phd in reading education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

As a postgraduate research student at the Institute of Education (IoE) at the University of Reading, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse research community, working alongside leading experts within education. We offer flexible modes of study designed to fit with your needs. Our PhD is available for study on a full-time or part-time basis.

If you would like to learn more about pursuing your PhD research at the IoE, please click here .

If you are looking for a potential supervisor to supervise your research, please click here .

Read on to see what some of our PhD alumni think about their time at the IoE and what they have been up to since their graduation.

Dr. Anna Tsakalaki

Title of thesis: Investigating spelling in English and Greek native speaking children with and without dyslexia

Year of graduation: 2016.

Research focus: My PhD explored areas of literacy development and literacy difficulties in different languages. I compared the spelling performance of Key Stage 2 students in England and Greece. My sample included children with dyslexia and typically developing children. By comparing their spelling performance, I was able to detect differences in the pace with which their spelling skills developed, the manifestation of dyslexia in the two different languages and the contribution of the specific language they were writing in (English or Greek) to acquisition of spelling skills.

Memorable experiences at the IoE: As a doctoral student, I enjoyed working in a supportive research environment being supervised by experienced researchers specialising in my field. I have been given several opportunities to present my work at seminars and conferences, to assist in other research projects apart from my own and to gain teaching experience in higher education. I also enjoyed being part of an active community of doctoral students, who met regularly to support each other.

Career: I am currently a Lecturer in Education at the University of Reading’s Institute of Education, where I teach across postgraduate and undergraduate programmes and supervise research projects of postgraduate level. In the future, I am hoping to build a strong network of colleagues sharing my teaching and research interests leading to many opportunities for collaborations and exchange of knowledge.

Dr. Hebah Sheerah

Title of thesis: Exploring English as Foreign Language (EFL) students’ perceptions on the use of blended learning to develop academic English language skills in preparatory year in Saudi Arabia

Year of graduation: 2018.

Research focus: My PhD explored EFL undergraduate students’ perceptions concerning the strengths and weaknesses of blended learning as a technology-enhanced pedagogic tool on the development of their academic English in each language skill (reading, listening, speaking, writing) as well as their recommendations for improving the skills using blended learning in the preparatory year in Saudi Arabia.

Memorable experiences at the IoE: As a doctoral student, I have been given several opportunities to present my work at seminars and national conferences in the UK. Moreover, a wide range of research opportunities was provided. The environment was encouraging and enabled flexible ways of working.

Career: I am currently an Assistant Professor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at King Khalid University (Abha, Saudi Arabia). I teach undergraduate programmes. In the future, I am hoping to build a strong network of colleagues sharing my teaching and research interests which will hopefully lead to opportunities for collaborations and exchange of knowledge.

Dr. Heike Krusemann

Thesis title: Language learning motivation and the discursive representation of German, the Germans, and Germany in UK school settings and the press

Year of graduation: 2018 .

Research focus: My PhD at the Institute of Education combined the areas of language learning motivation and discourse studies. I explored the motivational dynamics underlying the subject choices of adolescent German learners in England beyond the compulsory stage of language learning (age 14), and how they are related to the representation of German in wider, national press discourses.

Memorable experiences at the IoE: Highlights of my time at the IoE were taking part in internal and external conferences, and being made to feel welcome in the departmental research group (Language & Literacy in Education). I also appreciated the professional, respectful and supportive working atmosphere between supervisors, other staff and research students.

Career: I now work as post-doctoral researcher here at the IoE for Linguistic Creativity in Language Learning , a strand of the large Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded research programme Creative Multilingualism , led by the University of Oxford. I enjoy this post enormously as it is a natural fit for my research interests and skills, and it is perfect for gaining experience and building connections in my academic field.

Dr. Jie Liu (Sherry)

Title of thesis: Trilingual education of Chinese university minority students in China: A case study

Year of graduation: 2017.

Research focus: My PhD set out to study the language education of Chinese minority groups in China. In particular, I explored the experiences of staff and minority students in a trilingual educational programme (home language, Mandarin Chinese and English) at tertiary level.

Memorable experiences at the IoE: As an international EFL research student, I I felt extremely lucky to have supervisors at Reading who provided effective and constructive guidance throughout my whole PhD journey. Their tremendous and consistent supports and genuine care for me in life played a crucial role in my achievements today.

Career: I am currently a Teaching Fellow in Education at the Institute of Education, the University of Reading. I am hoping to develop my capacity for academic teaching and research on the post and collaborate with colleagues within a wider network to explore shared areas of interest, such as multilingualism, multilingual education and language policies.

