Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA)

This funded PhD project at Sheffield Hallam University offers an exciting opportunity to research innovative teaching methods for introductory programming education. Hosted within the College of Business, Technology and Engineering, the project is part of the Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) scheme, combining doctoral research with teaching-related duties (up to 180 hours per academic year) to enhance the student experience.

The research aims to address the challenges faced by novice programmers, particularly those with little or no prior experience, by developing and evaluating an AI-supported, analogy-based teaching approach. The project will explore how artificial intelligence can generate and refine teaching materials that use real-world analogies, making abstract programming concepts such as variables, control flow, data structures, and algorithms more accessible and engaging for learners.

Embedded within two large first-year modules—Programming for Computer Science and Software Development—this research will be conducted in authentic classroom settings, providing a unique opportunity to test and refine educational interventions at scale. The successful candidate will employ a range of research methods, including educational experiments, surveys, and focus groups, to assess the effectiveness of the analogy-based approach and generate evidence-based guidance for educators.

This project is ideal for candidates with a background in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Educational Technology, or related disciplines, and a strong interest in teaching, learning, and educational innovation. The GTA scholarship covers tuition fees (UK and international) and provides a maintenance bursary (£22,152 for 2025/26), supporting 3.5 years of full-time study. Applicants from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility requirements include a 1st or 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant field, and for non-UK applicants, an IELTS score of 7 (minimum 6.5 in all areas) or equivalent, with qualifications taken within the last two years. Application materials include a tailored personal statement, CV, two references, degree certificate and transcript, and for non-UK applicants, IELTS results and passport copy. The application deadline is 7 May 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the project page.