Program Overview

EdD (Doctorate of Education)

Course Summary

The Doctorate of Education (EdD) is the premier academic qualification for experienced professionals working in the education sector. The EdD is ideally suited to those who benefit from studying in a structured, collegiate environment with the first two years comprising taught modules. These modules enable the development of research skills and the intellectual rigour demanded of professionals at doctoral level. They also provide the foundation for the subsequent period of study, the thesis stage, during which a thesis is written focused on an area of professional interest.

About This Course

The EdD (Doctorate of Education) is designed for those who intend to extend their professional development and understanding through research and reflection on practice. It is a part-time programme, typically taking 5 years to complete. The EdD is delivered entirely at BGU with the degree itself awarded by the University of Leicester.

The EdD comprises two stages. The first consists of five taught modules which are taken over the first two years of the programme. Sessions are delivered at weekends with tutorial and peer support provided in between, enabling you to combine your study with work commitments. The modules incorporate a variety of teaching and learning strategies covering a range of core research skills contextualised in professional issues. Sessions enable the systematic development of the high level of skills and knowledge required at doctoral level. Upon successful completion of the taught phase, you progress to the thesis stage. Here, you produce a thesis which is intended to provide an original contribution to professional knowledge and understanding in a focused area of enquiry.

What You Will Study

Students on this course currently study all of the following modules. Unless they have transferred from a doctorate at another organisation, and can provide documentary evidence of successful completed modules studied at doctorate level.

• Engaging with and reviewing the research literature
• Research methods in education
• Handling and interrogating data
• Applied research design
• Thesis proposal
• Thesis

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for an EdD are normally a 2:1 or 1st Bachelors Honours Degree and a Master’s degreeand at least three years’ professional experience. At the point of application, you will be able to demonstrate that you have already identified a potential research project within a chosen discipline or field of enquiry, which you should be able to discuss at an interview. It is a part-time programme, typically taking 5 years to complete. The EdD is validated by the University of Leicester but will be delivered at BGU.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you’ve recently completed or studied a particular module as part of a previous qualification at another organisation, this may mean that you’re not required to undertake a particular module of your BGU course. However this must be agreed in writing at the start of the course and you must submit a formal application requesting such an exception.

How You Will Be Taught

The first four taught modules are assessed by means of a 5,000 word written assignment or equivalent. The fifth module, the "transfer" module, is a 10,000 word thesis proposal. At the end of the transfer module, you will also complete a peer presentation. You must successfully complete both the 10,000 word assessment and the presentation in order to progress.

Upon successful progression to the final stage, you will prepare a thesis of not more than 55,000 words. Your thesis will be examined by an oral examination or ‘viva’ conducted by expert academics in the discipline or field of enquiry. Your thesis should make an original contribution to knowledge and be of publishable quality. Tutor support is provided for each assessment component and throughout the final thesis stage.

Careers & Further Study

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.

How to Apply

Enquiries about the EdD should be directed to Dr Sheine Peart, Associate Professor in Access, Equality and Inclusion.

There is a single annual entry point each October. The final date for receipt of applications for an Autumn start of the same year, is the Tuesday immediately after the second August bank holiday.

• October 2025: 26th August 2025
• October 2026: 1st September 2026
• October 2027: 31st August 2027
• October 2028: 29th August 2028

As part of your application, you will need to provide a summary of your current or proposed research. In addition, you must submit a 2500-word research proposal, including 10 - 15 relevant references. These can be attached as a Word document using the document upload function during the online application process.