Deakin-Coventry Cotutelle - Design and impact of Gen-AI in higher education

This is a doctoral Cotutelle project between Deakin University (Australia) and Coventry University (United Kingdom).

The successful PhD Student will be awarded a scholarship from Deakin University with the supervision team being drawn from Deakin University and Coventry University. The PhD Student will graduate with two testamurs, 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. The program is for a duration 4 years with the project scheduled to commence in May 2025.

The PhD Student is anticipated to spend a minimum 6 months and a maximum of 12 months (with approval) of the total period of the program at Deakin University, with the remainder of the program based at Coventry University.

The utilisation Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in Education is rapidly expanding, offering transformative possibilities for enhancing the student’s learning experience. Despite its growing application, the design and impact of GenAI in Higher Education (HE) remain underexplored. This study focuses on university teachers’ perceptions of GenAI in hybrid and blended learning environments, aiming to uncover how the design of GenAI applications influences teaching practices, ethical considerations, and the acquisition of skills for effective implementation.

This study will employ qualitative methodologies, including surveys and interviews, to gather data-driven insights on how teachers experience GenAI. The investigation will uncover diverse ways in which GenAI-based teaching is perceived and applied, shedding light on how these technologies can be effectively designed and implemented, thereby redefining roles, practices, and processes in the context of GenAI-driven learning and teaching.

This project will develop a comprehensive framework for designing GenAI-based educational interventions. This framework will assist teachers, AI developers, designers, professional development specialists and policymakers in crafting and refining AI tools and pedagogical practices. Ultimately, the study seeks to advance the design and implementation of GenAI in HE, ensuring it supports empathic design, ethical standards, and digital skills development in HE.

Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 15 January 2025

This scholarship is supported by Coventry University, is available over 3.5 years and includes:

• Stipend of £17,668 per annum
• A Tuition Fee Waiver
• Travel Support Package including one return economy airfare to Deakin University to support residency period in Australia
• Student visa and health insurance costs for period of residency at Deakin University in Australia

Deakin University will also provide a full tuition fee waiver for a duration of up to 4 years.

To be eligible you must:

• be either a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
• meet the PhD entry requirements of both Deakin University and Coventry university, including English language proficiency requirements
• enrolling full-time
• be able to physically locate to both Coventry University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia)

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page and Coventry’s research entry criteria page for further information.