The PhD in Early Childhood Development (ECD) program is designed for aspiring scholars and leaders committed to driving transformative change in the field of early years education. The program seeks candidates who possess not only a profound understanding of educational research but also a commitment to key interdisciplinary areas, including intercultural communication, diversity, equity, and inclusive innovation.
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PhD in Early Childhood Development seeks applicants who demonstrate a deep, reflective understanding of educational research and a commitment to integrating critical, complex themes into their work. Successful candidates are expected to explore research topics with a strong focus on intercultural communication, diversity, equity, and inclusive innovation. Furthermore, the program emphasizes the essential role of spirituality and culture-responsiveness as applied to young children, their educators, families, and policy development.
The ideal applicant will show a willingness to develop integral perspectives, continuously seeking to explore strengths and areas of improvement while taking responsibility with care and respect for continuous growth. Ultimately, this program prepares doctoral graduates to contextualize global research phenomena and contribute meaningful, locally grounded knowledge to the wider global knowledge community through their local cosmological research endeavours.
Eligibility
At least 17 years of schooling with a master’s degree in any discipline ( preferably with an MPhil (or MPhil equivalent) degree from a university recognized by Kathmandu University)
Demonstrated competency in the English language
CGPA 3.0 out of 4 in the terminal degree for the CGPA system and a minimum first division in the yearly system.
Admission Criteria
Completion of the application form
Copies of credentials, a copy of the curriculum vitae, and reference letters
A fully developed research concept note of around 5000 words (written in English)
A research paper (published or unpublished on a relevant topic (written in English)
The Research Committee evaluates the concept note and makes the final decision
The Research Committee considers the following for the evaluation:
Writing ability (written test)
Interview
A sample search paper on a relevant subject (published or not published)
Research Proposal
Past academic records
Relevant work experience (if any)
Note: The Research Committee of the School of Education reserves the right to select (or otherwise) scholars for PhD programs based on their scholarly merits. Applicants unable to demonstrate adequate knowledge and academic skills in the chosen areas will not be selected.
Curricular Structure
Candidates who require this specific coursework will be offered one or more courses from the following list, as recommended by the supervisor(s):
- EDUC 600: Educational Dimensions (3)
- EDUC 640: Writing for Publications (3)
- EDRM 623: Quantitative Research Methods (3)
- EDRM 624: Qualitative Research Methods (3)
- EDRM 651: Research Writing and Proposal Development (3)
- EDRM 652: Fieldwork in Quantitative Research (3)
- EDRM 657: Data Analysis and Interpretation in Mixed Methods
- EDRM 666: Independent Study (3)
- ECED 600: Philosophies, Theories, and Practices of Early Childhood Development (3)
- ECED 620: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (3)
- ECED 628: Research Trends in Early Childhood Development (3)
- ECED 676: Policy, Governance, and Management in Early Childhood Development Program (3)