EdD Doctor of Education

When can you start this course? | Fees | Course length | Entry requirements

You can also start this course in January

Why choose this course?

Dr Val Poultney, who is Programme Leader for the Doctor of Education, gives an introduction to the 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.

Brief details

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.

About the 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.

Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...

This programme is valued at 540 credits at doctoral level (8). There are two components: the taught part of the programme - Theory for Practice - which is worth 120 credits; and the Independent Research component, which is worth 420 credits. In your first year you'll study two 30 credit modules, 'Engaging with Study at Professional Doctoral Level' and 'Identifying Your Research Area'. In the second year you'll study 'Philosophy and Research Methods' before you start the 'Independent Research for Practice' module in your third and fourth year.

Theory for Practice component (120 credits)

This component of the programme consists of three modules:

Engaging with study at Professional Doctoral Level (30 credits) Year one - This module will build on your academic skills to ensure you are prepared for the requirements of doctoral level study. You will explore the nature of practitioner research, including consideration of ethical issues, through researching your own professional practice.
Indentifying your research area (30 credits) Year one - This module is designed to enable you to access a wide literature review to underpin your studies and gain knowledge in your field. You'll be encouraged to develop interdependent relationships with relevant professional associations, special interest research groups, and societies, and to contribute to their work to conferences and publications.
Philosophy and practice of research (60 credits) Year two - During this module you'll examine the nature of research in order to prepare you for the final independent research stage. Upon completion of this module you'll be equipped to make clear, informed decisions about the application of your selected research methodology within your professional field.

Independent Research component (420 credits)

Independent research for practice (years three - six) - The aim of this module is to prepare a substantial piece of research which will form the thesis element of your doctorate. Your thesis will be between 50 and 55,000 words and following its submission, you'll undertake an oral examination which will enable you to articulate your ideas and arguments in a challenging academic setting.

Your career

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

Kuldeep Banwait, one of our current students.

Kuldeep Banwaite, one of current students:
"An excellent opportunity to not only research but to research in your field of practice."

Peter Tunnicliffe, one of our 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."

"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."

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).

Anything else?

Start dates

If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:

January 2012

Fees*

Minimum four year registration

Home/EU students

£3,000 per year

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year and there may be extra costs eg for exams, trips or special modules.

Course length

You will study part time which will take you a minimum of four years or a maximum of six years to complete.

Entry requirements

You will usually hold a masters award in an appropriate academic field, and have an equivalent ...

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Standard entry requirements

Full list of accepted qualifications

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