Doctorate in Education, EdD

Our Doctorate in Education (EdD) is intended for committed mid-career and senior professionals in all areas of education, training and related professional fields.

We provide you with a doctoral programme at the forefront of professional and academic practice, which includes taught coursework and a supervised thesis. Our programme is flexible but rigorous and is designed to support you through the challenges of doctoral study and research.

During the thesis phase, your focus will be on your dissertation. You will be supported in this by your experienced supervisory team. In the taught phase, you will have a personal tutor who will help you settle into university life and support you in addressing some of the requirements of the programme.

As an established centre for excellence in various aspects of education, the University of Greenwich commits to meeting the needs of researchers who want to study at the highest level whether they work in the education or other sectors.

School

Education

Location

Greenwich Campus

Duration

• 3-4 years full-time
• 5-7 years part-time

Start month

September

Home / international fees 2025/26

• £5,006 / £17,975

What you should know about this course

• This flexible Doctorate in Education is designed to support you in the challenges of doctoral study and research.
• Your teaching and supervisory teams have practical and academic experience in educational research and doctoral supervision.
• We expect you to commit to other activities apart from lectures. This includes attendance at Doctoral weekends and at the education seminar series.
• The only full-time EdD programme currently running in the UK.
• Programme has embedded opportunities for developing research presentation skills through seminars and a dissemination module.

What you will study

Full time

Part time

• Full time
• Part time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Research Methods 1: Advanced Qualitative Methodology and Methods (30 credits)
• Research Methods 2: Advanced Quantitative Methodolgy and Methods (30 credits)
• Critical Review 1: Foundation for Practice (30 credits)
• Preliminary Investigation 2: Pilot Study (30 credits)
• The Dissemination Module
• Critical Review 2: Development of Advanced Practice (30 credits)
• Preliminary Investigation1: Researching Your Context- the Search for Originality (30 credits)

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Research Methods 1: Advanced Qualitative Methodology and Methods (30 credits)
• Critical Review 1: Foundation for Practice (30 credits)
• Preliminary Investigation1: Researching Your Context- the Search for Originality (30 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Research Methods 2: Advanced Quantitative Methodolgy and Methods (30 credits)
• Preliminary Investigation 2: Pilot Study (30 credits)
• The Dissemination Module
• Critical Review 2: Development of Advanced Practice (30 credits)

Entry requirements

You are required to have:

• A Master's degree during which the applicant undertook a research project and produced a high-quality dissertation
• A minimum of five years of experience
• In exceptional cases, candidates with a strong first degree (2.1 usually) who hold top level appointments in their field will be considered.

Required documentation:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including the names of two referees (written references can also be provided using the reference form)
• A detailed research proposal of about 1,500 words (for scholarship applications, please see specific instructions in the advert and include the scholarship reference to the personal statement section).

Available to overseas students?

Yes

Can I use Prior Learning?

If you have undertaken a part of this programme of study in a UK university or a reputable university in another country, you might be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Each case will be considered on its own merit.

How you will learn

Teaching

You will be required to attend lectures one evening a fortnight. The lectures are generally focused on the development of your theoretical knowledge in research methodology and on the practical applications of these skills.

Class sizes

Information coming soon.

Independent learning

You will need to dedicate time to self-study to prepare for course work and presentations. Our library and online resources will support your further reading and research. It is important that you are able to make out time to meet this commitment.

Overall workload

The attendance requirement is mainly in the first two years of study, where you attend on alternate Wednesday evenings and undertake a taught course which is designed to build your research expertise. We also expect you to attend the doctoral weekends and seminar series.

Assessment

EdD candidates are assessed through assignments and a thesis, plus dissemination of work and a final doctoral viva. You will be made aware of the requirements from the beginning of your course. Each module has an assessment brief and a deadline for submission.

Feedback summary

Once you submit your thesis for examination, the examination should take place within three months of the date the Faculty Research Degrees Committee approves the examination arrangements.

Fees and funding

University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.

(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).

Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning
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Home | £5,006 | £2,503 per year | N/A
International | £17,975 | £8,988 per year | N/A

Fees information

Accommodation costs

Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.

Accommodation pages

Careers and placements

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

Most students on this course are already well established in their careers. However, achieving the EdD enables professionals to follow other pathways for advancement in their place of work or to take on leadership responsibilities in other areas particularly areas that involve research, development and policy development. It also offers the opportunity to embark on academic careers in some cases.

Graduates of the EdD course have moved on to become head teachers, college leaders, academics, sector leaders in the health sector, senior civil servants and leaders in various sectors including in engineering, travel and tourism and in business amongst others.

Do you provide employability services?

The university has an employability service which all students are allowed to utilise. The Employability and Careers Service provides support when you are preparing to apply for new roles. It includes CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops. Each School also has its own Employability Officer, who works closely with the industry and will provide specific opportunities relevant to your own course.

Support and advice

Academic skills and study support

We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre. In your thesis stage, you will have the opportunity to attend a range of research and employment related training courses provided by the Research and Enterprise Training Institute (RETI).

If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we might be able to negotiate for the delivery of such training courses through RETI.

Support from the department

During the thesis phase your main focus will be on your dissertation, where you will be supported by your experienced supervisory team. We also offer ten Thursday evening research methods workshops during the year and two EdD Saturday sessions.

Your fellow participants will also provide a network for motivation and support. We also have a seminar series which we encourage you to attend and at which you can make presentations on aspects of your research.

