Doctorate of Education

Overview

The Doctor of Education (EdD) differs from a PhD in that it’s primarily focused on professional rather than theoretical issues and is aimed at those who’ve already been employed in the education sector for a number of years, as lecturers, teachers, consultants, advisers or inspectors. Through this programme, you can both challenge and enhance your practice by engaging with relevant theory, policy and empirical research.

Study Style

There are taught sessions in groups and individual supervisions, in addition to visiting professors and fellows who may enhance provision.

The taught phase introduces you to methodological, political, philosophical, sociological and epistemological concepts that will underpin issues that emerge from the professional context. You’ll join a supportive community and study four modules – three with academic content and one focused on research methods. The entire programme has four cross-cutting themes: Leadership, Inclusion, Sustainability and Childhood, Youth, Families and Community.

During the thesis phase you’ll work on a research question of your choice with the support of two supervisors.

Entry Requirements

Doctorate standard: A master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic
Doctor of Education experience requirements: Professional experience of an educational role or setting
Proposal: We do not require a research proposal at this stage. Please submit a sample of your academic writing. This could be a Masters assignment, an article or similar, but it must be written by you as the sole author.
IELTS 6.5 (6.0 writing, 5.5 all other components): EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.

Course Modules

You're viewing course modules for the Full Time (4 years) course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course modules.

Here's an example of the types of modules you'll study (the contents and structure of the course are reviewed occasionally, but it is unlikely that there will be significant change).

Module information is not available for this programme.

Level 8

All students must complete these modules:

Philosophy of Education (DE8001)

The module aims to interrogate and problematise the term ‘education’ and show how the education is a site of political and ideological contention. In doing so, it will discuss the nature of educational aims and introduce the topic of Philosophy of Mind. Throughout the module, students will be required to critically examine educational practices and structures in relation to trends in philosophy of education. Particular attention will be paid to the nature of education in a pluralist society and to the roles that competition, citizenship and ecological sustainability play within education.

Scheduled Contact Hours: 40 Independent Learning Hours: 360 Assessment 001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 7,000 words or equivalent

Education Policy (DE8002)

In many countries, education is undergoing fundamental changes in respect of governance, structure, funding and organisation. This module responds to some of the key questions raised by these changes. In particular, it will look at the role education plays in addressing issues of inequality and social justice, citizenship, and environmental sustainability. It will explore how education can help develop the skills and dispositions needed for the knowledge economy and the ways in which a focus on education for the economy can create tensions in responding to the issues raised by current changes. In order to address questions raised through this exploration, students will be provided with some of the key tools and ways of understanding how such questions might be addressed in meaningful ways through examining appropriate evidence, theories and methodologies.

Scheduled Contact Hours: 40 Independent Learning Hours: 360 Assessment 001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 7,000 words or equivalent

Pedagogy (DE8003)

The module explores two traditions of thought: Western European philosophy and a Twentieth Century Russian tradition that becomes absorbed into our own through, for example, Situated Learning and Activity Theory.

Scheduled Contact Hours: 40 Independent Learning Hours: 360 Assessment 001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 7,000 words or equivalent

Research in Education (DE8004)

Scheduled Contact Hours: 40 Independent Learning Hours: 360 Assessment 001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 7,000 words or equivalent

Fees and Costs

You're viewing fees for the Full Time (4 years) course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

Please be aware that students may have to pay a continuation fee if their study continues after the expected duration of their programme.

Start date | Course code | Fee (UK) Fee per year | Fee (international) Fee per year ---|---|---|--- February 2026 | — | £5,125 | £5,125 October 2025 | — | £5,125 | £5,125 February 2027 | — | TBC | TBC October 2026 | — | TBC | TBC International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Find out more

Careers

Our postgraduate research students cultivate a diverse set of skills that are highly valued in the UK and internationally, preparing them for successful careers within academia and beyond.

As a postgraduate research student at UoG, you’ll develop and refine a range of skills across research, academic practice, project management and critical analysis to equip you for your future. Whether it’s contributing to ground-breaking academic research or applying problem-solving skills in the workplace, we’ll ensure you’re ready to take on your next challenge.

This versatility opens doors to opportunities across various sectors, from education and research institutions to commercial organisations and NGOs, where you’ll have the confidence to apply your researcher skills and develop innovative solutions to meet your ambitions.

Student Stories

Go to Leading the way in education for young people

Leading the way in education for young people

Teaching Staff

Academic Course Leader

Dr Paul Vare

Academic Course Leader for Doctorate of Education

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Complete Your Thesis

On successful completion you’ll be able to develop strategic thinking and critical analysis to improve and guide your own and other people’s practice.

Develop Your Critical Skills

Demonstrate a critical awareness of the conceptual frameworks and policy background relevant to their chosen focus of study – eg inclusive education, educational leadership or other aspect of education – and show a critical review of alternative models.

School of Education and Science

Work with leading practitioners, coaches, and professionals in specialist environments where you will develop your skills and gain real-world experience.

Visit the School of Education and Science

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"I focus on international education and sustainability"

“Starting as a teacher in UK and Tanzania I soon switched to community-based environmental education, firstly in Leicester and then Mount Elgon, Uganda. My career has focused on international education and sustainability projects working for charities but with communities, large corporations and governments including the UN. I joined here in 2013 to follow my interest in teaching and research.”

Dr Paul Vare, Postgraduate Research Lead – School of Education

Doctorate of Education EdD

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