Course summary

Study at doctoral level embraces all the critical and analytical skills present in master's level work but also includes a stronger element of distinctiveness and originality. Doctoral work should make a contribution to the field of knowledge within which you are researching, and should be of potentially publishable standard. The doctorate in the Faculty of Education is a part-time programme that delivers the advantages of working within a community of fellow researchers, engaging seminars, presentations and publication whilst at the same time becoming involved in a substantial individual research thesis of your own. The sense of community, of collaboration in the development of ideas and the opportunity to explore in depth aspects of research, policy and professional practice, is at the core of this course. Modules include the nature of research and research design in education, the relationship between research, policy and professional practice, advanced research methodology and key issues in contemporary educational provision. The doctorate culminates with a thesis, which may substantially draw on issues related to your own professional context. This doctoral course combines advanced scholarship with a strong practice based philosophy. It builds upon the knowledge and skills that you, as a professional, bring to your study, and assumes that your professionalism is an integral part of the doctoral journey – where you will engage in intellectual and critical debate around contemporary educational issues in policy and practice. Each module is designed to integrate professional experience with the skills and understanding necessary to innovate and apply new knowledge to advance your practice and enrich your learning. The taught element of the Ed.D means that you are fully supported within a structured course as you progress towards your thesis. The division of the Ed.D into a taught stage and a thesis stage provides maximum flexibility in that you can develop existing interests and discover and investigate new areas.