The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements
Doctor of Education
EdD
Key facts
Start dates
September 2022 / September 2023
Location
Course length
Part time: Normally five years: two years on the taught phase and three years writing the thesis. Maximum length of study: six years
Department
Overview
On this course, you’ll gain a deep understanding and awareness of what it means to be a professional in an educational setting.
You'll have the opportunity to engage with educational research, focussing on the areas that interest you.
You'll build advanced specialist research skills and critical analysis skills. You'll also have the space and time to reflect on your academic writing. You will be able to make use of academic support and guidance to advance your writing with a view to publishing academic articles.
You'll also become an independent, reflective and effective educational researcher. You'll carry out relevant research - creating new knowledge that will contribute to the field of education.
How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
You should normally have
- at least two years’ experience in a relevant professional area
- a good Master's degree (usually merit or distinction) from a recognised university
You will need to provide
- an extract from your dissertation or an equally substantial piece of academic writing
- a statement in support of your application (1,000 words max) which should indicate:
- possible areas of research for your thesis. This should indicate the broad area of enquiry (e.g. assessment practices in early years). We would not expect you to specify a defined research question at this stage.
- any particular research methods or approaches that you would be interested in employing (or of which you have prior experience)
- any wider theoretical or conceptual perspectives on educational research that you would be interested to explore
- why you want to join the EdD programme
- how you feel that it will enhance your professional development.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
Selection process
Successful applicants will be invited to interview.
Successful applicant interviews will be held on the last Wednesday of each month from January 2022 to July 2022.
English language requirements
An IELTS score of 7 is required for those students whose first language is not English and who have not studied for their undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in English.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
International applications
Currently international students would have to attend the taught sessions in Years 1 and 2, which will be at weekends. As the course is only available in part-time mode it may not be possible for some international students to meet visa requirements which normally stipulate full-time study.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
The application deadline for this Doctorate is 31 July 2023.
Tuition fees
Please see the fees note
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
2022 / 23
Home (UK) part time
£3,100
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Financial support and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see our Fees and funding pages.
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
- equipment and core text books
- printing
- optional graduation related costs such as gown hire, guest tickets, official photographs.
Your annual tuition fees will cover your first attempt at all the modules necessary to complete that academic year of your programme. Additional modules, or retakes, may incur an extra charge.
Learning and assessment
On the course you'll develop a critical understanding of social research. You'll advance your academic writing and build the skills to become an independent researcher.
In your first year you'll build your knowledge of educational theories and research. You'll have the support and guidance to write at a doctoral level. You'll also start to focus your expertise and prepare for your research project.
In your second year you'll focus on developing your research skills and using the knowledge and experience you've gained so far to develop the proposal for your thesis.
Throughout the course you'll work with fellow students and the academic team. You'll develop relationships through your research project with stakeholders and participants.
Over the final years of the course you'll work on your thesis focussing on a specialist area that interests you. You'll have support and guidance from your two supervisors. Your thesis will make a valuable contribution to knowledge in the field of education.
Study modules
You'll take 160 Masters level credits and 380 Doctorate level credits to achieve the award of EdD
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
Through the course you'll become an active and independent researcher and academic writer.
Your learning will include:
- face-to-face lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- online conferencing
- student-led learning
- individual tutorials
- supervised sessions.
During the EdD you’ll gain the skills for intellectual autonomy.
You'll attend seven teaching days spaced across the academic year and a one day colloquium. These will all take place on Saturdays 09.30 until 16.15.
Once you've successfully completed the taught modules, you'll start your thesis. This will involve regular meetings with your supervision team and optional workshops with other EdD students three times a year.
You will also have access to the Faculty’s and University’s training programmes for doctoral students.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
Your assessment in the taught modules will be through:
- assignments
- online discussions
- peer reviews
- presentations
- oral assessment
The assessment of the thesis is through a viva.
Through your assessments you'll gain experience of academic activities - such as conference presentations and writing for publication. You'll also build the skills and knowledge you need for your thesis.
Research
Our research groups include:
- inclusion and wellbeing
- policy, partnership and leadership
- STEAM pedagogy and learning
- humanistic perspectives on education
- early years
- applied linguistics
We also have the following research conferences:
- the school of education research conference
- the EdD colloquium
Research is published in leading peer-reviewed journals. Emeritus, Honorary and Visiting Research Fellows contribute to our research programmes and outputs.
All students are invited to attend the annual research seminar series.
Members of the School engage in a variety of funded and unfunded research projects, including the Fulbright-Peabody scholarship. Funded research studentships are offered to doctoral applicants, when feasible.
After you graduate
Career prospects
EdD students are typically experienced professionals in education, healthcare and related fields. During the programme and after graduation many will go on to promoted posts in these areas.
As a doctoral qualification, the EdD also provides opportunities for those seeking employment and promotion in the higher education sector.
Related courses
Programme Changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.