Prof Doc Social Work
Course overview
Start date
September 2021
Subject area
Social Work and Community
Attendance
Part-time
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
Applications for September 2021 are now closed, applications for 2022 will open in the autumn.
The Doctorate in Social Work at the University of East London is a five-year part-time modular course specifically aimed at senior professionals working in all fields of education.
The course gives you the opportunity and the skills to conduct robust, innovative research that will improve the policy, practice and the quality of education. Your doctorate will enhance your professional capability through critical analysis and the use of research evidence.
You will be studying at one of the most diverse and multicultural universities in London, with the chance to meet and work with students and academics with different national and international professional backgrounds, each with their own experience and expertise that they bring to the course.
Doctoral courses at the University of East London give you the chance to draw on this dynamic research culture as well as the research expertise of our academic staff, at least two of whom will serve on your supervisory team.
The EdD consists of two stages. In Stage One, you will study four compulsory modules over two years. This is then followed by Stage Two, where you complete your research thesis.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out more62%
of research rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'
According to the latest Research Excellence Framework (2014), 62% of our academic work was rated as ‘World-leading’ or ‘Internationally excellent’.
Join a superb research group
We provide an outstanding research group environment for you to critically develop and share your research with professionals in similar fields.
82%
of students were pleased with support and teaching quality
Postgraduate students score our academic staff highly in terms of support and the quality of their teaching - 82 per cent felt their research skills had developed during their course.
What we're researching
Major areas of research within the School of Education and Communities include: early childhood policy and practice, learning and teaching, language and diversity, work-based learning, teacher education, race and community, education equality issues, comparative education, professional education, social work knowledge and practice and Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL).
Making a difference
UEL is one of the UK’s leading modern research universities. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 17 per cent of our overall research submission was classified as ‘world-leading’ for its quality and impact – almost double our previous REF score. A further 45 per cent of our work was considered ‘internationally excellent’.
Fees and funding
- September 2021
-
2021-22UK: Part-time
-
2021-22International: Part-time
- Apply for a Postgraduate Loan
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
- Look at UK Research and Innovation funding options
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Annual P/T Fee
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA page for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Annual P/T Fee
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
Entry requirements
We would normally expect you to have Grade C in GCSE English and Maths.
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. Find out more here.
Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined on the course page. Our pre-entry Information Advice and Guidance Team are able to provide further advice on entry requirements and suitability for study.
What you'll study
We consistently review and develop our courses and modules to ensure they are up-to-date with sector and industry graduate skills demands. Course structure, modules and options are subject to change.
- Critically engaging with the literature (core)
- Philosophy and practice of research (core)
- Research methodology – perspectives on research (core)
- Integrating theory, research and ethical practice – Moving towards Registration (core)
How you'll be assessed
At Stage One of the Professional Doctorate, you will be assessed via assignments (written and visual) and presentations. These will be marked by two members of the course team and moderated by an external examiner.
Stage Two consists of a 50,000 word thesis. You will be examined orally (viva voce) on your thesis by an internal and external examiner.
You must successfully complete all assessed elements before we can award you your Professional Doctorate degree. Students with disabilities and/or particular learning needs should discuss assessments with the Course Leader to ensure they are able to fully engage with all the elements of the course.
Course specificationHow you'll learn
The School of Education and Communities provides a dedicated study and research space for doctorate students at the purpose-built education building - a facility that is a unique hub for research and training as well as a focal point for the community.
We offer you extensive support in a wide range of research and study skills, as well as guidance and specialist support through our Graduate School.
Research at the School is structured around several research groups that cover a wide range of fields including language, diversity and multilingual education, leadership and management and early childhood education.
Studying for an EdD with us is a unique opportunity to join an international research and learning community through local, collaborative research groups and centres.
Your study will take a variety of forms, including face-to-face tutorials, seminars and group workshops, written assignments and poster presentations. You will also be well-supported in your independent study and the writing of your thesis.
You will also have the chance to present at conferences at the University of East London and to have your work published in our well-respected research journal, Research in Teacher Education. You will also be encouraged to present at national and international conferences as and when this is deemed appropriate.
What you'll learn
A Doctorate in Education represents the highest form of research apprenticeship. Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to challenge established ideas and concepts, and to develop your personal and professional skills to the highest level.
You will study and acquire a substantial body of knowledge that is at the forefront of your academic discipline and area professional practice.
As you progress on your doctoral journey you will gain a detailed understanding of the techniques used for research and advanced academic enquiry.
This will enable you to conceptualise, design and implement a project that will add new expertise and understanding to your discipline, placing you at the forefront of expertise, nationally and internationally.
Your future career
This doctorate course at the University of East London is designed for professionals who are working within a range of educational contexts.
School-centred research is a rapidly developing phenomenon, both nationally and internationally. This doctoral course is aimed at practising educators who would like to advance their own professional development in the areas of research, policy, curriculum development and professional practice.
It also gives you the opportunity to help improve educational and institutional practice generally.
Studying for a Doctorate in Education at UEL's School of Education and Communities will benefit senior members of staff working in a variety of educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, examination organizations and policy-related institutions.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.
Your research proposal
To find out more about how to write your research proposal, see our research proposal guidance.
