ETF relaunches funded MPhil pathway of the Practitioner Research Programme for 2026–27

Applications are now open for the 2026–27 programme. Successful applicants will have the cost of the first year of their University of Sunderland Master of Philosophy (MPhil) postgraduate research degree funded by ETF, with the possibility of progressing to a funded MPhil Year 2 place.

ETF is particularly interested in applications that focus on one or more of the following areas:

  • improving teaching, learning and assessment for young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)
  • improving teaching, learning and assessment for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
  • inclusive learning
  • teaching and learning in vocational education and training
  • professionalism
  • sector leadership.

About the Practitioner Research Programme

The PRP is taught and supported by research-active teacher educators from the University of Sunderland’s Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training (SUNCETT), who bring extensive experience of teaching, research and professional learning across the FE and skills sector. The programme combines intensive research training with supervision, mentoring and scholarship, leading to the award of an MPhil degree for successful participants.

Through the programme, practitioners are supported to investigate issues that matter to their learners, organisations and communities, contributing to evidence-informed improvements in practice across and beyond their own settings.

Application process and funding

The PRP MPhil Year 1 2026–27 includes ETF funding to cover the first year of a University of Sunderland MPhil postgraduate research degree. Practitioners of vocational education who are currently working in the FE and skills sector in England and would like to be considered for a place can contact daniel.gregson@sunderland.ac.uk for further information.

Programme impact

Currently, there are 20 participants enrolled on the PRP. 10 of those are studying on the MPhil year 1, and the other 10 are on year 2 of the programme and are approaching PhD transfer. Since the programme’s launch, the PRP has seen 37 postgraduate research degrees awarded. In 2025/26 alone, 12 participants are expected to graduate with a PhD, a record amount for the programme in a single period.

Furthermore, the programme is prolific in presenting participants with opportunities to share their research and communicate findings to inform practice in the sector. The PRP has supported more than 30 publications in research journals and books and has published 26 PhD thesis.

Find out more about the Practitioner Research Programme (PRP) 2026–27 and access the application form.