Doctor of Education

• Coming from a wide range of educational backgrounds you will have the opportunity to explore your research interests in the context of your own professional roles.
• The course is highly collegial. Sessions draw upon the rich and varied experiences that everyone brings to the course, and the exploration of commonalities across disciplines is integral to the programme of study.
• The course aims to promote critical self-reflection through a sequence of structured learning experiences, culminating in a thesis that is an original and substantial piece of professionally-oriented education research.
• Your work will enable you to develop and use advanced research skills and so become an independent, reflective and competent researcher.
• You will be joining a university which is widely regarded as a major contributor to the improvement of education and learning, locally and nationally. The School of Education is a focal point for lively, informed debate on education through its seminar and lecture programmes.
• You will be working with highly regarded academics who are at the forefront of their subjects. Drawing on our cutting-edge, research-led teaching, our courses will advance your knowledge and develop your professional skills in a rich and diverse intellectual and social environment.

Module Guide

During the first part of the EdD programme, before embarking on your thesis, you will be involved in the taught modules described below. The modules vary in length and are assessed in a variety of ways in some combination of the following: – written assignment, presentation and contribution to online discussion.

Year 1

Research 1: Paradigms

This module focuses on research paradigms, enabling you to position yourself in relation to them, thinking about your identity, experiences and understanding of research. 

Writing for Academic Practice 1

Designed to support the writing process and to scaffold your development towards the writing of publishable research this module offers you the opportunity to be involved in the analysis and evaluation of research articles, peer reviewing, editing, drafting and reformulation of written work. 

Learning, Culture and Society

An introduction to major education and social theories, and offers an opportunity to undertake research or a substantive literature review to explore an area of interest to you. 

Year 2

Research 2: Methods

Focuses on the different methods of research, encouraging you to think more widely about alternative methods which you could use for your thesis. 

Writing for Academic Practice 2

You will develop your own writing skills with a view to publishing articles in academic journals. You will also have an opportunity in a virtual learning environment (VLE), to debate and have discussions with EdD students at the University of Hawaii.

Investigating Complexity

This module covers a range of well-established theories, with a view to deepening your core skills for critical enquiry and helping you to develop a conceptual framework for your thesis research. 

Year 3

Preparing your Research Proposal

In this module you will have advice on the selection of a thesis topic. You will be asked to present your proposal to the doctoral cohort. You will also be supported in preparing your proposal for Registration with Oxford Brookes University’s Research Degree Committee (RDC).

Thesis (continues in Years 4 and possibly 5)

You will be allocated a team of 2 supervisors who will support you as you undertake your research and write your thesis.

Your thesis will be about 50,000 words in length and will focus on a specialist area of your choice. It will make a distinct contribution to knowledge in the field of study and demonstrate your capacity for original, autonomous research. Support in writing your thesis is provided through meetings with your assigned supervisors and through regular thesis workshops.

Please note: as courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the module lists you choose from may vary from the ones shown here.

Teaching and learning

The taught element of the programme will be delivered face to face supported by online learning. It is anticipated that teaching will normally be held on Saturdays with a minimum of six days a year.

In addition, throughout the programme, ongoing support is provided through staff and postgraduate research seminars.  You will have the opportunity to attend seminars provided by the University, the Graduate School and School of Education.   

Approach to assessment

Taster sessions

Attendance pattern

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.

Tuition fees

Home/EU - part time fee: 2018/19: £2,790 2018/19: £2,850

Where part time fees are quoted this is for the first year only. Fees will increase by up to 4% each year.

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 in the 'This course in detail' window above.

Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk

Funding and scholarships

Entry requirements

You should normally have at least four years’ experience in a relevant professional area, and should hold a postgraduate master's degree from a recognised university. 

We will be looking for a good grade (usually merit or distinction) in your master's, and you will need to provide an extract from your dissertation or from an equally substantial piece of academic writing.

A portfolio route is open to those with extensive professional experience who do not currently hold a master's degree. Please contact the course directors for more information.

We also ask you to provide a statement in support of your application, not exceeding 1,000 words, which should indicate:

• possible areas of research for your thesis (we recognise this may change during the course of your doctoral studies)
• 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.

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.

How to apply

How this course helps you develop

EdD teaching provides a range of theoretical perspectives which enable you to reflect on ways in which you might improve your professional practice.

The collegial nature of the EdD means that you will benefit from learning alongside professionals from a variety of education and related backgrounds.

Careers

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.

Learn more about students on the EdD course.

Free language courses for students - the Open Module

How Brookes supports postgraduate students

Supporting your learning

From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.

Personal support services

We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.

Research highlights

Research areas and clusters

• Inclusion
• Wellbeing
• Policy, Partnership and Leadership
• STEAM pedagogy and learning
• Humanistic Perspectives on Education
• Early Years
• Applied Linguistics

Course downloads

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