EdD (Doctorate of Education)

During the course of your doctoral study, you’ll cover the following modules:

D711: Engaging with and reviewing the research literature (Level 7 – 30 credits)

The module focuses on the importance of, and skills required for, critically engaging with, reviewing and evaluating the research literature, underpinned by an academic literacies approach, as a first step towards understanding the nature and purpose of academic writing for research purposes at doctoral level.

D712: Research methods in education (Level 7 – 30 credits)

Students are immersed in key research methods in education, identifying those most pertinent to their own study, with a focus on the criticality required at doctoral level.

D813: Handling and interrogating data (Level 8 – 30 credits)

Having investigated research methods in D712, students acquire specialist knowledge of data collection tools, analysis techniques and gain practical experience of using quantitative and qualitative data handling software.

D814: Applied research design (Level 8 – 30 credits)

Students apply the knowledge, skills and understanding of the previous modules to design and carry out a small empirical study related to their project, which is peer reviewed and presented in the form of a journal paper.

D815: Thesis proposal (Level 8 – 60 credits)

This module enables students to write a detailed, critical and comprehensive thesis proposal which includes a pilot study and reflection on the implications of the pilot for the thesis. A formal presentation of the pilot is embedded in the module through a weekend conference to facilitate peer review and provide experience of presenting and defending their work to academic audiences.

D816: Thesis (level 8 – 360 credits)

During years 3-6 of the programme, students build upon and substantially extend and deepen the learning from their previous assignments and proposal to write a 55,000 word thesis on a topic at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice. The thesis makes an original contribution to an area of professional knowledge which is of publishable quality.

In an increasingly competitive professional environment, possession of an EdD and the title of ‘Doctor’ will distinguish you from the majority of colleagues. You will have critically evaluated your own professional practice and its relationship with theory, designed and conducted your own research, and gained increased professional confidence, all of which can enhance your opportunities for career progression.