The PhD in Education program in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Education at Nepal Open University (NOU) intends to prepare students for careers as researchers, scholars, leaders, and practitioners in a range of academic fields and subfields, including English education, linguistics, Nepali education, ICT in Education/E-learning, language and literacy, educational management, educational leadership, health education, Indigenous knowledge, and inclusive education. It is a program for advanced professional study that encourages advancement in leadership and scholarship in the chosen area(s) of education.
The curriculum provides a high emphasis on the development of knowledge and abilities in professions related to education through a firm foundation in theoretical knowledge and research skills. The curriculum gives the students a strong foundation in professional ethics, subject-matter expertise, and a lifelong commitment to learning that will enable them to accomplish their professional goals and apply their education and training for the good of humanity. The program's objectives and justification, entry requirements and processes, teaching-learning approaches, evaluation and assessment procedures, as well as rules for the PhD program are all covered in this paper, which also serves as an introduction to the program.
Objective of the program
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education program is primarily designed for people who want to get ready for careers in research and teaching in the quickly evolving field of education.
High academic and research standards are expected of PhD candidates, and they must do independent, original research that will advance theory and/or practice in the field of education.
Program Rationale
The program was developed to satisfy the needs of researchers, theorists, and practitioners in the field of education who seek to deepen their understanding of a range of educational fields and subfields via rigorous theoretical and empirical study. Research is necessary to address complex educational difficulties that go beyond our current understanding. The curriculum cultivates perspectives on issues and challenges in national, regional, and global education while providing a thorough foundation for understanding education. Research students pursuing a PhD in education at NOU have the opportunity to gain knowledge from theory, research, and practice through online and in-person learning formats while utilizing cutting-edge pedagogical strategies and technology.
Program Modality
Selected PhD candidates shall work under the designated supervisor(s) face-to-face (in-person/physical) and/or in other supplementary modes.
Learning Sessions and Seminar
The FDSSED can set up seminars and learning sessions based on the demands of its PhD candidates' research projects. It may incorporate complex research methods in educational programs and seminars, depending on the requirement.
Duration of the program
The duration of the PhD program is 3 to 6 years. Generally, a PhD candidate would be expected to submit his/her thesis after the completion three years from the date of enrolment/registration. The maximum period allowed to complete the PhD work is six years. If they are unable to submit their final thesis draft within a maximum period of six years of enrolment/registration, his/her registration/admission shall be deemed cancelled, and they have to get re-registered by fulfilling all the PhD registration procedures stipulated above.
Salient Features
Comprehensive Entrance Exam (CEE)
The FOSSED's evaluation of PhD applicants shall consist of 150 marks. The PhD entrance exams shall comprise the three evaluation components:
Admission Test: A 3-hour entrance exam carrying 100 shall be administered to the PhD applicants as stated hereunder:
| Objective Questions | 1. Verbal Ability 2. General Awareness and Logical Reasoning (Multiple Choice Questions) |
25 Marks 25 Marks |
| Subjective Questions | 1. Research Methodology 2. General content of education |
25 Marks 25 Marks |
Evaluation of “Statement of Research Purpose/Intention”: The proposed research purpose/intention submitted during the application process will be evaluated by at least two experts based on the evaluation criteria in Appendix I. The Statement of Research Purpose/Intention shall carry 25 marks in the evaluation of the applicant.
Defence and Interview: The defence of Statement of Research Purpose/Intention and interview shall be conducted for those candidates who have passed the written test and evaluation of the 'Statement of Research Purpose/Intention. The evaluation shall be based on the applicant's knowledge of content and research methods, skills, attitude, and commitment to the- PhD research it shall carry 25 marks in the evaluation of the applicant.
Result Publication: Based on the number of seats announced by the FOSSED Dean office, a merit-based list of eligible candidates (preferably with 25% on the waiting list) will be published.
Eligibility
For direct enrolment to the PhD program, the applicant should:
- have at least a second division or a CGPA of 2.7 at the Masters level with a minimum of three years of teaching experience at campuses of recognised Universities or equivalent professional experience,
- have an MPhil degree from Nepal Open University or any other recognised University with at least second class of a CGPA of 3.3 at the MPhil level with a minimum of three years of teaching experience at campuses of recognised University or equivalent professional experience, and
- have a paper published as the principal author in journals of at least the national level on Nepjol, or those recognised by the UGC Napal.
The PhD enrolment shall be subject to entrance/admission tests and successful defence of the research purpose and interview in addition to the above criteria.
Admission Criteria
Applicants who wish to be enrolled in the PhD shall apply to the Dean of the FOSSED in the prescribed form of application stating their qualifications and areas of their research interest along with a “Statement of Research Purpose/Intention”.
- The proposed Statement of Research Purpose/Intention should be handwritten and contain not less than 2000 words.
- It must include:
- The area of the proposed research/topic
- The research problem
- Rationale/practical justification of the proposed research, and
- A preliminary approach to or pathway for conducting the proposed research.
- The Statement of Research Purpose/intention shall carry 25 per cent marks in the evaluation of the applicant.
The applicant shall successfully complete all the tests administered by the FOSSED.
The Faculty Research Committee (FRC) shall conduct an entrance test of the applicant to assess his/her knowledge and skills in the field of his/her PhD study.
The ERC may require an applicant to demonstrate his/her qualifications and preparedness for admission by satisfactorily carrying out such work and/or sitting for such examinations that the FRC shall determine.
The FRC shall also ensure that the subject being offered to the applicant is one which can be effectively studied within the FOSSED.
The FRC after the preliminary scrutiny shall enrol the selected applicants in the PhD program.
For the enrolment, the applicant shall complete all the prescribed requirements with defined results.
The FRC shall determine the admission quote for the PhD program depending on the availability of resources.