Program Overview

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Professional Doctorate in Education EdD

Overview

This is the ideal programme if you want to research a policy or practice issue that’s relevant to your area of work and use your findings to influence the way things are done.

Full Description

We’ve designed this programme for professionals across the education spectrum, from early years and school education to the further, higher and adult sectors.

You can pursue your topic in many different fields supported by educational experts and a comprehensive programme that includes in-depth research training.

Your research project must focus on some element of policy or practice and be designed to promote innovation and improvement locally, regionally or nationally.

During the structured first stage of the programme, you’ll develop your research ideas with the help of an academic adviser. Six weekend workshops will provide research training and orientation.

With your proposal formally approved you’ll then progress to the supervised research stage of your degree, developing your thesis with support from .your supervisors

The programme concludes in the submission of your final thesis and a ‘viva voce’ examination to defend it.

Research Groups

• World-leading research at ARU

Doctoral School

• Support from day one

Supervision and Support

We can provide expert supervision in many fields of education, including:

• Teacher education
• Early childhood
• Inclusive education
• Special educational needs
• Disability
• Families, parenting and young people
• Social class
• Urban education
• Forest schools and natural learning environments
• Digital and computing education
• Science education
• Education for health professionals
• Higher education
• Adult and lifelong learning

Where You'll Research

Your Faculty

In the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, we use our expertise and connections in Cambridge and beyond to nurture creativity through experimentation and risk-taking, and encourage critical thinking, in order to educate, entertain, inspire and understand, as well as to improve people’s lives.

Where Can I Study?

Chelmsford

Our striking, modern campus sits by the riverside in Chelmsford's University and Innovation Quarter.

Fees & Funding

Course Fees

UK Students, 2024/25 (Part-time, Per Year)

£2,392

International Students, 2024/25 (Part-time, Per Year)

£7,950

Bench Fees

In some cases extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.

Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.

We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.

If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.

For 2024/25 the bench fee bands are:

1. £500
2. £1,200
3. £2,200
4. £4,500
5. £8,900

Writing Up Fees 2024/25

£1,200

How Do I Pay My Fees?

You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments – though you won't need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.

Funding

For advice on the Doctoral Loan and other sources of funding, including ARU scholarships, visit our finance guide for postgraduate researchers.

You might also find The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding helpful.

ARU Research

ARU's academic excellence was recognised in 2021, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Sixteen areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research. The results showed that we're making a significant impact on the societies we live in.

Careers

You’ll receive comprehensive postgraduate training and develop transferrable skills that will equip you for your research project and wider career.

These skills include research planning, use of research methods and techniques, development of theoretical concepts, research analysis, conference presentation, academic writing and publishing.

We’ll encourage you to publish articles during your research project and present your findings at conferences, including those we hold here at the University.

Many of our research graduates enhance their careers by using their findings to recommend new policies or pilot new practice, locally or nationally.

Entry Requirements

Main

For entry into the Doctorate in Education (EdD) course applicants are normally expected to hold a Masters degree and be working in or able to access a professional practice setting in which to carry out their research. Exceptions are considered on an individual basis, where applicants can demonstrate evidence of postgraduate study or publications suitable to prepare them for doctoral level study.

If English is not your first language, you’ll also need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course. Before starting the course, we recommend that you check our technical requirements for online learning.

International Students

We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you'll need to make sure you meet our English language requirements for postgraduate courses.

Improving Your English Language Skills

If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.

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