Peking University PhD in International Education Development (IED)

Admission Guide 2021

Admission Period: October 1^st, 2020 – February 28^th, 2021

Our program

The international education system has made tremendous progress in recent decades, having transformed the educational outcomes of hundreds of millions of children globally through both financial and political commitments. Yet the quality of education received by many is far from that promised by governments and international organizations, representing a substantial education deficit, a key challenge for the future. This, compounded with inequality across countries and social strata, shifts the focus of International Education Development (IED) from targeting access to education to ensuring its continued quality and equality. Furthermore, looking to the future, there is an ever growing demand for the education system to produce the relevant skills required by the economy. Thus there has never been a more pertinent time to establish this program and to ensure that IED can rectify these prominent global social issues.

To solve such problems, it is insufficient to simply transplant Western solutions to less developed countries. Local solutions to local problems must be pursued. Thus, this program is uniquely able to draw from the experiences of China's unprecedented forty-year period of economic growth, poverty alleviation and educational development. Drawing on the former challenges of Chinese educational and economic development, in mere decades, China has created an internationally renowned educational system, focusing on local and novel solutions. With China seeking to be a key global leader, change instigator and participant in global governance, Chinese initiatives will seek to meet global challenges, using local knowledge to help develop a global vision. Thus, through considering both the history and trajectory of economic development and education globally, participants can develop a more holistic understanding of the field and its future.

The PhD in International Education Development (IED) is an English language PhD program offered by the Peking University Graduate School of Education, established first in Fall 2019 and designed to further talented students' desire to learn more about, and contribute to research in the development of international education. The program boasts an intellectual agenda promoting internationalism, innovative research methods, challenging case studies and research opportunities, emphasizing pragmatic solutions and bolstering leadership skills, in seeking to reflect the agendas of prominent international organizations. Coupling a strong theoretical and empirical grounding with practical solutions, program participants will be able to consider issues of international education development more critically and analytically.

This program leverages both the high-quality teaching resources and research capabilities of Peking University, the Graduate School of Education therein, and the China Institute for Educational Finance Research, as well as the practical training and expertise of the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, United Nations and other international organizations. Thus, this program focuses on expanding students' horizons internationally and allowing students to fully understand international education development, both in theory and in practice. An intimate cohort of talented international students will enable students to develop an impressive network and to really get to know their peers and their faculty.

The program is a four-year, full-time program, with both courses and dissertation instructed in English. After completing the required credits and then submitting and defending a PhD dissertation, students will be allowed to graduate and will receive a doctorate in Education or Management from Peking University.

Program Requirement

➢  Research Concentrations

The program offers four different research concentrations, each with different focuses, taking advantage of a large and well-established faculty with a wider-range of interests and experiences.

1.       Higher Education. This concentration focuses on the history and scientific methodology of International Education Development. Instructed by Ma Wanhua, Shi Xiaoguang and Shen Wenqin, upon completing this research concentration, students will obtain a Doctorate of Education.

2.       Principles of Education. This concentration focuses on the theory of formation and development of pedagogy; and International Education Development in the context of globalization. Instructed by Wang Liping, upon completing this research concentration, students will obtain a Doctorate of Education.

3.       Educational Technology. This concentration focuses on theory, research, and best practices to advance knowledge as well as mediate and improve learning and performance through the strategic design, management and implementation of learning and instructional processes and resources. Instructed by Jia Jiyou, Guo Wenge and Shang Junjie, upon completing this research concentration, students will obtain a Doctorate of Education.

4.       Education Economics & Management. This concentration focuses on the relationship between education and the economy, international organizations and international development. Instructed by Min Weifang, Yan Fengqiao, Yue Changjun, Yang Po, Ha Wei and Zhang Ran, upon completing this research concentration, students will obtain a Doctorate of Management.

➢  Curriculum

All IED degree candidates have course load requirements to ensure the successful completion of their designated degree program by the date of graduation. The following table shows the number of credits required for graduation in the doctoral degree program offered at the Graduate School of Education. In order to complete the program, it is required that at least 18 course credits should be completed, alongside the completion of a dissertation, of which 15 must be core courses and at least 3-4 credits of elective courses.

➢  Dissertation

The Doctoral dissertation shall be written in English, and under the guidance of an advisor. The dissertation shall demonstrate that the candidate has obtained a deep understanding of international education development theories and has made serious and thorough reflections in this regard. Under the guidance of an advisor, and on the basis of the independent research conducted previously, students are expected to make use of the theories, knowledge and analytical skills acquired from the program to examine phenomena, analyze inherent principles, and finally produce a dissertation with both academic value and realistic significance. A Doctoral dissertation must pass high standards, and will be evaluated on the basis of its originality, academic contribution and practical value.

➢  Internship/Practicum

IED students are encouraged to apply for internship at Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank (WB), United Nations (UN) and other international organizations. Outstanding students would receive strong recommendation letters from our faculty. Students will also have the opportunities to participate in research projects led by GSE faculty which involve the above international organizations.