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Doctorate in Education (EdD) - University of Greenwich

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Degree Overview:

The Doctorate in Education (EdD) at the University of Greenwich is designed for mid-career and senior professionals in all areas of education, training, and related professional fields. It provides a doctoral program at the forefront of professional and academic practice, combining taught coursework and a supervised thesis. The program is flexible but rigorous, supporting students through the challenges of doctoral study and research.

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Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Develop advanced research skills and knowledge in education.
• Equip students with the ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the field of education.
• Enhance professional practice through the application of research findings.
• Prepare students for leadership roles in education and related fields.

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Outline:

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Structure:

The EdD program is structured into two phases:

• Taught Phase: This phase focuses on developing research skills and knowledge through coursework.
• Thesis Phase: This phase involves the development and completion of a dissertation under the guidance of a supervisory team.

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Course Schedule:

• Full-time: 3-4 years
• Part-time: 5-7 years

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Modules:

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Year 1 (Full-time and Part-time):

• Research Methods 1: Advanced Qualitative Methodology and Methods (30 credits)
• Critical Review 1: Foundation for Practice (30 credits)
• Preliminary Investigation 1: Researching Your Context- the Search for Originality (30 credits)

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Year 2 (Full-time):

• Research Methods 2: Advanced Quantitative Methodolgy and Methods (30 credits)
• Preliminary Investigation 2: Pilot Study (30 credits)
• The Dissemination Module
• Critical Review 2: Development of Advanced Practice (30 credits)

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Year 2 (Part-time):

• Research Methods 2: Advanced Quantitative Methodolgy and Methods (30 credits)
• Preliminary Investigation 2: Pilot Study (30 credits)
• The Dissemination Module
• Critical Review 2: Development of Advanced Practice (30 credits)

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Assignments
• Thesis
• Dissemination of work
• Final doctoral viva

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Assessment Criteria:

• Demonstrated understanding of research methods and theories.
• Ability to conduct independent research and produce a high-quality dissertation.
• Effective communication of research findings.
• Contribution to the field of education.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Independent study

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Faculty:

• Experienced lecturers with practical and academic experience in educational research and doctoral supervision.
• Over 66% of the teaching team holds a teaching qualification.

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Unique Approaches:

• Embedded opportunities for developing research presentation skills through seminars and a dissemination module.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Head teachers
• College leaders
• Academics
• Sector leaders in the health sector
• Senior civil servants
• Leaders in various sectors including engineering, travel and tourism, and business

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Opportunities:

• Advancement in current career
• Leadership roles in education and related fields
• Academic careers

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Outcomes:

• Enhanced professional practice
• Contribution to the field of education
• Development of advanced research skills and knowledge

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Other:

• The program is the only full-time EdD program currently running in the UK.
• Students are expected to commit to activities beyond lectures, including attendance at Doctoral weekends and the education seminar series.
• The program is open to overseas students.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered for students who have undertaken part of the program in a UK university or a reputable university in another country.
• The university provides employability services, including CV clinics, mock interviews, and employability skills workshops.
• Students have access to academic skills and study support through tutors, subject librarians, and the online academic skills center.
• The Research and Enterprise Training Institute (RETI) provides research and employment-related training courses.
• The university offers ten Thursday evening research methods workshops during the year and two EdD Saturday sessions.
• Students are encouraged to attend the seminar series and make presentations on aspects of their research.

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Home (Full-time): £4,406 Home (Part-time): £2,203 per year International (Full-time): £17,450 International (Part-time): £8,725 per year

University of Greenwich: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of Greenwich is a public university located in London and Kent, England. It boasts three campuses: Greenwich, Avery Hill, and Medway. The university is known for its diverse student body, with students from over 150 countries, and its commitment to providing a high-quality student experience.

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Services Offered:

The University of Greenwich offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options are available at all three campuses.

Careers:

The university provides career guidance and support services to help students find employment after graduation.

Student Support:

A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, counseling, and disability support.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships and bursaries are available to help students finance their studies.

Digital Student Centre:

A digital platform offering support for new and returning students.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Greenwich offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:

Lively Students' Union:

Each campus has a Students' Union that organizes social events, clubs, and societies.

Modern Facilities:

The university has invested in modern facilities, including libraries, labs, and sports centers.

Excellent Transport Links:

All campuses are easily accessible by public transport, with connections to central London.

Campus Bus Service:

A bus service connects the three campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Award-Winning Research:

The university is recognized for its high-quality research, which has won numerous awards.

Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

This recognition highlights the university's commitment to providing an outstanding student experience.

Diverse Community:

The university welcomes students from all over the world, creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Flexible Learning Options:

The university offers a range of flexible learning options, including online and part-time study.

Strong Graduate Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of graduate employment, with many graduates going on to successful careers.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Greenwich offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. Some of the key academic strengths include:

Business and Management:

The university is known for its strong business programs, including MBA and MSc programs.

Engineering and Technology:

The university offers a range of engineering and technology programs, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science.

Arts and Humanities:

The university has a strong reputation in the arts and humanities, with programs in English literature, history, and creative writing.

Health and Social Care:

The university offers a range of health and social care programs, including nursing, social work, and psychology.

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Other:

• The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has launched a university-wide transformation for a Greener future.

• The university is home to the Greenwich Portraits series, which celebrates the diverse journeys of its students and alumni.

• Student Life and Campus Experience:

  While the context mentions the Students' Union and facilities, it does not provide detailed information on student life and campus experiences.

Key Reasons to Study There:

The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the key reasons to study at the University of Greenwich.