Dr. Nayr Ibrahim

Title of thesis: Identity in children learning to read and write in three languages: A case study

Research focus: My PhD research investigated how trilingual/triliterate children negotiated an emerging multilingual identity. It was a qualitative case study, using mixed and multimodal methods, that placed the child at the heart of the research process as it elicited their attitudes, perceptions and interpretations of living and learning in diverse multilingual contexts.  

Memorable experiences at the IoE: I was a part-time student studying away from the university, in Paris, with a full-time job on the side! Even though I was not based in the UK, I did hop on the Eurostar and came over to Reading as often as I could to: meet my supervisor; attend Researcher Development sessions; give my first presentation at the Language Studies PhD conference; and finally for my viva. I always found every one very friendly and helpful, and enjoyed meeting up with other PhD students. 

Career: After graduation, I have accepted the post of Associate Professor of English Subject Pedagogy at Nord University in Bodø, Norway. I am excited to move to Norway and to start my work with student teachers at the University. I am also looking forward to building my network and continue my research in multilingualism, language learning, literacy and children’s voices.

Dr. Pengchong (Anthony) Zhang

Title of thesis: Comparing different types of EFL vocabulary instruction for Chinese high school learners of English

Year of graduation: 2018.

Research focus: I started my PhD research here at the Institute of Education in 2014, exploring the teaching and learning of vocabulary through listening among Chinese high-school learners of English. I used a quasi-experimental, mixed method design in a classroom intervention comparing incidental vocabulary learning through listening with different types of vocabulary instruction.

Memorable experiences at the IoE: As an international student, I was made to feel very welcome, with a warm and informative induction that helped familiarise me with the IoE’s vibrant research community. Alongside my PhD, I have worked as a research assistant on two projects (‘Linguistic Creativity in Language Learning’, ‘Phonics Roadshow’) and have taught postgraduate modules. The training, support and research seminars provided have equipped me well to become an independent researcher.

Career: I am now working as a Lecturer in Second Language Learning at the University of Reading’s Institute of Education, having previously worked as a Teaching Fellow in Education at the same Institution. As a Lecturer, I lead and teach postgraduate level modules as well as supervise MA dissertations. My career aspiration is to become a leading scholar in my research field of second language education.

Dr. Sufang Li Brassington

Title of thesis: ‘it’s like kindling a fire’: training student teachers about special educational needs and inclusive education at a university in china.

Research focus: The purpose of my PhD at the University of Reading was to raise awareness of special educational needs and inclusive education in China, and the study included a blended-learning training course for student teachers at a university.

Memorable experiences at the IoE: The Institute of Education was such a special place where I immensely enjoyed both my MA and PhD studies. In addition to the consistent support and academic guidance from the team of supervisors, and the Enrichment Programme about English culture, I also benefited from lots of opportunities to grow and develop, to present my work at seminars and conferences, to co-organise postgraduate research conferences, to supervise dissertations, to experience teaching in higher education in the UK, and to apply for funding as well. And for all these I am extremely grateful.

Career: Since September 2017, I have been working as the Research and Development Officer at Innova Press (Reading, UK).

Dr. Yang Hong

Title of thesis: The educational aspirations of ‘Left-behind Children’ in rural China: A case study

Research focus:   My research investigated educational aspirations of Chinese rural ‘left-behind children’ (a highly socially disadvantaged young population in China) in relation to their educational experiences within the context of being ‘left behind’. It adopted the qualitative case study approach and used ethnography as the primary research technique to capture factors that impact on aspirations, and to understand and explain why educational aspirations are different among these young people who share many similar social characteristics.

Memorable experiences at the IoE: I have had an absolutely amazing experience studying at the University of Reading’s Institute of Education (IoE). As we all know, doing a PhD is difficult, and it can be even more challenging for international students. However, I received generous support from staff and my fellow PhD peers at the IoE. Without them, I couldn’t make it! I cannot express my gratitude enough for their support.

Career:   Currently, I am working as a Research Associate at Shaanxi Normal University in China. I will continue doing research with a focus on the disadvantaged young people and their education, not only in China but also in other countries. I want to give voices to these young people’s experiences, and I hope to raise more awareness towards providing more care, protection and support to these young people.

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Doctorate in Reading and Literacy Program Guide

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A doctorate in reading and literacy will provide you with literacy and research knowledge, unlocking careers in postsecondary education, educator training, administration, or curriculum development. This degree is ideal for aspiring teachers, administrators, or anyone seeking career advancement or specialized training in reading and research skills.

