Introduction
This is an exciting opportunity to study a PhD as part of a cotutelle arrangement between Coventry University, UK and Deakin University, Australia. Starting at Deakin, the PhD Student will graduate with two PhDs, one from Deakin University and one from Coventry University, each of which recognises that the programme was carried out as part of a jointly supervised doctoral programme.
The programme is for a duration of 3.5 years (funding only for 3.5 years, maximum allowed time 4 years) and scheduled to commence in May 2025.
This project will start at Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia.
Project details
The rapid maturation of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) platforms such as Chat GPT have the potential to massively disrupt universities and industry, creating a watershed moment for higher education. With many easily available genAI tools now capable of completing common assessment tasks, and with detection tools proving unreliable and unsustainable, the emergence of genAI is causing academics and universities around the world to review the effectiveness of their assessment strategies and their capacity to assure that students achieve the learning outcomes associated with awarded qualifications (Dianova and Schultz, 2023). Students are also impacted as they navigate a new world where assistance to complete their work is more effective and more readily available than ever before. The need and opportunity to develop critical digital literacies for genAI in future work and private life is highlighted. Students will need to be capable of working with this technology, while also understanding its limitations, biases, and relevance to professional and social contexts (Bearman and Ajjawi, 2023).
This research project aims to use qualitative approaches to explore the redevelopment of assessment given the impact of genAI. More specifically the project aims to:
•Explore the strategies that academics perceive are effective for building in or limiting the use of genAI in assessment
•Develop a resource of assessments examples for use when designing assessment in light of genAI
•Implement assessment changes based on the above resource and explore the effectiveness of these changes
We seek a highly-talented, motivated, and open-minded candidate, with background in education, computer science, technology-enhanced learning or a related discipline. Experience in qualitative and co-creative methodologies for discerning AI-based technology interventions for assessment is highly desirable. Ability to manage time and work to strict deadlines is required.
Funding
Tuition fees and stipend
Benefits
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
This is an exciting opportunity to study a PhD as part of a cotutelle arrangement between Coventry University, UK and Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. The PhD Student will graduate with two PhDs, one from Deakin University and one from Coventry University, each of which recognises that the program was carried out as part of a jointly supervised doctoral program.
Candidate specification
Applicants must meet the admission and scholarship criteria for both Coventry University and Deakin University for entry to the cotutelle programme.
- Applicants should have graduated within the top 15% of their undergraduate cohort. This might include a high 2:1 in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 70% mark (80% for Australian graduates) in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 70% overall module average (80% for Australian graduates).
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field requiring at least four years of full-time study, and which normally includes a research component which is equivalent to at least 25% of a year’s full-time study in the fourth year, with achievement of a grade for the project equivalent to a H1 standard or 80%.
OR
- a Masters degree, with a significant research component, in a relevant subject area, with overall mark at minimum Distinction.
- In addition, the mark for the Masters thesis (or equivalent) must be a minimum of 80%.
- Please note that where a candidate has 70-79% and can provide evidence of research experience to meet equivalency to the minimum first-class honours equivalent (80%+) additional evidence can be submitted and may include independently peer-reviewed publications, research-related awards or prizes and/or professional reports.
- Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study.
Additional Requirements
•Experience in employing co-creative and qualitative methodologies for technology-enhanced learning research
•Experience of using GenerativeAI applications and tools in education
•Experience of technology-enhanced learning, blended or hybrid learning design
•A record of presenting papers at conferences and/or of publishing peer reviewed research papers (desired)
•Ability to think creatively and critically analyse data and results;
•Good written and oral communication skills
•Ability to manage time and work to strict deadlines
How to apply
To find out more about the project, please contact Dr Petros Lameras.
All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
