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Learning Sciences (Structured PhD)

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Course Overview

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) create new potential to enhance learning, education and human development through adaptive, blended and personalised learning environments. In the last twenty years, innovations in computer technology enable us to design educational experiences that are potentially more engaging and effective. NUI Galway’s Structured Ph.D. in the Learning Sciences is the first denominated and structured doctoral programme of its kind in Europe. The aim of the programme is to educate highly-skilled graduates who can draw on a range of research and development skills to conceptualise, design, deploy and evaluate information and communications technologies (ICTs) to enhance learning in different educational contexts and settings.

Students are selected by a Course Committee comprising the course Directors, prospective research supervisor and Head of School of Psychology or Education. Entrants are expected to have no less than an upper second class honours degree in education, psychology or a discipline related to educational technologies (e.g. information technology, computer science, business information systems). If students do not have this basic qualification they must have demonstrated high ability by some other means (e.g., through publications or achievement in a higher degree).

Programmes Available

Important: this programme is not on offer for entry 2021.

Structured PhD (Learning Sciences), full-time
Structured PhD (Learning Sciences), part-time
Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System.

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Learning Outcomes

Entry Requirements

Selection is by a Course Committee comprising the Course Directors, research supervisor and Head of School of Psychology or Education. Entrants are expected to have no less than an upper Second Class Honours degree in education, psychology or a discipline related to educational technologies (e.g.,computer science). If students do not have this basic qualification they must have demonstrated high ability by some other means (e.g., achievement in a higher degree).

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If you are still looking for a potential supervisor or PhD project or would like to identify the key research interests of our academic staff and researchers, you can use our online portal to help in that search

Research Areas

ICT in education—Web 2.0, adaptive, virtual and blended learning, virtualisation, mobile learning, ubiquitous computing, haptics and embodied technologies
Design-based research and educational innovation
Philosophy of technology-enhanced learning
Digital creativity, digital storytelling and new media
Innovative, technology-enhanced contexts for development and learning
New technologies in informal and non-formal learning settings
Reinforcement and Extinction in digital learning contexts
Engagement and learning
Dynamic properties of learning in digital contexts
Cognitive aspects of learning
Design and impact of psychometric assessments in learning
Critical thinking and critical thinking technology
Systems thinking and systems thinking technology
Creativity and mindfulness
Problem-focused and solution-focused thinking
Cognitive interventions for older adults
Learning and skill development
Development of computer-based protocols for training language and cognitive skills
Relational Frame Theory and Behaviour Analysis and their applications in education and psychotherapy
Online cognitive testing