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.

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. 

Module changes

Module changes

Modules change annually to take account of:

• changing staff expertise
• developments in the discipline
• the requirements of external bodies and partners
• student feedback.

Most module information for 2020 entry will be available from the end of May 2020.

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

EU students starting at Newcastle in 2019 and 2020 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.

Funding opportunities

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

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 live outside the UK/EU 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 at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.