You may hone your research skills and competences while also developing your area of focus through the Inclusion, Diversity, and Special Needs PhD. You will get general, discipline-based, and project-specific training as you create, design, and carry out your research project, along with the assistance of a committed supervisory team, empowering you to carry out your research work successfully and independently.
You will gain from a network of researchers and practitioners as a member of the Centre for Education and Research. You can advance into an academic career or find employment in research and development within education and related disciplines if you have a PhD in education with a focus on inclusion, diversity, and special needs.
What is the difference between a full PhD and a PhD by Published works?
A PhD involves conducting original research and writing a thesis, while a PhD by Published Works is awarded based on a collection of previously published papers demonstrating significant contributions to the field. Additional information about choosing your type of research degree can be found on our How to apply for Research degree study page.
Fees and Funding
2025/26 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees
- UK – Full Time: £5,700
- UK – Part Time: £2,845
- International – Full Time: £16,350
- International – Part Time: £7,640
Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works
Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.
- UK – Part Time: £3,600
- International – Part Time: £7,840
Please visit the funding page for more details on how to fund your study.
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees
- UK – Full Time: £5,500
- UK – Part Time: £2,775
- International – Full Time: £15,950
- International – Part Time: £7,450
Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works.
Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.
- UK – Part Time: £3,500
- International – Part Time: £7,650
Staff
