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. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
Doctor of Education
EdD
Key facts
Start dates
September 2021 / September 2022
Location
Course length
Part time: 4-7 years
Department
Overview
Our Doctor of Education (EdD) is a professionally-focused, cohort-based doctorate. Aimed primarily at experienced professionals working in education, health and related fields. You should have at least four years’ experience in a relevant professional area. And hold a good postgraduate master’s degree from a recognised university.
This course allows you to pursue doctoral study in the context of your professional role. And combines a taught course with independent research. Our academics are highly regarded and at the forefront of their subjects. Cutting-edge, research-led teaching will advance your knowledge and develop your professional skills.
You will develop advanced research skills to become an independent, reflective and competent researcher. And benefit from our rich, diverse, intellectual and social environment.
We designed our programme of study to meet the needs of people in full-time employment. Taught elements of the programme are delivered both virtually and face-to-face.
How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific 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.
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
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
Tuition fees
Please see the fees note
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
2020 / 21
Home/EU part time
£2,920
2021 / 22
Home (UK) full time
£3,000
International / EU full time
To be confirmed
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
This course is part time and takes between 4 – 7 years to complete.
The taught element of the course is delivered face to face, supported by online learning. Teaching is normally held on Saturdays with a minimum of six days a year.
Please attend one of the following virtual Doctor of Education information sessions and live Q&A to find out more about the course:
Study modules
You'll take 160 Masters level credits and 380 Doctorate level credits to achieve the award of EdD
Learning and teaching
During the first part of the EdD programme, you will study taught modules. These are assessed in a variety of ways, including:
- written assignments
- presentations
- your contribution to online discussions.
You will receive ongoing support through staff and postgraduate research seminars. You also have the opportunity to attend seminars provided by the University, the Graduate School and the School of Education.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
You will be assessed mostly with written assignments and presentations.
The research project, part of the Learning, Culture and Society module, allows you to experiment with different research methods and hone your research skills. Your thesis will be assessed with a viva.
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.
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.