EdD Doctor of Education
Why choose this course?
- This programme provides you with a structured approach to studying at doctoral level eight.
- We are recognised nationally for our high level of academic standards - we achieved a score of 22/24 in a recent quality audit.
- We have specially designed this programme to support and inform professional practice in a wide range of occupations and work settings including education, training in the community, public service, industrial or community settings.
Fact file
Start date: January (UK and EU students only)
Course length: Usually six years of part time study, but at least four years.
Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus
About this course
The key focus of this programme is the Independent Research component, which is supervised by a Director of Studies and usually taken between years three and six of the course.
For the Theory of Practice component of this programme you will be taught in small seminar groups supported by individual tutorials. These will enable you to build a close relationship with your tutors and other students. For each module you will have two days of intensive teaching.
While you are registered on this programme you will be a member of our Research Centre for Education and Professional Practice, and you will be encouraged to participate fully in its activities.
This programme is very flexible and allows you to fit your studies around your personal commitments - it will take you between three to six years to complete it on a part time basis.
Watch a video of Dr Val Poultney talking about the process of study for the Doctor of Education.
The programme offers a distinctive strand to our 'lifelong learning', providing a structured opportunity for you to pursue your studies to doctoral level.
A very broad notion of 'education' is adopted by the programme, encompassing the development of relevant skills, understanding and knowledge across a range of occupations. So, while the programme is relevant for teachers, tutors and lecturers, it is also appropriate for you if you're involved in the processes of learning, teaching, coaching and development in any setting.
What you will cover
What you’ll study
Theory for Practice stage
You will study the following modules over the first two years of the course.
- Engaging with Study at Professional Doctoral Level
- Identifying Your Research Area
- Philosophy and Practice of Research
Independent Research stage
You will study this module:
- Independent Research for Practice
During this module you will prepare a substantial piece of research that will form the thesis element of your Doctorate. Your thesis will be between 50,000 and 55,000 words and following its submission, you will undertake an oral exam that will enable you to talk about your ideas and arguments in a challenging academic setting.
Entry requirements
You will usually hold a masters award in an appropriate academic field, and have an equivalent level of accomplishment through professional practice.
You should have high levels of competence in English, if necessary; demonstrated by IELTS 7.0.
All suitable applicants will be interviewed.
As the EdD programme is only delivered part time we regret that we cannot take international students as this would contravene UKBA regulations.
Fees and finance
How you will learn
How you're taught
During the Theory for Practice stage you will be taught in seminar groups supported by individual tutorials. These sessions will enable you to build a close relationship with your tutors and other students. For each module you will have four days of intensive teaching.
How you're assessed
Assessments provide a variety and range of tasks which go beyond the requirements of the academic essay. These facilitate professionals such as yourself in articulating and disseminating your expertise.
Over the course of the whole programme, you will undertake the following:
- An analysis of the nature of practitioner research within professional practice (5000 words).
- A reflective literature review focused on your area of study (5000 words).
- An extended essay (10,000 words) justifying your chosen educational research methodology for your professional research. You will consider research ethics and an appreciation of contemporary philosophical debates about educational research.
- A viva voce examination: a professionally researched thesis (50 - 55,000 words).
Careers and employability
It is likely that you will have identified this programme as part of your own personal or professional development. Most of our current students are professionals in areas such as education organisations, health and social care, commercial management and training, organisation development and improvement, voluntary sector organisation or the business sector.
What our students say
"An excellent opportunity to not only research but to research in your field of practice."
Kuldeep Banwaite, one of current students.
"This course is flexible and allows you to work at your own pace which is important especially as you have a full time job as well."
Peter Tunnicliffe, one of our current students.
"The programme gave direction and support to my own professional development and research aspirations."
"The Ed.D programme is a stimulating opportunity to participate in level 8 study, through a range of modules that concentrate your research focus."
"It's great to have the opportunity to network with other practitioners and researchers. The support from staff at the university has been very constructive."
