Program Overview

Doctor of Education

The Doctor of Education is a practice-led doctorate for educators who create knowledge through making and doing. You'll create a significant piece of work, along with a written explanation that shows how your work connects to research and professional practice. This programme focuses on research that's driven by practice and creative ways of building knowledge.

Programme Details

• Programme code: AK3685
• Level: 10
• Points: 360
• Duration: 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time
• Campus: City Campus
• Starts: 22 Feb 2027

Fees

• Domestic: $9,623.60 (for 120 points)
• International: Programme not currently available to international students
  • Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year.
  • There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Must have completed the following in a specialisation appropriate to the proposed research:
  • Master's degree with honours
  • Bachelor's degree with honours (equivalent to 4 years of study)
• The degree must have a standard equivalent to first class or second class (first division) honours.
• Applicants should be able to show evidence of relevant creative practice and engagement in associated community or professional contexts.
• For kaupapa Māori or Pacific research, evidence of appropriate established relationships or advisory support.
• A minimum of two years' relevant professional experience

International Students

• Because of its part-time nature, this programme is not available for international students.
• International students are encouraged to apply for the PhD programme.

Other Requirements

• Supervision of the Doctor of Education thesis is subject to the availability of staff
• English language requirements: IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with 7.0 in Writing and all other bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent

Application Process

• Make yourself familiar with the Course Information and the practice-led nature of the Doctor of Education
• When applying, you will need to include a number of documents – see list below.
• Once your eligibility has been confirmed, you will work with the course co-leaders to complete a research proposal to submit to the Doctoral Board for approval
• A place on the programme is only offered once Board approval has been received, followed by your enrolment in the first research portfolio course
• Enrolments are open annually from the end of March and close at the end of September for entry in the following year

What You Study

• Delivered part-time in a cohort model, the first two years provide structured preparation for independent work.
• In this phase, you will undertake coursework in research methodologies and ethics, complete a small-scale practice-led study, and submit a full application for admission to the remainder of the degree.
• The Doctor of Education sets students up for their artefact and exegesis by providing a supportive and collaborative cohort-based learning experience.

Research Portfolio

• The research portfolio comprises four 30-point courses that will develop your research competency and enable you to make the transition from practitioner to researcher.
• All students are expected to attend portfolio blocs throughout the year.
• You will have the support of your peers and the Doctor of Education team.
• The 4 courses are taken sequentially, one per semester:
  • EDUCX01 EdD Research Portfolio Part I
  • EDUCX02 EdD Research Portfolio Part II
  • EDUCX03 EdD Research Portfolio Part III
  • EDUCX04 EdD Research Portfolio Part IV

Creative/Practice-Oriented Artefact and Exegesis

• The Doctor of Education involves the design, realisation, and critical analysis of a substantial creative or practice-oriented artefact that results in an original contribution to knowledge and practice in education, articulated in an accompanying exegesis.
• You will have two supervisors who will have been identified during the portfolio development.

Research Expertise

• AUT's academic supervisors are internationally recognised researchers with extensive experience in doctoral supervision and advanced research training.
• They bring deep disciplinary expertise across education, professional practice, and related fields, and work closely with candidates to support rigorous, ethical, and original doctoral research.

Career Opportunities

• Graduates will develop skills that will assist them in a wide range of positions, including:
  • Academic and practice-oriented researchers
  • Leaders in curriculum and pedagogical innovation
  • Creative directors or education consultants
  • Artist-scholars or practitioner-researchers
  • Leaders and collaborators on community-based projects
  • Policy advisors and community engagement specialists
• Graduates will also be favourably placed for promotion and leadership responsibilities.