Education, Doctorate

Study at doctoral level embraces all the critical and analytical skills present in master's level work but also includes a stronger element of distinctiveness and originality. Doctoral work should make a contribution to the field of knowledge within which you are researching, and should be of potentially publishable standard. The Doctorate in the Faculty of Education delivers the advantages of working within a community of fellow researchers, engaging seminars, presentations and publication whilst at the same time becoming involved in a substantial individual research thesis of your own. The sense of community, of collaboration in the development of ideas and the opportunity to explore in depth aspects of research, policy and professional practice, is at the core of this course. Courses include the nature of research and research design in education, the relationship between research, policy and professional practice, concepts of leadership and change, advanced research methodology and key issues in contemporary educational provision. The doctorate culminates with an extended research thesis, which may substantially draw on issues related to your own professional context. This Doctoral programme combines advanced scholarship with a strong practice-based philosophy. It builds upon the knowledge and skills that you, as a professional, bring to your study, and assumes that your professionalism is an integral part of the Doctoral journey – where you will engage in intellectual and critical debate around contemporary educational issues in policy and practice. Each module is designed to integrate professional experience with the skills and understanding necessary to innovate and apply new knowledge to advance your practice and enrich your learning. The taught element of the Ed.D means that you are fully supported within a structured programme as you progress towards your thesis. The division of the Ed.D into a taught stage and a thesis stage provides maximum flexibility in that you can develop existing interests and discover and investigate new areas. The taught stage of the Ed. D consists of seven modules – you will study one module each term: Term 1: The role and nature of theory Term 2: Critical theory Term 3: The development of professional knowledge Term 4: Research: Self and positioning Term 5: Methods and methodologies Term 6: Policy research and truth Term 7: The research proposal. On successful completion of the modules you will then start working on your thesis. The thesis will be 50,000 words and take a minimum of seven terms to complete. You can choose from a range of areas covered in the taught part of the Ed.D: your own professional development, professional environment or other related topic. You will be supported by two supervisors during the thesis stage, whom you will meet for regular tutorials and other support. Specialist research themes Research in the Faculty specialises in the following themes: Professional Development and Identity Curriculum Innovation and Creativity Inclusion, Equalities and Social Justice Auto/biography and Narrative Studies Children, Families and Communities Faith, Beliefs and Values. EdD participants will be taught by Professors, Readers, Research Theme Leaders and Specialist Tutors.