Program Overview

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Doctor of Education

Course Details

Course Code: DCE49 Course Type: Postgraduate NFQ Level: Delivery Mode: Duration: 4 years

Overview

This programme, the only member of The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate outside the US, will help you hone your writing, research, analytical and leadership skills to the highest standards.

The four-year, part-time programme is open to professionals working in education or related fields. You’ll get the chance to work with leading experts and complete research study in one of the following areas: digital learning; education for sustainable futures; inclusive and special education; leadership and evaluation; and professional learning and teacher education.

Careers & Further Options

The Doctor of Education is intended for experienced professionals who wish to take on leadership roles and make a significant contribution to the enhancement of professional practice in education and related fields including:

• Community based organisations
• Consultancy
• Education
• Government Agencies
• Health Sector
• Human Resource Management
• Industry
• Non Governmental Organisation

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements:

• The minimum entry requirements for the programme is a second class or higher Master's degree (or equivalent) in education or a specific discipline area appropriate for one of the Areas of Professional Focus.
• All candidates are typically required to have a minimum of five years professional experience or hold a position of responsibility for at least five years related to the chosen Area of Professional Focus.

Programme Structure

Our part-time EdD programme is typically over four years with the first two years involving a taught programme and the final two years focused on research under the guidance of your supervisor(s).

Year One

• Week long Summer School on campus in August
• Semester One: Two weekends on campus and one weekend online.
• Semester Two: One weekend on campus and two weekends online.

Modules (65 credits)

• Professionalism and Leadership in Education and Training, 15 credits (Summer school module)
• Area of Professional Focus Module 15 credits
• Policy Analysis, 15 credits
• Research Methods 1: Qualitative Research Skills 20 credits

Year Two

• 6 weekends Friday and Saturday between September and April

Modules

• Area of Professional Focus Module 15 credits
• Research Methods 2: Quantitative Research Skills for Data Informed Decision Making 20 credits
• Research Methods 3: Developing a Thesis Proposal 20 credits

Year Three

• 120 credits
• Research Thesis

Year Four

• 120 credits
• Research Thesis

Areas of Professional Focus

AI and Emerging Technologies in Education

The AI and Emerging Technologies in Education area of professional focus empowers participants to critically engage with key questions, developments, opportunities, and challenges in education within the evolving digital landscape.

Education for Sustainable Futures

The Education for Sustainable Futures area of professional focus on this Doctor of Education programme will enable participants to critically engage with the key concepts, contexts, developments, opportunities and challenges of teaching, learning and assessment in education for sustainable development, global citizenship and climate change.

Inclusive and Special Education

If you are interested in educational issues that focus on inclusion of marginalized learners, providing educational equality, equity and excellence for all, then this APF may be the one for you.

Leadership and Evaluation

This Area of Professional Focus:

• Designed for individuals who wish to develop their careers as leaders in various organisational settings
• Offers participants the opportunity to critically review and systematically apply key theories of leadership and evaluation
• Provides participants with the analytic and practical skills and tools to lead and manage in complex settings
• Gives individuals the opportunity to explore and apply theories and practices of evaluation allowing them to engage with internal and external quality assurance processes

Professional Learning and Teacher Education

This Professional Learning and Teacher Education Area of Professional Focus:

• Combines research, theory, policy, and practice in exploring how educators learn across the continuum (university-based teacher education and professional learning, induction and mentoring, on-site professional learning, online professional learning)
• Provides rich opportunities for research in the learner’s own professional practice/policy setting
• Integrates complementary modules on pedagogies of professional learning and approaches to policy analysis
• For educators from a range of contexts including schools, professional bodies, professional learning organisations, the Inspectorate, higher education institutions, and policy-makers
• Global trends, international and national perspectives will feature
• May appeal to those involved in supporting the professional learning of educators in a range of educational and organisational contexts

Fees and Funding

Fees

Part time

EU Status Fee Part-time

• In years one and two the fee is €5,800 per annum, in subsequent years the fee reduces to €3,100 per annum, consistent with the postgraduate research student fee structure.

Non EU Fee Part time

• In years one and two the fee is €10,900 per annum, in subsequent years the fee reduces to €6,400 per annum, consistent with the postgraduate research student fee structure.

How To Apply

Pre-applications are now open and the pre-application form is available here for the August 2025 intake, which will adopt a blended approach to learning, beginning with a Summer School on campus in DCU, beginning on August 18th 2025.

Before completing the pre-application form, it is strongly advised to speak with the EdD Programme Chair, Dr Alan Gorman, the Deputy Programme Chair, Dr Nicola Broderick or any of the Area of Professional Focus Leaders. We can arrange a time to speak with you. Each APF must have a minimum of six students to run. Should the APF you apply for not run, there is a possibility that you could get your second choice if that APF is not already full.

The closing date for pre-applications is April 17th 2025. Following receipt of completed pre-applications, suitable pre-applicants will be invited for an interview in April - May 2025.

Successful pre-applicants will receive an acceptance letter with instructions to submit a formal application through the DCU Student Application Portal. At that point, they will be required to submit the following documentation:

• Passport
• Copy of Degree Certificate / Parchment
• Copy of Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation (one Academic reference and one Professional reference)
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.

Life On Campus

Life on Campus

At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.

DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.

They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.

Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

Exceptional Facilities

DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.

These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.

We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.

Campus Life

Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.

There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.

For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.

The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.

On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.

Accommodation

Information about accommodation each of our three campuses can be accessed here.

Student Supports

We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.

Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice

The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year

Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules

Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.

work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.

Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.

DCU St Patrick's Campus

St Patrick's Campus

FAQs

Faculty FAQs

What courses are offered by the DCU Institute of Education?

DCU Institute of Education brings together students of education and provides a rich menu of undergraduate courses across all sectors from early childhood, to primary and post-primary and further and higher education. We offer a range of taught and research postgraduate courses at doctoral, masters, diploma and certificate level and have a distinguished record in providing continuing professional development.

Is there Garda vetting for students who study DCU Institute of Education courses?

Garda vetting is required for all students who have unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults as part of their studies at DCU. Applicants must successfully pass the Garda vetting process in order to complete the registration process.

What are the potential teaching pathways for primary, post-primary and further education and training offered by DCU?

Primary Teaching Pathways

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Education - DC002 | DC003 | DC004

Postgraduate

Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) - DC970

Post-Primary Teaching Pathways

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Religious Education & English or History or Music - DC010 | DC011 | DC012 Bachelor of Education in Gaeilge and French or German or Spanish - DC013 Bachelor of Education in Technology, Engineering and Graphics - DC015 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Science Education - DC203 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physical Education with Biology - DC205 Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with Mathematics - DC206

Postgraduate

Professional Master of Education (Post-Primary Teaching) - DC905

Further Education and Training Teaching Pathways

Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) in Education and Training (Further, Adult and Continuing Education) - DC235

Have You Considered?

DC970

Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching)

CAO Code

DC970

Type

postgraduate

Delivery

full time

Duration

2 Years

More info

DC905

Professional Master of Education (Post Primary Education)

CAO Code

DC905

Type

postgraduate

Duration

2 Years

More info

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