Empowering Educators, Transforming Language Learning

Doctor of Philosophy Program in English Language Teaching

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PhD in ELT

Doctor of Philosophy Program in English Language Teaching is intended to equip students with deep expertise in both English language and teaching methodologies while fostering your research capabilities to contribute to the advancement of effective English language instruction. It emphasizes the development of competencies in two main areas:

English language and teaching skills

Knowledge in linguistics, applied linguistics, and teaching methods, as well as effective abilities of English language teaching.

Research skills

Using theories to conduct research and create innovative approaches for more effective English language teaching.

Why study with us

International Program

All courses are conducted in English, offering a globally-oriented learning environment.

Saturdays & Sundays

Full-time classes on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, allowing you to study while working.

Scholarship Opportunities

We offer scholarships covering credit fees and support for international training and academic conferences abroad.

Highly experienced faculty

Internationally renowned faculty, including Thai and international experts.

“

PhD Program in ELT provides a unique research experience that promotes professional development and educational leadership. From the coursework to the dissertation, students will take an arduous but rewarding journey towards academic success and profound insight. Students learn to be independent researchers who can pursue advanced studies on the topics of their interest with their own self-efficacy and self-regulation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supong Tangkiengsirisin

Lecturer of PhD in ELT program

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Highlights

Up-to-date curriculum for the modern world

The curriculum is designed to create knowledge and innovation in English language teaching that is relevant to the needs of learners and language users today.

Visiting professors from leading universities around the world

Students have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, who will provide guidance and support on their studies and research.

Experience organizing academic conferences and events

Through collaboration with other institutions in Thailand and abroad, students gain experience organizing international conferences and events on in the field of ELT.

Expert Visiting Professors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Christopher Jenks

Aalborg University, Denmark

Prof. Dr. Anne Burns

University of New South Wales, Australia

Dr. Willy Renandya

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jonathan Newton

Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Prof. Dr. Averil Coxhead

Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Dr. Jon Wright

Manchester Metropolitan University, England

Prof. Dr. Rob Waring

Notre Dame Seishin University, Japan

Prof. Dr. Paul Kei Matsuda

Arizona State University, USA

Program Structure

PhD in ELT has a duration of 3.5 years, with the option to extend for up to 6 years.
The total credit requirement for the entire program is 66 credits, distributed as follows:

Required Courses: 12 credits
Elective Courses: 9 credits
Dissertation: 45 credits

Program courses

The courses in the program consist of Required courses, Elective courses, and a Dissertation.

Innovation theories; design, implementation, evaluation, factors affecting success; studies of research into innovations in various aspects: English language pedagogies, materials development, technology, culture, psychology, curriculum, assessment, teacher professional development, teacher education, research methodology, and current issues.

Research methods for research projects in English language teaching; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodology research design; preparation of a feasible research proposal in English language teaching, data collection, and data analysis

Principles of language testing and assessment; qualities of tests; design and validation of instruments for language assessment; research in assessment and its practical use

Analysis and synthesis of theories and research studies in ELT and their applications for conducting advanced research

A usage-based perspective on language; cognitive and social aspects of language learning from usage and the development of second language interactional competence; research and applications in learning and teaching of English

The course conducts investigations into syntactic and semantic theoretical concepts underlying L2 research, experimental trials, methodology, and findings

Salient concepts and theories of oral and written discourse in English; analysis of English language use in various contexts; research and applications in English language learning and teaching

Discussion of conceptual background of Corpus Linguistics; development of language corpora for Research and Practice in English Language Teaching; selected topics in Corpus Linguistics for English Language Teaching; applications of corpus linguistic methods for the analysis of English and research in English Language Teaching

Different types of ELT materials: technical, non-technical, authentic materials; theories of language acquisition and language pedagogy which are potentially applicable to materials development; how to apply the principles in selecting, designing, producing, adapting, implementing, and evaluating a variety of materials to make teaching and learning more effective; the different aspects of materials development (e.g. the writing of instructions; the use of illustrations; the design and layout of a unit, etc.); critical review of research studies into various materials; hands-on experiences in developing materials for different contexts and purposes

Contemporary theoretical perspectives on Second Language Acquisition; selected topics in Second Language Acquisition; significance of Second Language Acquisition in English Language Teaching; Current Trends in Second Language Acquisition Research

Selected topics in contemporary Applied Linguistics research in language teaching and learning; language use; and language in society and disciplines

Selected topics in ELT curriculum development and evaluation; current issues in major curriculum design frameworks and research; the roles of language policy in curriculum implementation and evaluation

Selected topics in teaching Global Englishes; concepts and principles in teaching Global Englishes; concepts and principles in intercultural communication; course design and teaching materials; exploration of research into teaching Global Englishes and its implications for English Language Teaching

Selected topics to raise critical awareness of different language teaching approaches and methods and their underlying principles that guide the delivery of effective English language lessons in relation to specific contexts

Selected areas associated with English for Specific Purposes: its vital background, equitable course design, learner-centered instructional methodologies, unbiased learner/course assessment, and contemporary research topics

The seminar course focuses on research for effective school leadership and professional development for English teachers: teachers’ beliefs and identities, pedagogical skills and approaches, teachers’ language proficiency, teachers’ research skills and reflective practices, emerging technologies in education, and the value of professional development

Selected topics relating to theory, practice, and pedagogical application of the latest Internet and communication technologies in English language education and research

Research proposal design; conducting research contributing to a new body of knowledge in teaching and learning English; writing a dissertation concerning problems in ELT, acquisition of English, innovations in ELT and learning, practical application of knowledge and theories in ELT and learning, linguistics, or applied linguistics; presentation and publication of dissertation; research ethics

What you will achieve

Knowledge in linguistics and teaching theory

You will be able to apply and adapt various concepts and theories to your own teaching and learning practices.

