Program Overview

Overview

The Doctor of Education (EdD) is a taught doctorate that provides a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of educational research. It supports students in doctoral research related to their professional interests, encouraging critical reflection on experiences and expertise. The course takes an evidence-based approach to practice, innovation, and change.

What You'll Learn

The EdD begins as a taught program and then progresses onto a research stage, including a project and thesis. The taught component includes a mix of compulsory research methods modules and optional educational content modules from a wide range of topics.

Modules

• Practices of Inquiry: epistemological and methodological considerations through self-reflection and peer interviewing
• Exploring the Evidence Base: searching, critical reading, and literature reviewing
• Research Strategies and Methods
• Information Skills
• Qualitative Methodology in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Quantitative Analysis
• The Making and Unmaking of Knowledge
• Introduction to Intercultural Communication
• Professional Communication in Intercultural Settings
• International Development: Theory and Practice
• Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Assessment as Foundations of Teaching and Learning
• Innovative Pedagogies
• Leadership and Strategic Management
• The Future of Learning in the Digital Age
• The Design of Technology Enhanced Learning
• Future of Educational Leadership and Practitioner Research

How You'll Learn

Delivery and teaching methods include seminars with staff and students from around the world. The course provides flexibility in the choice and timing of modules, as well as in the design and format of the research study and thesis. Module teaching is at various times, including day-time and evenings, Monday-Friday, and possible Saturdays. Email support is available from the Degree Programme Director and module leaders.

Assessment Methods

Depending on the modules, students will be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Computer assessment
• Essay
• Oral examination
• Poster
• Portfolio
• Report
• Reflective log
• Research proposal
• Written exercise

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of the university's research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 150 for Education - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

Students will learn in the King George VI Building and have access to the Education Resource Centre and associated borrowing rights. When reaching the research stage, students also have access to the School's postgraduate suite.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry (per year)

• Qualification: Doctor of (EdD) Full-time: 36 months - 48 months
  • Home students: Tuition fees (per year) Not set
  • International students: Tuition fees (per year) Not set
• Qualification: Doctor of (EdD) Part-time: 72 months - 84 months
  • Home students: Tuition fees (per year) Not set

Scholarships

The university supports EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 honors degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as education or social sciences.
• A merit master's degree is preferred, but not essential, although the university would expect some study at master's level.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS
• Pearson's
• Duolingo English Test
• TOEFL
• Other

Admissions Policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University.

How to Apply

The application portal has instructions to guide students through their application. It will tell them what documents are needed and how to upload them.

Programme Codes

• Qualification: Doctor of (EdD) Full-time: 36 months - 48 months, Programme Code: 8902F
• Qualification: Doctor of (EdD) Part-time: 72 months - 84 months, Programme Code: 8902P

Using the Application Portal

The application portal guides students through their application, telling them what documents are needed and how to upload them. Students can choose to start their application, save their details, and come back to complete it later.