What Is a Reading and Literacy Degree?

A doctoral degree in reading and literacy can take anywhere from 2-6 years to complete, depending on various factors, including whether you enroll as a full- or part-time student and what the program demands. Both online and on-campus programs are available and typically require you to take a mix of required and elective courses. Program specifications vary by institution and may require anywhere from 40-80 credits to graduate.

The curriculum covers subject areas, including literacy leadership, contemporary literacy issues, and foundational literacy research. You’ll usually have to complete a dissertation and possibly a practicum.

Additionally, you may have the option to tailor your degree to align with your career goals, with specialization options such as early childhood, adult literacy, and teaching English as a second language (TESOL).

Related Online Education Doctorate Programs You May Be Interested In

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Doctorate in Reading and Literacy Courses and Concentrations

Reading and literacy courses usually cover various topics, spanning foundational concepts, literacy and research-specific courses, and specialized topics such as K-12 education, digital literacy, and bilingual and special education.

Programs commonly require both core and elective courses, sometimes specializing in an area such as literacy, teaching English as a second language, early literacy, or curriculum construction. A dissertation is also part of a doctoral program’s requirements.

Examples of potential courses include:

• Language foundations for learning
• History of education
• Texts and teaching in literacy learning
• Research perspectives in literacy
• Dissertation seminar

How to Get a Doctorate in Reading and Literacy

A doctorate in reading and literacy can take 2-6 years to complete and requires a master’s degree and relevant teaching or work experience.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in Reading and Literacy?

An in-person or online doctorate in reading and literacy can be completed in 2-6 years, depending on whether you enroll part time or full time. It also depends on if you have any program-specific graduation requirements, such as a dissertation or internship. You will need to complete approximately 40-80 credit hours of coursework.

For the possibility of earning your degree faster, consider an accelerated program or online options with self-paced, asynchronous courses for flexible scheduling.

How to Apply for a Doctorate in Reading and Literacy Program

Admissions requirements vary from program to program, but certain similarities exist across applications. Most programs will require you to have a master’s degree, a certain level of relevant teaching or work experience, and a minimum undergraduate GPA.

Application materials you may need include:

• Academic transcripts
• An updated resume
• A personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Academic writing samples

How Much Does a Doctorate in Reading and Literacy Cost?

The cost of a doctorate varies depending on program length, location, and type. The average annual tuition and required fees for a graduate degree was $20,513 in the 2021-2022 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics . This figure drops to $12,596 annually for public institutions and rises to $29,931 for non-profit, private institutions.

Additionally, it is essential to factor in the cost of a degree beyond tuition, including living expenses and books. The total cost of a doctoral degree may be offset by financial aid , including scholarships and grants .

What Can I Do With a Reading and Literacy Degree?

A degree in reading and literacy can open the door to various career paths or unlock promotions or salary raises in an existing job. Careers for professionals with doctorates in reading and literacy include roles in post-secondary education, curriculum development, adult literacy, and nonprofit work.

Reading and Literacy Degree Jobs

Careers for professionals with doctorates in reading and literacy include library media specialists, adult literacy teachers, and instructional coordinators. According to the BLS, jobs for social and community service managers and postsecondary teachers will grow 9% and 8%, respectively, between 2022 and 2032, more than double the average projected growth rate for all occupations.

How Much Money Can I Make With a Reading and Literacy Degree?

Salaries differ between jobs but can range between $60,560 for adult literacy teachers and $84,380 for postsecondary teachers. Some employers may also offer an increased pay scale for advanced degrees.

Continuing Education in Reading and Literacy

If you decide to work in education, you must continually update your training and certification to work with students. Public elementary and secondary school educators are required to maintain state licensure. Many postsecondary institutions offer licensing and certification programs for students interested in working with children.

Degree programs related to reading and literacy, such as curriculum and instruction , educational administration , and higher education , are often available at the master’s and doctoral levels. Choosing between these levels depends on your desired level of education and the time you can dedicate to the program. It also depends on how much you would like to spend on your education.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Reading and Literacy Program

Before committing to a reading and literacy degree program, consider several factors, including cost, program length, and program format.

The total cost of a program is influenced by factors such as institution type, location, and eligibility for resident tuition. Costs vary between private and public schools and online versus in-person programs. You should also consider additional expenses, including room and board and potential moving costs.

