Studies in Higher Education – PhD Studentship Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Studies in Higher Education for High-Impact Publications

Studies in Higher Education stands as a cornerstone for scholars pursuing PhD studentships and advanced research in higher education. Established in 1976, this peer-reviewed journal, published by Taylor & Francis, has evolved into a vital platform for exploring the complexities of postsecondary institutions worldwide. With a focus on innovative teaching, policy reforms, and student experiences, it attracts contributions from academics, policymakers, and practitioners dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes. The journal's rigorous editorial process ensures that published works contribute meaningfully to the field, often influencing global higher education strategies.

For PhD students, publishing in Studies in Higher Education offers unparalleled visibility. Its emphasis on empirical and theoretical studies in areas like curriculum development, equity in access, and leadership in universities makes it a go-to resource. Researchers value its international scope, drawing submissions from diverse regions while maintaining a strong foothold in the United Kingdom. The journal's hybrid open access model allows authors to reach broader audiences, amplifying the impact of their PhD-related work. Metrics such as its CiteScore of 7.2 and SJR of 1.456 underscore its influence, positioning it among top-tier education publications.

Navigating the academic landscape can be daunting for early-career researchers, but Studies in Higher Education provides clear pathways for success. From detailed submission guidelines to supportive peer review, it fosters growth in scholarly communication. PhD candidates often find that articles here inform their theses, offering real-world applications of higher education theories. As institutions prioritize evidence-based practices, the journal's role in bridging research and policy becomes even more critical. Whether examining student engagement or institutional governance, contributions here shape future directions in the discipline.

To elevate your research profile, consider submitting to Studies in Higher Education today. Explore opportunities like PhD studentships in higher education or connect with peers through higher education jobs. For personalized advice, visit Rate My Professor or check the academic calendar for deadlines.

Overview & History

Studies in Higher Education was founded in 1976 by the Society for Research into Higher Education (SRHE), initially as a quarterly publication. Over the decades, it has grown to six issues per year, reflecting the expanding interest in higher education research. Taylor & Francis took over publishing duties in 2003, enhancing its global distribution. The journal's evolution mirrors broader trends in academia, from early focuses on British university systems to contemporary analyses of internationalization and digital learning. Key milestones include special issues on widening participation in the 1990s and sustainability in higher education post-2010. Today, it serves as an essential archive for PhD students tracking the field's progression, with over 40 volumes documenting shifts in educational paradigms.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

The journal encompasses a wide array of topics within higher education, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. It welcomes manuscripts on teaching methodologies, student outcomes, institutional management, and policy implications. Primary disciplines include education policy, pedagogy, and sociology of education, with extensions into psychology and economics of higher learning.

PhD students in these areas find the scope particularly aligned with thesis topics, encouraging submissions that advance theoretical and practical knowledge.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics highlight the journal's robust standing, making it a strategic choice for researchers aiming to boost their citation profiles through Studies in Higher Education impact factor achievements.

Indexing and Abstracting

Studies in Higher Education is indexed in prestigious databases, ensuring wide accessibility. It appears in Scopus, Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), ERIC, and the Educational Research Index. Additional coverage includes PsycINFO for psychological aspects of education and British Education Index. For PhD students, this indexing facilitates literature reviews and tracks citations effectively. Open access articles are also archived in DOAJ, promoting discoverability. Links to these resources: Scopus, Web of Science.

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, Studies in Higher Education offers both subscription-based and open access options. Traditional publication is free for authors, with access via institutional subscriptions. For gold open access, an Article Processing Charge (APC) of £2,950 (approximately $3,800 USD) applies, waivable for low-income countries per Taylor & Francis policies. This model supports immediate visibility, crucial for PhD dissemination. Check Sherpa/RoMEO for self-archiving rights, allowing preprint deposits. Researchers benefit from transparent fee structures, aligning with funder mandates for open scholarship.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled through the ScholarOne platform at the journal site. Authors must prepare manuscripts in line with the journal's style guide, including double-anonymized review requirements. Initial checks assess originality and fit, followed by peer review averaging 3-6 months. Guidelines emphasize 8,000-word limits, APA referencing, and ethical declarations. For publish in Studies in Higher Education success, tailor abstracts to highlight higher education implications. PhD students should review recent issues for thematic alignment before submitting.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Professor Gerard A. Postiglione from the University of Hong Kong, comprises experts from leading institutions. Notable members include Dr. Lynn McAlpine (Oxford) for pedagogy and Professor Simon Marginson (Melbourne) for policy. This diverse board, spanning the UK, US, Australia, and Asia, ensures balanced perspectives. Their affiliations with bodies like SRHE enhance credibility. For aspiring authors, contacting associate editors via the journal site can provide pre-submission feedback.

Why Publish in Studies in Higher Education?

Publishing here elevates academic trajectories, especially for PhD students seeking tenure-track positions. The journal's reputation for quality attracts citations from policymakers and educators, fostering collaborations. Its focus on real-world applications translates research into practice, such as informing UK higher education reforms. Authors gain from promotional support, including social media shares and altmetrics tracking. Compared to broader education outlets, Studies in Higher Education offers specialized feedback, refining manuscripts for broader impact. Ultimately, it builds a portfolio that signals expertise in higher education scholarship.

Comparison with Similar Journals

This comparison positions Studies in Higher Education as a leader in balanced, interdisciplinary coverage, ideal for PhD-level contributions.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To succeed in Studies in Higher Education submission, start with a compelling rationale linking your work to current debates, such as post-pandemic learning. Ensure methodological rigor, using mixed methods where appropriate. Engage with recent articles to cite contemporaries, boosting relevance. Seek mentor reviews before submission and prepare for revisions by addressing reviewer comments thoroughly. Track progress via the portal and consider co-authorship for diverse insights. For career boosts, pair publications with PhD studentships in the UK. Additional resources: tenure track advice, academic CV tips.