The Doctoral Programme in Educational Sciences, offered by the Faculty of Economics and Management of the Open University of Cyprus, aims to cultivate advanced research skills and to produce original scientific knowledge in the fields of Theory of Education and Curriculum Studies, as well as Educational Leadership and Policy. The Programme provides a dynamic and international academic environment in which doctoral candidates are encouraged to develop innovative ideas and make meaningful contributions to the advancement of science.

The Programme is offered fully online, providing a high degree of flexibility that enables doctoral students to effectively balance their studies with professional and personal commitments. At the same time, where deemed necessary, the option for physical presence is available, further enhancing the student and research experience. The Programme can be pursued on either a full-time or part-time basis, accommodating the diverse needs and obligations of students.

Through specialized modules in research methodology and academic writing, combined with personalized supervision, continuous guidance, and constructive feedback, students acquire the necessary skills to actively participate in the international scientific community. The Programme aims not only at the production of new knowledge but also at the development of independent researchers with critical thinking, scientific integrity, and the ability to respond to contemporary academic and professional challenges. In parallel, it provides a strong theoretical foundation and high-level research specialization, empowering graduates to assume leading roles in academia, research organizations, or other highly specialized sectors.

The Director of the Doctoral Programme Educational Sciences  is Assistant Professor Antonios Kafa

The Doctoral Programme Educational Sciences offers opportunities for doctoral-level research in the following areas:

1.       Educational Sciences – Theory of Education / Curricula 

2.       Educational Sciences – Educational Leadership and Policy

The above scientific fields correspond to research areas in which faculty members of the Faculty of Economics and Management are actively engaged. More specifically, doctoral dissertations within the framework of the Doctoral Programme in Educational Sciences may be conducted in the following areas:

• Philosophy of Education
• Curriculum Studies
• Decolonization in higher education
• Education for human rights
• Education for peace
• Education for social justice
• Emotions in education
• School leadership and crisis management
• School leadership and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Inclusive school leadership
• School leadership and external school context
• Effective school leadership

Duration:  6 academic semesters at a minimum; 16 academic semesters at a maximum
Workload: 180 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits
Mode of Study: Distance learning (e-learning)

Applicants to the Doctoral Programme must hold a Master’s degree in a discipline relevant to the above mentioned fields of study. Proficiency in foreign languages, particularly English, is considered an additional qualification.

Furthermore, applicants must submit the following documents together with their application:

1.      Detailed Curriculum Vitae (up to 5 pages)

2.      Research Proposal of 3000 words, which must include the following:

• Title of the proposed doctoral research: The title should provide a concise, clear, and representative indication of the focus subject of the proposed research.
• Abstract (approximately 500 words): The abstract should succinctly present the problem or central research question to be addressed in the dissertation, as well as the anticipated research contribution.
• Overview of the current state of research: This section should provide concise information regarding the “state of the art”, i.e., the progress achieved to date in international research related to the dissertation topic, as well identify key research gaps, namely unresolved questions that have not yet been satisfactorily addressed.
• Description of the scientific objectives of the proposed doctoral research and justification of the significance of the proposed doctoral research for the advancement of scientific knowledge: This section should describe the questions that the proposed dissertation is expected to answer, the problems it seeks to address (or contribute to their solution), and more generally the ways in which the dissertation aims to advance scholarly or scientific research in the specific field and contribute to the production of new knowledge.
• Literature review: This section should provide an in-depth discussion and synthesis of the principal (preferably recent) studies published in reputable academic journals, monographs, books, or edited volumes relevant to the dissertation topic. The literature review should summarize the main findings of existing research and identify unresolved issues that the proposed doctoral dissertation seeks to address.
• Proposed research methodology: This section should describe the methodology to be employed in the doctoral dissertation (e.g. methods for data collection and analysis, fieldwork, ethnographic research, etc.).
• Indicative bibliography: This section should include the most important references (scholarly articles, books, conference proceedings, etc.) relevant to the research proposal. Bibliographic formatting should follow the APA. 
• Proposed work plan and timetable: This section should outline the various stages of the research and the corresponding timelines for completion, including the research design, data collection or source analysis, analysis, drafting, revision, and final submission of the dissertation.
• Letters of Recommendation: 2 letters of Recommendation

Applications for admission are submitted exclusively through the website of the Open University of Cyprus:

Tuition fees for doctoral programmes amount to €675 per semester for the first six (6) semesters. The total tuition fees for the three-year period of study in a Doctoral Programme amount to €4,050. In cases where studies extend beyond this period, the fee remains €675 per semester for the first five (5) semesters and the final semester, while for the intervening semesters the fee is reduced to €100 per semester.

No tuition fees are charged for the compulsory first-year introductory course modules Academic Writing (DK EPA 796) and Research Methodology (DK EPA 795).

The University’s relevant policy applies with regard to tuition fee discounts and scholarships.

Graduates holding a doctoral degree in Educational Sciences may pursue careers in:

• Relevant academic positions at universities and higher education institutions
• Research positions in research centres and institutes
• Positions in educational organizations
• Consultancy services in education
• Research positions in research centers and institutes
• Positions in educational policy and development organizations
• Consultancy services in educational policy and development
• Leadership roles in school organizations
• Leadership roles in vocational education and training (VET) organizations

OUC's Institutional/Digital Repository "Kypseli" is a WEB designed portal which hosts the Intellectual and Research creations of the Open University of Cyprus.  Additionally, it includes all created digital Collections of multiple projects implemented by the University. You can find the Doctoral Dissertations of OUC PhD Alumni HERE.  

The Open University of Cyprus (OUC), through its participation in the European project "Liaison Offices with the Labour Market", offers to students of all its programmes of study, the optional and free of charge Thematic Unit (i.e. Module) entitled "Industry Placement". This module provides students opportunities for a placement to gain professional experience in their particular field of study, and the hosting institution can be any public or private organisation operating in the Republic of Cyprus.

Each student has the right to participate in this offering once or twice during his / her studies, provided that s/he meets the required conditions.

Request more information by contacting the OUC Liaison Office here.