Program Overview

Education

EdD

Attendance

Part-time

Campus

Preston Campus

Start

September 2025

Duration

4 - 6 years

Why study with us

• Study in a supportive and structured environment to explore and develop your understanding and knowledge before focussing on your own research.
• Enhance your career by gaining a respected qualification and becoming a practitioner researcher, contributing to your field.
• Benefit from joining a thriving and supportive community of academics who are active researchers.

What you'll do

• In your first two years, during your 4 modules which comprise Stage 1 of the programme, you'll take part in discussion-based sessions exploring prescribed readings.
• During the modules, you'll also develop the skills and knowledge to design an appropriate and rigorous piece of doctoral-level research.
• In years 3 to 6 (Stage 2), you'll focus on completing your own research, with the guidance of your supervisory team.

Modules

Compulsory modules

These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.

Professional Practice and Policy in Education Research

The module content will include: Developing an understanding of the requirements of doctoral level study in Education. Enhancing knowledge of relevant literature and extending understanding of appropriate policy-related concepts and issues. Examining the position of the practitioner-researcher and ethical considerations in research. Developing critical engagement with social and educational theory. Content will be partly framed by individual participants’ research, allowing them to explore and develop their doctoral research within the professional setting.

Module code: EH5008

Research Design

This module is for practitioner-researchers. You'll focus on advanced methodology, critical inquiry skills, and data analysis methods to apply to your own research questions.

Module code: EH5009

Compulsory modules

These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.

Theoretical Perspectives in Research in Education

The module will use a number of literature strands to provide theoretical, analytical and conceptual instruments to enable you to analyse and theorise your own practice and topic of research. Academic writing formats and conventions will be explored.

Module code: EH5010

Reflexivity and criticality: building the thesis

The module aims to prepare you for thesis writing and the viva by further developing your skills in critical analysis and reflexivity. It continues to encourage reflection on research and professional practice through effective written and oral communication.

Module code: ED5013

Compulsory modules

These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.

Doctoral Thesis

For the module, you will undertake and complete a doctoral thesis situated within your educational setting. The thesis will emerge from your individual research and will lead to original practitioner knowledge. Independent research will be supervised by individual supervisory teams, and supported by the module leader. You'll also have the opportunity to attend writing workshops and retreats that are offered as part of the module.

Module code: EH5012

Entry requirements

• Masters in a relevant subject or equivalent. You are advised to contact the Programme Leader to discuss this.

Fees and funding

2025/26

UK

Part-time: £2,625 per year

Additional costs

As part of your course there may be additional costs to consider that are not included in your tuition fees. Most of these will be optional, but some courses have essential additional costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer many scholarships, bursaries and funds to support you during your studies. Select your country or region to see if you are eligible and how to apply.

Learning and assessment

This course is all about researching and developing educational practice, so your work environment will play a central role in your learning.

Study days and contact time with tutors and supervisors will involve you engaging with a lively community of professional practitioners and researchers. We’ll encourage you to take an active part in this community by getting involved in face-to-face and online discussions and debates, seminars and research events. You’ll come together in monthly sessions which are structured around the modules. In addition, you’ll be allocated a supervisory team for one-to-one meetings and will be able to access the excellent support programmes provided through our Graduate Research School.

Teaching and learning methods will include workshops, visiting speakers, directed and independent reading, case analyses, work-based learning, practice-focused assignments and research supervision.

Assessment methods will include written assignments, academic papers, oral presentations and critical debate, dialogue, progression meetings and reflective logs.

The final assignment is the doctoral thesis and oral examination.

Industry links

Participants on this course are all highly skilled professionals who are combining their work role with part-time study. So you’ll get to engage with a rich network of professionals drawn from various educational settings who possess a wealth of experience and expertise.