Programme summary for Doctor of Education (EdD) Education

About the programme

This doctorate provides you with opportunities to create and interpret new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship of a quality that extends the forefront of the discipline, satisfy peer review and merit publication. The programme also enables you to develop a deep understanding of research methodologies, to investigate educational and professional contexts critically, and to disseminate research and ideas through written and oral modes.

Programme structure

The EdD is a modular programme, specifically directed to professional development in education through research. It consists of two stages. In Stage One, three core educational research methods modules and two subject modules (options) are taught. The options are in the areas of: Language and Education, Early Childhood Studies, Educational Leadership and Management, and Education and Community. In Stage Two, participants complete a research thesis. The Programme can be completed Part-Time in 45-60 months or Full-Time in 33-48 months.

A student who successfully completes 120 credits of taught modules, including ETM600 and ETM601, from the Professional Doctorate programme is eligible for the Award of Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Research.

A student who successfully completes 60 credits of taught modules, including ETM600 or ETM601 or both, from the Professional Doctorate programme is eligible for the Award of Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Research.

Career opportunities

The programme is designed to benefit professionals working within a range of educational contexts. It is aimed at practising educators who see doctoral study as a key step in their own professional development, as well as a means of improving educational and institutional practice.

Support

The Graduate School is responsible for providing a focus to the support of our postgraduate research students and for our institution’s research and scholarly strategy. Professional Doctorate students will have at least two and not normally more than three supervisors, who together demonstrate an appropriate range of academic and professional experience. One supervisor shall be the Director of Studies with responsibility to supervise the candidate on a regular and frequent basis.

In addition we offer:

Individual tutor for each participant on the programme
Access to UEL study support learning resources
Access to cross-institutional seminars
Small teaching group/sessions
Carefully structured programme
Specialised Research Methods training
Detailed formative feedback on all assessed work
Linked specialist librarian

Admission

At least two members of the academic staff will review each application before a decision is made.
Applicants with either prior-certified learning or prior-experiential learning that closely matches the specified learning outcomes of the taught part of the programme may be able to claim exemption via agreed university procedures. No exemption can be gained against the research part of the programme or in situations where a professional body excludes it.

Where English is not the applicant’s first language, a minimum IELTS Academic English, or such qualifications as our University deems comparable, score of 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in all components, is required at entry. Such assessment of English language competence must normally have been undertaken no more than two years prior to application, though relevant and more recent study in a United Kingdom Higher Education Institution may be accepted as sufficient proof of ability

Eligibility
Applicants should normally have a good Masters degree or a qualification which is regarded as equivalent, as well as a minimum of three years experience of professional practice in education. Those without such qualifications are nonetheless encouraged to discuss the possibility of registering for the programme. Competence in oral and written English should satisfy University entrance requirements.

Applications
All candidates will complete and submit the standard university postgraduate application form which includes requirement for two referees. Candidates will be asked to prepare a supporting paper of 1000-1500 words giving their reasons for wanting to join the programme, citing relevant evidence that they believe supports their ability to study at doctoral level, and outlining their particular areas of interest and potential topic for research. The topic area is not binding.

Scrutiny of Applications
The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications:

that the candidate meets the minimum criteria for eligibility
the candidate’s ability to achieve an academic standard appropriate to a professional doctorate programme
the candidate’s commitment to the programme and motivation
the candidate’s likely contribution to the cohort of students by virtue of background and experience

Interviewing and Selection
Following scrutiny of the application forms some applicants might be invited for interview.