Doctorate in Education EdD

About the Course

Download course brochure (PDF)

This doctoral level programme is designed for education and education-related professionals from all sectors including schools, higher education, local/national government and public services.  It is of interest to individuals who wish to extend their expertise and professional development through a taught programme of study leading to a research-based thesis.

The EdD starts annually in October.

In addition to a completed online application form, we will require a research proposal, two references and copies of your highest degree certificates. 

Your application will be considered by two members of the EdD teaching team. Subject to meeting our entry requirements, you will be invited to interview. During interview, you will have the opportunity to discuss your proposed research and professional experience.

Aims

After graduating from this course, you will have:

• gained knowledge and expertise in a specialist field at the forefront of your profession;
• developed a broad range of research and enquiry skills
• been able to take your new skills, ideas and original research back to your workplace or use them to help you move into new roles or educational environments

Enquiries

If you have any questions or would like to informally discuss your application, please contact:

Research Administrator
School of Sport and Education
Brunel University
Kingston Lane
Uxbridge  UB8 3PH
England

Tel: +44(0)1895 266492
Email: sse-pgrcourses@brunel.ac.uk 

Related Courses

• Education MA

Course Content

Our EdD degree has three elements:

Taught research training component

This compulsory element is designed to provide you with a systematic and wide-ranging understanding of the traditions and methods relating to education related research. The training will support the selection of an appropriate research methodology and develop skills in the presentation of research findings. As well as writing a critical reflective commentary, you will study three areas:

• Philosophical Issues in Research
• Methods of Data Collection and Data Analysis
• Research Design

Institution-focused study (IFS)

The IFS is a report of approximately 10,000 words which provides you with an opportunity to reflect on and extend your understanding of their professional role and research expertise. You will also have the opportunity to apply your expertise in a practical way through an extended piece of research using the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in the Research Training Component. The IFS is conducted in a specific education related institution to which you will have access and is focused on the professional activities related to your research in that institution.

The thesis

Your thesis (minimum 40,000 words) will demonstrate originality and independent critical ability within your chosen field of research. Conforming to University guidelines, it will also make a distinct and original contribution to knowledge within professional education and demonstrate its relevance to the professional context.  

Assessment

The research training is examined independently on completion of a portfolio of approximately 18,000 words. The portfolio must be passed as a whole before progressing to IFS/thesis stage.

The IFS will be assessed by an independent annual progression panel to which you will need to demonstrate how this study and your other work have contributed to your professional development. You will also need to demonstrate an extended understanding of your professional role.

The IFS and thesis are combined for summative final assessment through a viva voce examination. 

Fees for 2013/14 entry

UK/EU: The fee for 2011/12 is £3,732 full-time. The fee for 2012 will increase in line with the Research Council UK fee which will not be available until Spring 2012, but it is estimated that this may be in the region of £3,875.
Overseas: £13,860 full-time

Read about funding opportunities available to postgraduate students

Fees quoted are per annum and are subject to an annual increase.

Entry Requirements

You must have a good first degree (upper second or first) in an Education related discipline and preferably hold a relevant Master’s degree obtained from a UK university, or an overseas equivalent. You should also have a minimum of three years of full-time experience in employment in a relevant professional area.

English Language Requirements

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accept a range of other language courses. We also have a range of Pre-sessional English language courses, for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English.