Online Learning During Covid-19

Peking University has adopted multiple online teaching methods to facilitate international students’ learning. Teamwork, group discussion, individual counselling can also be conducted virtually.

➢  Synchronous and interactive online classroom

The first cohort of IED program uses synchronous livestreaming online learning which has lived up to our expectation in most cases. Recorded video is also available for students to review after class.

➢  Online-merge-offline (OMO) teaching

In the autumn semester 2020, Peking University has restored face-to-face teaching for most courses. Students who are not on campus can also participate in offline courses simultaneously via OMO teaching.

Application Instructions

Our four-year Doctoral Program in International Education Development is designed to prepare high-caliber talents and national leaders who are equipped with theories and knowledge and are capable of making decisions and policies related to international education development. Candidates who have demonstrated a proven record of high academic and professional accomplishment and who wish to further hone their skills of leadership and elevate their knowledge are encouraged to apply.

➢  Application Requirements

To be eligible to apply, all applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

a)         Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport. Residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan who have emigrated to other countries and are applying to Peking University as international students must present valid passport or citizenship documents dating from before April 30, 2015, along with proof of cancellation of Chinese nationality;

b)        must have obtained a master’s degree, and students who graduated from a non-Chinese institution must have a master’s degree from an institution recognized by the Ministry of Education of China;

c)         must have English proficiency as either a native English speaker; having attended an undergraduate program where the language of instruction was English; or submit valid TOEFL or IELTS scores of at least 100 or 6.0 respectively;

d)        be in good health and physical condition;

e)      and comply with the laws and regulations laid out by both the Chinese Government and Peking University.

e)

➢  Application Procedure

We have two rounds of application. The first round starts from October 1st, 2020 to December 31st, 2020. Applicants who passed the initial screening will receive an online interview invitation in January, 2021. The second round starts from January 1st, 2021 to February 28th, 2021. Online interview will be conducted in March, 2021. We encourage students to apply sooner than later as the admission is on a rolling basis. Applicants shall prepare the following materials and submit them for inspection:

a)         Peking University Application Form for International Students with a photograph affixed (International Students Service System http://www.studyatpku.com).

b)        Notarized copies of Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates in Chinese or English. Original copies must be shown upon admission.

c)         Students expecting to graduate should provide an official letter stating their expected graduation date and they should obtain master degree before enrollment.

d)        Notarized copies of official transcripts in Chinese or English, indicating academic achievement up to the present, including courses taken and standards achieved.

e)         A personal statement of no more than 3,000 words, written in English, focusing on academic background, work experience, achievements, study purpose and future career plans.

f)          Valid TOEFL (above 100) or IELTS (above 6.0) test scores.

g)        A resume, written in English;

h)        Two recommendation letters from professors or professionals in relevant fields. The recommendation letters should be original and in Chinese or English. Recommendation letters can also be sent to the e-mail address postgraduate@pku.edu.cn directly by the recommender.

i)          One photocopy of your valid passport. Diplomatic passports are not accepted.

j)          Published academic articles and abstracts, or other original work (not compulsory).

Applicants are required to pay an application fee of 800RMB online through the Peking University China International Student Service System at http://www.studyatpku.com.  Applications will be considered invalid until this payment has been completed. All application materials must be submitted by post to Peking University in duplicate. No exceptions will be made for posted application materials that were not received by the application deadline. The envelope should be addressed in both English and Chinese to “IED Project Doctoral Application Materials, Room 330, New Sun Student Center, International Students Division, Office of International Relations, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People’s Republic of China”. In addition, the application form must be submitted online, at the Peking University China International Student Service System. Application materials cannot be returned. The application fee is not refundable, irrespective of application success.

Upon reviewing the application materials, professionalism, academic level, morality and development potential of each candidate, shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Based on candidates' application materials and interview performance, the Admissions Committee of the program will make a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate and make a final decision whether the candidate is admitted or not.

Tuition Fee and Financial Aid

The annual tuition fee for this program is 50,000RMB. Generous scholarships are to be made available for outstanding students irrespective of nationality. We strongly encourage all applicants to apply to multiple scholarship programs such as Bilateral Program, EU Window Program, Chinese University Program, Confucius China Studies Program. More information regarding scholarships currently available to foreign students can be found at the International Students Division website: http://www.isd.pku.edu.cn/HOME/SCHOLARSHIP/General_Information.htm.

Contact Information

Graduate School of Education, Peking University

(For program enquiry)

Email: yaowang@gse.pku.edu.cn

Tel: +8610 62750049

Website: http://www.gse.pku.edu.cn/

International Students Division, Office of International Relations, Peking University

(For application)

Tel: (86-10)- 6275 1230

Fax: (86-10)-6275 1233

E-mail: study@pku.edu.cn

Website: www.isd.pku.edu.cn, www.oir.pku.edu.cn

Download IED brochure