Your course during COVID-19

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University study experience.

Terms and conditions and student complaints

The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.

Read our detailed explanation.

About the programme of study

The Doctor of Education (EdD) is a professional doctorate. It is recognised for bringing together theory, research and practice through the close alignment of research with professional knowledge. 

In education, professional doctorates are valuable in supporting, and indeed developing, evidence-based practice, to the benefit of the student and the wider education world.

You will benefit from a structured introduction to researching education as well as a flexible approach to learning. You can tailor your study to your own interests and emerging needs in the taught stage. You also develop research skills and approaches that you will need to succeed at the research stage.

It is appropriate for experienced professionals who wish to undertake part-time doctoral study while working full time within education. It is also suitable for full-time students with professional backgrounds as teachers or leaders who would like to develop research linked to their practices and knowledge.

We attract a diversity of both international and home students, based in a range of educational contexts, including, but not limited to, school, further education and higher education settings.  Leaders, directors and teachers are able to learn from each other's experiences to develop their own understanding situated within the wider education context.

The course draws on the expertise developed in the Research Centre for Learning and Teaching (CfLaT), which is based in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences (ECLS). Course tutors are active researchers and all teach and supervise across a range of courses.  This provides them with a wide knowledge base relating to the challenges of research in educational contexts.

Delivery

Our flexible EdD begins as a taught programme and then progresses onto a research stage, including a project and thesis. 

The taught component, includes a mix of compulsory research methods modules, specifically designed for doctoral researchers in education, and optional educational content modules from a wide range of topics.

In attending seminars you will engage with staff and students from around the world.

The programme provides flexibility in the choice and timing of modules and in the design and format of the research study and thesis. It comprises a taught element and a research element.

Modules are taught at various times, Monday-Friday and some Saturdays. We are committed to students who are working while studying, with email support available as necessary from the Degree Programme Director and module leaders.  You can apply for accreditation of prior learning (APL), by matching the learning objectives of our modules with the objectives or outcomes of any previous study or experience (academic or professional).

You then complete an empirical research thesis, maximum 60,000 words, which should be related to an issue of professional concern or interest.

You will be assigned a supervision team from ECLS.  This team will support you through your research and the write up of your thesis. Your progress is monitored through annual progress panels for which you submit a piece of writing and present on your research to date.  When your thesis is complete, it is examined at the viva voce by two academics with relevant knowledge and expertise.

You are expected to have professional educational knowledge and experience on which you can draw. Most students will also work or volunteer in a setting which provides the context for their understanding of educational research and, sometimes, a site for their doctoral research. 

Our links with research centres and institutes provide opportunities for collaboration and cross-disciplinary seminars and interest groups. Our most important connections are with: 

• Newcastle Institute for Social Science
• Centre for Learning and Teaching, CfLaT

Research students can also develop connections with any of the diverse faculty research institutes, centres and groups, as appropriate to their research interests.

Module changes

Course content changes 

The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability

Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals

For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.

If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.

All students

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

Funding opportunities

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English course.

Applications for 2022/23

You'll be able to apply for 2022/23 entry from September 2021

Start dates

The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must:

• pay a deposit of £1,500
• or submit an official letter of sponsorship

The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.