Overview

About the programme

Eye-tracking allows researchers to investigate the gaze focus (and by implication the attention focus) of people working on a computer screen. In language research, this method has been used to analyse the reading behaviour of first language users and second language learners, test taking practices, and more recently also learning strategies during synchronous online language tutorials.

The method has potential to research the strategies of language professionals, e.g. the complex classroom management skills of online language teachers or the search and scan patterns of professional translators.

As this area of research is relatively new, part of its challenge and potential is the establishment of baseline measures for attention time and patterns, comparability of results, ground rules for task settings, and justifying the implementation of naturalistic approaches in traditional laboratory settings. This Eye-Tracking Research on Online Language Practices programme is offered at The Open University UK.

Programme Structure

Potential research projects:

Attention focus during online language learning
Baseline measures for first, second and third language reading
The application of eye-tracking to research on new technologies in language learning and teaching
The professional skills of online language teachers
The professional skills of translators and interpreters
Independent language learning and the use of social media
Interaction and collaboration in language learning
Task design for online language learning
The role of social presence in speaking online
Strategies in language learning
Eye-tracking as a research method in translation studies
Translator behaviours and strategies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-01-01 00:00:00

More details

Application period: November to January

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

87

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Language Studies View 176 other PhDs in Language Studies in United Kingdom

Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

87

Student insurance

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Other requirements

General requirements

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and an MA or research methods training at MA level (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

11958 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 11958 GBP per year during 36 months.
National

4712 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 4712 GBP per year during 36 months.

Living costs for Milton Keynes

848 - 1345 GBP /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Eye-Tracking Research on Online Language Practices.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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