English language teaching skills

Design learning experiences to develop learners and effectively assess learning outcomes.

Higher order thinking skills

Develop your critical thinking, problem-solving, evaluation, and creative thinking skills in various aspects of your work.

English language communication skills

Especially in academic writing, speaking, presenting academic work, and effectively using the English language for teaching.

Digital literacy

Possess digital knowledge and skills to design and develop media suitable for various learning formats, adapting to today’s world.

High-quality research creation

To generate new knowledge and innovations that advance both academic and professional fields, promoting change for societal development.

Tuition and Fees

Thai Student

565,840 baht

  • Credit Fee
  • New Student Registration Fee
  • Library Usage Fee
  • University Maintenance Fee
  • Internet Fee
  • Special Fees
  • Accident Insurance

International Student

673,840 บาท

  • Credit Fee
  • New Student Registration Fee
  • Library Usage Fee
  • University Maintenance Fee
  • Internet Fee
  • Special Fees
  • Accident Insurance

Not included in the above are the following fees:
– Qualifying Examination Fee: 500 baht
– Graduation Fee: 1,000 baht

What our students say

As a PhD alumni, I was fully supported in expressing my opinions through meaningful discussions of pedagogy and fully able to integrate my passions and creativity into my studies. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this program is of the highest quality in the field of ELT.

Dr. Buarattana Attachoo
PhD in ELT #5

The PhD. program in ELT at LITU prepares us for roles as future leaders in classroom innovation, pedagogy, and state-of-the-art research for the development of new approaches and solutions to real-world needs.

Nuntapat Supunya
PhD in ELT #10

The PhD in ELT program at LITU offers an excellent opportunity to learn from skilled and qualified professors. All courses emphasize practice and provide a critical understanding of research methodology as well as innovative teaching approaches. This enables students to conduct research projects that fully prepare them for academic professions.

Parinya Khumruk
PhD in ELT #11

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FAQs

1. Prepare all required documents
Applicants should gather all required documents and convert them into PDF files, naming them as instructed in the application form. Refer to the “Required Documents” section for a complete list of documents.

2. Fill in an online application form
Pay the 500 THB application fee and proceed to complete the online application form. Upload the payslip and all required document files through the form.

3. Pass the interview and written exam
Applicants must pass an interview and a written examination. The examinations will be conducted online. Our staff will contact each applicant to provide more information about the exam after the application closes.

Once the examinations are completed, we will announce the names of the candidates accepted into the program. Our staff will then contact each accepted candidate individually to provide further details.

  • A research proposal for a PhD dissertation, with specific references to the research topic, related concepts, and research plans (approx. 1,500-2,000 words)
  • A copy of Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts.
  • An original official score report of one of the following English proficiency tests.
    • TU-GET (CBT): 79 points
    • TU-GET (PBT): 550 points
    • TOEFL (iBT): 80 points
    • TOEFL (ITP): 550 points
    • IELTS: 6.5
  • A copy of identification card or passport
  • One 2-inch color photo
  • Any other important documents (e.g. name change document)

Applicants gather all required documents, save them as PDF files, naming them as specified in the application form, and then upload these files through the form.

Yes, the PhD in ELT program at LITU is open to applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. You are eligible to apply even if you completed an independent study instead of a thesis for your previous degree.

This program is taught full-time at the Language Institute building of Thammasat University, Tha Phrachan Campus, on Saturdays and Sundays.

PhD in ELT program is a hybrid program, combining both classroom-based and online instruction.

Yes, our program offers various scholarship options for both Thai and international students.

  1. Tuition and Credit Unit Fee Exemption Grant: Selected students admitted to the program can apply for a grant that covers the exemption of tuition fees and credit unit fees. For more information, please click here.
  2. Conference, Training, Seminar, or Thesis Presentation Abroad Funding Grant: The program also offers funding grants to support students who are presenting their research at conferences, trainings, seminars, or thesis presentations abroad. For more details, please click here.

Program Committee

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kittitouch Soontornwipast

Head of Committee

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tipamas Chumworatayee

Committee

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pragasit Sitthitikul

Committee

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supong Tangkiengsirisin

Committee

Contact us

If you have any questions or need further information, you can reach the PhD in ELT program on the 1st floor of the Language Institute, Tha Phrachan, every Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (except on public holidays and institute announcements).

Phone: 081-973-7755
Email: phd.elt@litu.tu.ac.th