The School of Education has an excellent reputation for being at the forefront of education research of national and international significance.

The Doctorate of Education programme allows leading professionals to investigate contemporary issues and themes in education. This part-time programme uses the very latest online technologies and draws on the School of Education's outstanding strengths in research and teaching.

EdD Fees Scholarships for UK/EU and International Applicants for October 2012 Entry Available Now

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a Masters degree in a subject relevant to the area they wish to research. It is desirable that applicants have three years’ professional experience in education.

All applicants are required to provide with their application a feasible outline research proposal that offers to make an original contribution to knowledge in the field of education.

Mode of Study and Duration

The Doctor of Education is available for part-time study only. The degree is designed to be completed within five years. Researchers are, however, encouraged to proceed more quickly through the programme, so completion within three years is possible.

Learning Experience

The EdD consists of assignments in Year One followed by a 55,000 word research based thesis.

It is ideal for education professionals who wish to conduct research in their own professional context. Your findings can contribute substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas or approaches in your field.

By completing this course you will be able to:

• Make informed judgments on complex issues in education
• Undertake pure and/or applied research into education
• Communicate your ideas and conclusions effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences – a key ability in contemporary education research

Expert Support

For the duration of the course you will be supported by a first and second supervisor. As well as being experts in their field, they will help you plan
and manage your research, and develop your understanding of relevant
research methodology. Through regular consultations, your supervisor will monitor your progress and be your first point of contact for help and advice.

Exciting Academic Environment

At Leicester we embrace the latest technology to provide an exciting academic environment. An important feature of the EdD will be the e-environment, which will provide structured support throughout your study. You will be able to submit
assignments, receive feedback and take part in seminars online, and access
the wealth of electronic resources available through the University’s award
winning Library or our Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard. Blackboard also allows students around the world to communicate and share ideas, as well as providing access to podcasts, course documents and stacks of relevant material.

Although you will be away from campus for much of the time, you are still a
valued member of the University’s community. All students will attend a compulsory UK Residential Weekend School in Leicester at the start of the course the cost of which is included in the overall fee. This is a great opportunity to meet your supervisors and fellow researchers. You will also be invited to attend the doctoral study schools each year and there will also be regular supervision meetings with your tutor. You are entitled to make full use of the University’s campus facilities, such as our £32m David Wilson Library.

Research Areas and Supervision

We welcome applications from those looking to work in areas compatible with the research interests of our staff, which include:

• Educational Leadership, Learning, and Change

• Engagement and Vulnerability in Education

• Education for Social Justice

• Participatory Approaches to Innovation and Reform in Education

• Pedagogy and Innovation in Mathematics and Science Education

• Testing, Assessment, and Measurement Research

Find a supervisor and search staff research interests >

How to Apply

1. Have a good idea of what you want to research and ensure this is broadly compatible with the research interests of one or two members of our academic staff
2. Draft a research proposal that tells us what you want to research, how you intend to do it, and why it is worth doing
3. Prepare your supporting documents
4. Submit your online application or apply by post