这是一个研究学位，需要对学习分析领域的知识做出原始且重要的贡献。对于那些希望从事研究或学术生活的人来说，这是一条传统的道路。博士学位为毕业生提供了获得高水平研究技能并大大加深他们在该领域知识的机会。麦肯锡全球研究院研究（2011年）发现并报告了此课程，旨在应对全球具有数据科学知识的人才缺口。该研究预测，到2018年，仅在美国就有能力使用大数据制定决策的近20万名数据科学家和150万名经理将出现短缺。
This is a research degree requiring an original and significant contribution to knowledge in the field of learning analytics. It is the traditional path for those wishing to pursue a career in research or academic life. The PhD provides an opportunity for graduates to acquire high-level research skills and substantially deepen their knowledge in this area. This course has been developed as a response to a global talent gap for people with data science knowledge, as identified and reported by the McKinsey Global Institute study (2011). The study predicted a shortfall by 2018 of nearly 200,000 data scientists and 1.5 million managers with the capability to make decisions using big data in the United States alone. The dramatic growth of data in every conceivable industry, from oceanography to market research, presents another major driving force in generating unprecedented global demand for data science skills.