Doctoral Student Spotlight: Timothy Lai, Doctorate in Education (EdD) graduate

What is studying at the School of Education like when you live abroad? Our recent Doctorate in Education (EdD) graduate, Dr Timothy Lai, reveals what studying for his degree while living in Hong Kong was like, and dives into his groundbreaking research into how virtual reality (VR) can impact the learning of nursing students.

Timothy Lai celebrating on his graduation day in 2024.

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am a nurse by profession in Hong Kong and have been an educator of nurses for over 10 years at a university here. I am interested in technology and would like to apply it in teaching.

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A working-class academic (and proud)!

By Sarah McLaughlin, BA(Hons), MSC. PGCE, School of Education, University of Bristol  (Doctorate in Education student)

I have found the School of Education very welcoming and my supervisors extremely encouraging and supportive…my experience during EdD taught modules is that students and staff have made me feel valued, included and accepted.

I have many roles – I am a mum of two boys, a sociology lecturer for an Access to Higher Education course and an A-level class. I am also a Doctorate in Education academic. I use the term academic because that is what I am and I am really proud of this, however I have never felt that I am a ‘real’ academic because I definitely suffer from imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern whereby individuals feel they aren’t as intelligent or competent as others might think. For me, I think this impression comes from the fact that, due to my social class background, I have never felt that I have been a ‘real’ student. (more…)

 Simple Strategies to Enjoy Your PhD Journey

Blog post by Saud Albusaidi, EdD student, School of Education, University of Bristol

Doing your PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or EdD (Doctorate in Education) is a long hectic journey. Basically, you will face many ups and downs, and I believe as a student you should talk about these lows and highs, as it helps relieve stress.

Celebrate your accomplishments, as celebration helps you fuel your continued success. In a few words, I will talk about two things I have done during my first and second year of my EdD, which definitely helped me enjoy my journey. (more…)