PhD Degree in Teacher Training Education - About, Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26

About This Course

The PhD in Teacher Education and Teacher Development is a pioneering doctoral program—one of the first in the region and among the few nationwide—designed to prepare future leaders in teacher preparation, professional development, and educational innovation. Grounded in the latest research on teacher learning, educational theory, and instructional practice, the program builds upon the strong legacy of institutions known for excellence in teacher education.

Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue impactful careers across various educational domains, including:

Colleges and universities

Schools and school districts

State and national education agencies

Professional development organizations

Educational foundations and think tanks

They may work as faculty members, researchers, school leaders, district supervisors, staff developers, education policymakers, curriculum designers, and consultants.

PhD in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education

The PhD in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education prepares scholars to advance education through scholarly inquiry, innovative research, and robust theoretical understanding. The program promotes deep engagement with a range of research methodologies, including:

Research Methodologies

Qualitative approaches (ethnography, case study, narrative inquiry)

Quantitative methods (statistical analysis, survey research)

Mixed-methods design

Action research for classroom and school improvement

Key Areas of Study

Teaching and learning processes

Teacher education research and practice

Mathematics education

Science education

Urban education and the study of urban schooling contexts

Students learn to critically analyze how teachers are prepared and supported throughout their careers and how educational systems can be improved to enhance student learning outcomes.

PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) with Emphasis in Teaching and Teacher Education (TTE)

The PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Teaching and Teacher Education (TTE) is designed for practitioners, educators, and researchers who aim to explore and contribute to the scholarship of teacher development across all stages—from pre-service preparation to in-service professional growth.

Program Focus

Students in this specialization develop research agendas that investigate key issues such as:

Effective practices in teacher preparation

Ongoing professional development in K–16 settings

Instructional improvement and pedagogical innovation

Teacher learning, identity, and reflective practice

Policy and leadership in teacher education

Curriculum Structure

The program offers a strong conceptual and theoretical foundation while providing flexibility for students to pursue specialized interests. Coursework typically includes:

Advanced studies in curriculum and instruction

Theories of teaching and teacher development

Research methodology and data analysis

Specialized seminars in chosen focus areas

Each student is also expected to demonstrate competency in an instructional delivery system, ensuring they can apply pedagogical strategies effectively in educational contexts.

Eligibility

1. Diploma in Elementary Education

Level: Primary school (Classes 1–5)

Eligibility:

Qualification: 10+2 (Intermediate) or equivalent

Minimum Marks: Usually 50% (5% relaxation for reserved categories)

Age Limit: Generally 17 to 35 years (varies by state)

2. Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)

Level: Upper primary & secondary school (Classes 6–12)

Eligibility:

Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university

Minimum Marks: Typically 50% (reserved category relaxations apply)

Age Limit: No fixed upper age limit in most states

Entrance Exams:

CUET PG

State B.Ed entrance tests

University-level entrance exams

3. Integrated B.Ed Courses (B.A. B.Ed / B.Sc. B.Ed / B.Com B.Ed)

Level: After Class 12 – integrated teacher training (4 years)

Eligibility:

Qualification: 10+2 from a recognized board

Minimum Marks: Usually 50%

Age Limit: No upper age limit

4. Master of Education (M.Ed)

Level: Teacher educators, senior teaching roles, academia

Eligibility:

Qualification: B.Ed / B.A. B.Ed / B.Sc. B.Ed / D.El.Ed with graduation

Minimum Marks: Minimum 50–55% in B.Ed

Entrance Exam: Required by most universities

5. Nursery Teacher Training (NTT / Montessori / ECCE)

Level: Pre-primary (Nursery, KG)

Eligibility:

Qualification: 10+2

Minimum Marks: 45–50%

Age Limit: Usually 18 years minimum

6. Teacher Eligibility Test Requirements (TET/CTET/State TET)

To become a government school teacher, clearing CTET or State TET is mandatory.

Primary Level (Classes 1–5):

D.El.Ed or

B.El.Ed or

Graduation with D.El.Ed

Upper Primary (Classes 6–8):

B.Ed or B.A./B.Sc. B.Ed

Graduation + D.El.Ed

PhD in Teacher Education - Admission Process

1. Educational Background
2. To be admitted, applicants must normally have completed a five-year master’s degree programme (3 + 2 years), equivalent teacher education, or other relevant qualifications such as a degree in educational sciences, development studies, or other disciplines related to teacher education.
3. Master’s Thesis Grade Requirement
4. Applicants are normally required to have achieved a grade of B or better on their master’s thesis.
5. Alternative Pathway for Lower Thesis Grades
6. Applicants who received a grade lower than B on their thesis may still be considered if:

• They achieved at least a C on the thesis, and
• They earned an average grade of B or better for the remainder of their master’s coursework.
• For integrated five-year master’s programmes, this B-average requirement applies to the final two years (cycle 2).
• In addition, such applicants must meet at least two of the following criteria:
• Documented scientific publication
• Research-related work experience

1. Exemption for Individual Courses
2. The grade requirement does not apply to applicants seeking admission to individual PhD courses.
3. Master’s Degrees Below 120 ECTS Credits
4. Applicants holding a master’s degree of less than 120 ECTS credits may be admitted after an individual assessment, provided that:

• The degree qualifies the applicant for PhD admission in the country where it was awarded,
• The applicant has completed a master’s thesis graded B or better (this requirement cannot be waived).
• Significant emphasis will be placed on the quality, relevance, and originality of the project proposal.

Application Requirements

According to Chapter 2 of the Regulations relating to the Degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at OsloMet, applications must include:

• Documentation of admission qualifications
• A detailed research project description
• Plans for project implementation, funding, dissemination, and institutional visits
• Description of required supervision and infrastructure
• Preferred thesis language
• Any matters related to intellectual property rights

The faculty’s doctoral committee will evaluate applications holistically and make the final admission decision.

Supervision and Admission Agreement

Upon admission, the doctoral committee appoints one or more supervisors—preferably with the main supervisor affiliated with OsloMet. Admission is formalized through an agreement between the PhD candidate, the supervisors, and the university (and other institutions if relevant). This agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties and adheres to the Universities Norway template. Students are affiliated with a research community relevant to their field.

Graduates are awarded the PhD in Educational Sciences for Teacher Education

General Graduate Admission Policy

Admission to all graduate programs is competitive and based on multiple factors, including:

• Undergraduate academic record
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Evidence of special achievements
• Relevant professional experience

To promote educational equity and expand access, the Education uses a test-optional policy for the GRE. Applicants may choose to submit GRE scores, but not submitting them will not disadvantage their application in any way. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Future Scope

Graduates of similar doctoral programs have secured a wide range of academic and leadership positions, including:

• Adjunct Professor
• Associate Professor of Special Education
• Director
• Postdoctoral Fellow
• Senior Associate

Career Opportunities with This PhD Programme

This PhD programme prepares graduates for research-oriented careers in universities, university colleges, and various public and private institutions requiring advanced academic expertise.

You will be qualified for roles requiring strong scientific knowledge in areas such as:

• Teacher education
• School education
• Early childhood education and care
• Socialisation and educational development

The programme supports work related to research, teaching, educational development, and other professional activities where a high level of scholarly competence is essential.

Programme Focus and Academic Profile

The programme features a strong scientific profile by integrating research on:

• Teacher education and the teaching profession
• Professional practices in kindergartens and schools

This dual perspective strengthens the field by linking theoretical research with real-world professional practice. The programme also approaches educational research through both national and international lenses, contributing to the development of teacher education as a distinct academic discipline.