Building on the diverse and cosmopolitan nature of East London, the Cass School of Education aims, through its Doctorate in Education, to provide opportunities for professionals working in the field of education to undertake doctoral study related to their own professional contexts. The programme consists of two stages. In the first stage participants complete 5 modules of course work. This includes structured training in research methods (3 modules), as well as exposure to key issues and theoretical concepts in 2 option modules from a choice of disciplinary areas in which the School has a strong reputation: Language and Education, Early Childhood Studies, Educational Leadership and Management, and Education and Community. The second stage consists of the doctoral thesis. The EdD is at a level equivalent to the traditional PhD but with structured progression through the programme including a formal taught component. The programme is designed to provide participants with opportunities to:

• create and interpret new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to extend the forefront of the discipline, satisfy peer review and merit publication;
• develop a deep understanding of research methodologies and to use this understanding to critically investigate educational and professional contexts;
• disseminate research and ideas through written and oral modes clearly and critically.

The Cass School of Education is active in a range of research activities, particularly in the fields of language, diversity and multilingual education, early childhood education, leadership and management, and community education. Research in the School is structured around a number of Research Groups which cover these disciplinary areas, and these groups have all developed international reputations for their work in research and professional development in their areas of specialisms. The programme reflects:

• The aspirations of a 21st century University
• The multi-cultural and diverse society in which we live
• A commitment to the local area as well as to an international and comparative perspective to education
• Equal opportunities and mutual respect for all
• Widening access to university education
• Inclusivity
• Flexibility
• High quality teaching and regular and responsive tutorial support

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.

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.

Evening and/or weekend study sessions comprising of lectures, seminars, study groups and tutorials.

Assessment consists of course work (stage one) and a final thesis (stage two). In stage one, each of the 5 taught modules is assessed by a 5000-word essay/report. These will be marked by two members of the Programme team, and moderated by an external examiner. Stage two of the programme consists of a 50000 word thesis which is examined by oral examination (viva voce) conducted by an internal examiner and an external examiner as per a traditional doctorate. The assessment criteria for the thesis are identical to those for other doctorates, though the thesis is shorter.

Candidates for a Professional Doctorate must successfully complete all assessed elements of their programme before award of the degree can be made.

Due to the nature of the programme, participants are encouraged to relate their academic work to their professional contexts.

Registration of the research component can only take place following a recommendation from the relevant School Research Degrees Sub-Committee to the university Research Degrees Subcommittee of the suitability of the candidate to undertake research, of the programme of research, of the supervision arrangements and of the research environment.  These approvals require appropriate academic judgement to be brought to bear on the viability of each research proposal. 

Candidates for a Professional Doctorate must successfully complete all assessed elements of their programme before award of the degree can be made.
Once the research stage of the programme is reached progression will be formally reviewed annually by a Panel comprised of staff with appropriate academic and professional expertise who are independent of the candidate’s supervisory team.  The School Research Degrees Sub-Committee and the university Research Degrees Subcommittee monitor the reports from these Panels.

The examination of the research component of the Professional Doctorate has two stages: firstly the submission and preliminary assessment of the research; and secondly its defence by oral examination.

Guidance is provided for appropriate assignment topics but actual titles are negotiated with the module tutors. Opportunities are provided to develop one’s own ideas within the framework of the participants’ professional experience and practice. Dissemination and sharing of research will be an integral part of the Programme, through seminar presentation at study evenings/weekends.

• Doctoral studies in a structured and supported mode.
• Highly professional and experienced tutor support team
• Staff expertise in local, national and international contexts
• High quality tutorial support
• Individually negotiated learning trajectories and assignment topics within agreed parameters

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.

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

• The opportunity to meet, discuss and study with local, regional, national and international participants, each of whom bring their own particular educational experiences and expertise.
• Structured negotiated learning that draws on existing experiences and expertise.
• Access to SCONUL Access scheme for borrowing rights in other libraries
• Participants who achieve high grades in their assignments are encouraged to submit their work for publication in peer-reviewed and other journals.