探花系列

Research-Based Degrees (MA, PhD)

Educational Studies | Master of Arts or Doctoral of Philosophy 

Are you interested in advancing your understanding of education through research and scholarly inquiry?

The Master of Arts (MA) and Doctoral of Philosophy (PhD) in Education Studies are research-focused degrees for students who want to explore complex questions about teaching, learning, and educational systems while contributing new knowledge to the field.

These programs support students in developing strong research skills while working closely with a faculty supervisor. Students design and conduct independent research while building an individualized program of study that explores complex questions related to teaching, learning, and educational systems. Each graduate’s program of study culminates in a substantial research contribution to the field.

Program Highlights

  • Thesis or dissertation based 
  • Completed within one area of focus
  • Opportunity to contribute original research
  • Full-time or part-time study options
  • Open to domestic and international students
  • Typical completion: 2–5 years
  • Limited supervisory capacity
  • Research assistant opportunities

 Academic calendar  Admission requirements  Contact advising  How to apply


Areas of Focus

You will pursue your work within one of the department's academic areas of focus and engage deeply with educational research in that field. 

Art Education

Explore the intersections of art making, learning, teaching, and research. Maintaining active studio practices, they examine how studio processes support generative thinking, learning, and pedagogy.

Faculty Expertise:
  • Art & design education
  • Studio practices & creativity development
  • Arts-based research methodologies
  • Visual & artistic inquiry
  • Elementary & secondary arts education
  • Assessment & leadership in arts education

Curriculum Leadership

Curriculum Leadership (often referred to as Curriculum Studies outside BC) is a distinct field of scholarship that examines curriculum in its broadest sense. Commonly located within curriculum and pedagogy, it explores how curriculum is shaped and enacted across diverse educational contexts.

Faculty Expertise:
  • Curriculum as discourse and lived practice (planned, hidden, and null curriculum)
  • Historical and political perspectives on curriculum
  • International perspectives in curriculum studies
  • Cultural, critical, feminist, and poststructural theories
  • Social and ecological justice in education

Early Childhood Education

Explore early childhood learning, development, and education across diverse cultural and community contexts. This area considers how young children learn and how educators, families, and communities support early learning environments.

Faculty Expertise:
  • Early literacy
  • International early childhood collaborations
  • Global citizenship
  • Indigenous knowledge systems
  • Community-based research

Educational Technology

Explore research and practice in educational technology, including how digital tools and platforms support teaching, learning, and educational innovation across diverse learning environments. Students engage with technologies used in classrooms, online learning, and technology-integrated educational settings.

Program Features:
  • Flexible study options for full-time students and working professionals
  • Two core courses delivered face-to-face on campus
  • Additional courses available online or through partner universities (Western Deans’ Agreement)
  • Participation in a collaborative online learning community with regular video meetings and discussion channels
  • Graduates pursue roles in university teaching and learning centres, accessible learning, educational technology units, and academic faculty positions
Faculty Expertise:
  • Contemporary issues in educational technology (digital, networked, open)
  • Technologies supporting personalized, inquiry-based, blended, and online learning
  • Technologies supporting digital learning and access

Language and Literacy

Explore language and literacy education across the lifespan, with a focus on the teaching, learning, and study of language and literacy in educational settings. This area examines pedagogical practices, literacy development, and research in language and literacy education from early childhood through adult learning.

Faculty Expertise:
  • Children's literature
  • Secondary and post-secondary literacy
  • Assessment in language and literacy
  • Family & community literacy
  • Multiple literacies
  • Language education in international contexts

Math and Science Education

Explore teaching, learning, and research in mathematics, science, or STEM education. This area examines how learners develop understanding in STEM subjects and how educators design effective instructional approaches across educational contexts.

Faculty Expertise:
  • K-12 mathematics & science curriculum
  • STEM philosophy & history
  • Spatial reasoning in elementary mathematics
  • Problem-based learning
  • Technology in mathematics & science education
  • Large-scale data analysis (e.g., PISA, PCAP)

Social, Cultural, and Foundational Studies

Explore educational issues through historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives. This area examines educational phenomena, institutions, and relationships in relation to contemporary educational experiences, public discourse, and broader social and political contexts.

Faculty Expertise:
  • Philosophy of education
  • Moral education
  • Education policy studies
  • Indigenous, multicultural, & anti-racist education
  • Social & historical foundations of education
  • Educational reform

Find a Supervisor

There is limited supervisory capacity. Applicants must identify a faculty member whose research aligns with their interests before applying. Prospective students are encouraged to review faculty research areas and confirm supervisory availability prior to submitting an application.

MA Program Structure

Delivery

  • Hybrid delivery – a blend of online and in-person learning
  • Teacher-friendly schedule – full-time or part-time options
  • Individualized program developed with your faculty supervisor

Typical Progression

Year 1: Coursework & development of a research focus 

Spring/Summer: Research proposal development

Year 2+: Independent research and completion of thesis

Typically completed in 2 years (full-time)


Coursework

You will complete 2 foundational and 3 elective courses based on your area of focus. View the graduate calendar for specific course details.


Research-Based Thesis

Students conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty member and complete a thesis that contributes new knowledge to your area of focus. 

The thesis must be written and successfully defended in an oral examination.

PhD Program Structure

Delivery

  • Hybrid delivery – a blend of online and in-person learning
  • Teacher-friendly schedule – full-time or part-time options
  • Individualized program developed with your faculty supervisor

Typical Progression

Year 1: Core coursework and research preparation

Year 2+: Specialized coursework, development of a dissertation proposal, original research, and completion of dissertation 

Candidacy: Written and oral candidacy examinations

Defense: Oral defence of completed dissertation 

Typically completed in 3-7 years 


Coursework

You will complete 2 advanced foundational and 2 elective courses based on your area of focus. View the graduate calendar for specific course details.


Research-Based Dissertation

Students develop a dissertation proposal before conducting substantial independent research and complete a dissertation that makes a significant contribution to scholarship in the field. Research is guided by a supervisory committee.

Funding Your Degree

Program costs & funding

Use the UVic tuition calculator to calculate a custom estimate of your program fees.

Funding & financial support

Graduate students have access to a variety of funding sources, including:

If you have questions or concerns, the Scholarships Office in the Faculty of Graduate Studies is your go-to resource for advice and guidance about awards, application procedures, and due dates.

Many students also receive support through provincial or federal student loans and the UVic Tuition Bursary Fund for those in financial difficulty.

New!

Ready to apply?

Review admission criteria, required documents, key dates, and submit your application through the .

Please note - the MA and PhD programs do not lead to K-12 teacher certification in Canada. Teacher certificaiton is granted by provincial governments.

MA Admission Requirements  PhD admission Requirements  How to apply

Start your application!

 


Contact the   to confirm supervisor availability.

What should I take?

Have questions about research interests or program selection?

Contact the  .

What do I need to know?

Have questions about the application process, requirements, or program regulations?

Review the  C&I Handbook.

Not sure where to start?

Have questions about applications, timelines, or program processes?

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