The Doctorate in Education (EdD) is an innovative programme designed for professionals in education and related areas who want to extend and deepen their knowledge and understanding of contemporary educational issues. It is characterised by a professional orientation and a modular structure. It aims to develop students’ skills in educational research and enquiry which can be applied to research that will contribute to professional knowledge and practice. A growing number of professionals regard this style of doctoral programme as being a more appropriate vehicle for their further development than the traditional PhD.
The EdD Team and the Research Degrees Team in the Research School will provide support for you throughout your EdD studies. The EdD Team consists of the Director for Postgraduate Studies, the EdD Programme Leader who manages student progress issues, the Programme Assistant and a Research Student Coordinator.
The programme has very specific entry criteria that include appropriate study at master’s degree level that links to an EdD academic area of study and training in research skills and methods. The entry criteria are designed to provide the knowledge base, the inspiration and the research skills required to develop a research proposal and complete the Doctorate in the required time.
The EdD is a three and a half-year part-time programme of study. The first year centres on a literature review and initial research study. This is followed by a programme of supported and supervised research that culminates in a 50,000 word thesis.
On the part-time EdD programme we identify two supervisors relevant to your proposed area of study. EdD students also have the support of an academic co-ordinator during the completion of their studies.
For the EdD, candidates are normally required to have a first degree, a Master’s Degree in Education or a related area and to have completed a research methods training course equivalent to 60 study points.
Part-time EdD students all pay fees to study for their degrees. The cost for the current year can be found in the Research Degrees prospectus.
For answers to queries about the EdD please have a look at the FAQ page.
Structure of the EdD
Year 1: Literature review and initial research
The first year provides a bridge between study at master’s level and the independent research required for a thesis. You receive a generic study guide that provides advice on bibliographic sources and methods of research and a book that expands on the themes in the study guide. You follow a structured programme of study and research leading to the submission of a substantial written report on the initial research and literature review (15,000 words), which forms the basis for the development of the thesis over the next two years.
Year 1 begins in May and ends in June the following year. This is followed by a period of independent study before Year 2 begins in September.
Years 2 and 3: Main Study
If you make satisfactory progress in Year 1 you will progress into Year 2. You will continue to work with your supervisors and develop the methodology for your main study, collect data, analyse it and develop the thesis. Progress is monitored through regular written reports.
Thesis
The general criteria for assessment are:
- demonstration of reflection on the relationship between theory and practice in education
- a significant contribution to the theory and practice of education
- an ability to select and apply appropriate research methods
- a high level of critical analysis
- satisfactory defence of the thesis at the oral examination
Successful candidates are awarded the degree of Doctor of Education and are entitled to use the title ‘Dr’.
Virtual learning environment
An essential feature of the EdD programme is the extensive use of a virtual learning environment that will provide:
- electronic mail links to supervisors, other students, and members of the EdD Team
- electronic seminars
- access to the EdD resources
- online access to bibliographic databases and electronic journals.
You will need to purchase, or have regular access to; a suitable computer and you must be familiar with the computer before you start the programme.
Supervision
Computer communication has largely replaced postal and face-to-face supervision and progress reports are submitted electronically throughout the EdD.
Residential Weekends and Day School
Students are provided with a residential study weekend in Year 1, usually the last weekend in June or early July. There is a Day School in October in Year 2 and another residential weekend in February in Year 3. Students are expected to fund their own travel to attend the residentials and Day School.