Program Length

Make sure to research how long a potential program could take and if there are any accelerated options. Doctoral programs in reading and literacy typically consist of 40-80 credits and may take you anywhere from 2-6 years to graduate. The program’s length can impact the overall cost of the degree and how soon you are about to start your career.

Accreditation

Programs with accreditation allow you to apply for financial aid and transfer credits to other institutions. Accreditation is important for assessing the credibility and quality of a degree program. Additionally, you should verify if the program you are interested in holds programmatic accreditation from reputable accrediting agencies.

Program Format

You should determine whether you want a fully online, in-person, or hybrid degree, and whether you want to enroll full time or part time. Asynchronous online courses can be beneficial if you want to continue working while enrolled. Enrolling as a full-time student may be the best option if you want to graduate in a shorter time frame.

Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed July 23, 2024.

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Literacy studies, doctor of philosophy (ph.d.), you are here, a research-focused doctoral program for scholarship on reading, writing, and literacy. .

The Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies is committed to furthering knowledge in literacy and literacy education. Doctoral students construct an individualized program of study based on their areas of interest, to develop their understanding and expertise in particular aspects of the field.

This program was previously known as Reading/Writing/Literacy Ph.D. Beginning in Summer 2024, this program will be titled Literacy Studies Ph.D.

What Sets Us Apart

About the program.

In the Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies, doctoral students customize their course of study to their individual interests. Of 20 required courses, 10 of them are electives, allowing students to work with their advisors to develop a program that is best suited to the individual’s areas of interest.

4 courses per semester (fall/spring)

Culminating experience Comprehensive examination and dissertation

Duration of program 4–6 years

Transfer courses accepted Up to 8 courses with approval

The Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies emphasizes the interrelationships and integration of theory, research, policy, and practice. Doctoral students construct individual programs of study with their advisor to suit their interests, combining core courses with additional coursework in research methodology and electives.

In addition to the core doctoral courses, students focus on developing their understanding and expertise in particular aspects of the field. These aspects might include teacher education, pedagogy and curriculum, leadership, policy, urban education, multicultural education, adult and community-based literacy in and out of school, or literacy in international contexts. Throughout the program, students learn to conduct research on critical issues and problems in literacy.

In the Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies, students create individual programs of study. They are encouraged to develop one or more areas of concentration. Options include, but are not limited to:

• Teacher education and professional development
• Literacy policy and leadership
• Postsecondary learning environments
• Adult literacy education
• Reading, writing, and literacy across elementary, middle, and secondary curricula
• Children’s and adolescent literature
• Literacy practices with families, schools, and communities
• Urban education
• Digital literacies and technologies for teaching and learning
• Critical literacies

Students in the program benefit from the vast resources of the University of Pennsylvania. We encourage our doctoral students to choose electives from our program's courses, from other Penn GSE programs, and from across the University of Pennsylvania. 

The program includes six required courses, four research courses, and 10 electives. For more information on courses and requirements, visit the  Literacy Studies Ph.D. program in the University Catalog .

Literacy Studies Doctoral Virtual Information Session

Our faculty.

Our faculty are renowned scholars and researchers who are committed to educational practice and to supporting scholar-practitioners.

"Their willingness to push to find the right solution for me ended up reshaping how I approach a lot of work I do, and gave me a unique angle with how I was coming at education and literacy."

T. Philip Nichols

Our graduates.

The Ph.D. program in Literacy Studies prepares scholar-practitioners for careers in research and teaching at colleges and universities and other educational organizations with a primary mission related to furthering knowledge in literacy and literacy education.

Alumni Careers

• Assistant Professor, Baylor University
• Assistant Professor, California State University
• Assistant Professor, North Carolina State University
• Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut
• Assistant Professor, Texas Tech
• A ssistant Professor, University of Florida
• A ssistant Professor, University of California, Davis
• Director of Undergraduate Research, University of Connecticut
• Professor, Reading Area Community College
• Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh

Admissions & Financial Aid

Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements , as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.

Contact us if you have any questions about the program.

Graduate School of Education University of Pennsylvania 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]

Tamika Easley Program Manager (215) 898-3245 [email protected]

Kemba Howard  Administrative Assistant  (215) 898-8525 [email protected]

Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.

All Ph.D. students are guaranteed a full scholarship for their first four years of study, as well as a stipend and student health insurance. Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

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Related programs.

• Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D.
• Literacy Studies M.S.Ed.
• Literacy Studies Ed.D.
• Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ph.D.
• Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ed.D.

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