UWTSD Home - Study With Us - Postgraduate Research Degrees - Doctorate in Education (EdD)
The programme is ideal for anyone working in a school or education-related capacity, specifically aimed at those involved in education in a wide range of occupations: teachers, leaders and managers in schools, lecturers in HE and FE institutions, voluntary and third sector officers, local authority and regional consortia staff, training organisations and so on.
The programme will equip education professionals with the skills and knowledge to interrogate research, critique theory, and conduct robust research which will impact policy and practice in their area of professional activity.
The programme provides a blended route, comprising a mix of face-to-face and distance learning, and is split into two related parts: Part 1, which develops students’ written, research and critical analysis skills; and Part 2, completion of a 60,000 word thesis on a chosen area of interest.
Attendance at all face-to-face sessions is mandatory, regardless of the pathway chosen. (Please note that there are considerably more face-to-face sessions on the full-time pathway). Whether studying full-time or part-time, you will be supported throughout your studies by a highly respected and experienced team of practitioners and academic staff.
Part-time contact name: Junnine Thomas-Walters
Part-time contact email: junnine.thomas-walters@uwtsd.ac.uk
Full-time contact name: Catherine Morgan
Full-time contact email: c.morgan@uwtsd.ac.uk
The EdD has two pathways: a full-time and a part-time pathway, depending on your preferred mode of study. The full-time pathway runs over three years and requires regular weekday attendance on campus throughout the academic year, and so cannot be studied at a distance.
The part-time pathway is run over a minimum of six years and requires students to attend campus on two Saturdays per semester, and take part in a series of accompanying webinars/tutorials online.
You can apply directly to the University for either of these two pathways using the Apply Now button at the top of the page.
Interview Process
Once your application has been submitted and approved, you will be invited to interview.
Ahead of your interview, you will be required to write a short 500 word synopsis of your research interest. Your synopsis should explore an aspect of education that is of most interest to you, and you should seek to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of related developments.
The synopsis should be written in an appropriate style, with references as applicable. You should be prepared to discuss your synopsis in more detail during interview.
It is accepted that your synopsis will be open to change as the programme develops, and you are expected only to give an early indication of your current thinking at this stage.
As well as academic qualifications and leadership experience, admission to the EdD may be based on additional factors, including (but not limited to): your quality of writing/synopsis, performance at interview, and other relevant professional experience.
Where possible, interviews will be conducted by two members of the EdD teaching and leadership team.
Request Information Swansea Campuses Study Online
Tuition Fees:
Part-Time (6 years):
Home: £3,500 per year.
Full-Time (3 years):
Home: £7,000 per year.
International: £15,000 per year.
*Please enquire into bursaries available for school partnership staff.
Reasons to study for Doctorate in Education
- A blended learning pathway, involving group and independent study
- High levels of academic support and challenge
- Research methods modules and opportunities to undertake small-scale research prior to your independent research project
- One-to-one contact with your thesis supervisor
- The opportunity to dovetail your setting’s developmental needs with your own research and so impact upon improvement while you study
‘The most successful education systems... invest in developing their teachers as reflective, accomplished and enquiring professionals who have the capacity to engage fully with the complexities of education and to be key actors in shaping and leading educational change.’ (Donaldson, 2011)
What you will learn
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has a well-established reputation for excellence in professional learning for education professionals and pedagogically-focussed educational research. The EdD is ideal for anyone who is working in a school or in an education-related capacity and has the desire for a higher level of applied academic study and practice-oriented research.
The programme can be studied either full-time or part-time.
The full-time pathway requires regular attendance on campus throughout the academic year, and so cannot be studied at a distance. Attendance at face-to-face sessions is compulsory and it is important that students commit to engaging fully in university life.
The part-time pathway has been designed with working educators in mind, with online learning supported by two face-to-face, day-long learning events each semester. This pathway is popular with practising educators and current students include teachers, school leaders, college/university lecturers and other education professionals.
The element of reflection on professional practice distinguishes the professional doctorate from the award of a PhD.
The structure and format of the programme is designed so that students are involved in a variety of learning situations, including individual work, group seminars, workshops, formal tutor-led lectures, as well as online tutorials in groups and individually.
Both the full-time and part-time pathways comprise two parts, a taught Level 7 for Part 1 and a doctoral-level (Level 8) work-based research project in Part 2.
Part 1
Candidates will study the following compulsory Level 7 modules:
- Exploring Contemporary Issues in Education 1: Policy Review and Critical Analysis (30 credits; compulsory)
- Introduction to Research Methods in Education (30 credits; compulsory)
- Writing a Critical Literature Review in Education (30 credits; compulsory)
- Research Design and Management in Education (30 credits; compulsory)
These modules support you to develop a critical understanding of your chosen area of research and deepen your research design skills.
The final module of part 1 involves one practical research development module (your own small-scale research project):
- Exploring Contemporary Issues in Education 2: Applying Critical Skills, Contributing to Knowledge, Leading Improvement (60 credits; compulsory).
Part 2
The second part of the programme comprises the Research Thesis (360 credits; compulsory) at Level 8 which requires the production of a 60,000 word report.
Research is focused on workplace practice, enabling advanced practitioners to undertake a doctoral programme whilst also making a significant contribution to their own professional practice as well as their organisation’s strategic development.
A range of assessment processes apply to the taught modules including presentations, blog posts, video-based and written assignments.
Part 2 is assessed via a 60,000 word work-based research project and viva voce examination.
Key Information
- Dr Jane Waters
- Dr Sioned Hughes
- Gareth Evans
- Dr Susan Jones
- Dr Carolyne Obonyo
- Alison Evans
- Gwilym Sion Ap Gruffudd
- Dr Iain Jones
Ideally, you will be working in an educational or education-related setting and already hold a Master’s degree; however candidates with some level 7 study and considerable leadership experience are also encouraged to apply.
Applicants whose native language is not English or Welsh will be required to provide evidence of competence in the English or Welsh language sufficient for research study, as per the expectations set out in the Academic Quality Handbook (AQH) at the time of application. International student applications will be processed as outlined in the UWTSD Admissions Policy at the time of application.
The programme is aimed, in the main, at those already in employment. However, it will enhance and promote further progress in students’ careers and career opportunities. The strong analytical and transferable skills embedded in the programme will be valued by a range of career routes and occupational areas within the broad educational context.
With a specific focus on developing higher order research, analysis and evaluation skills, the Ed D will provide its students with a strong set of critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills. The new professional standards for the education sector suggest that such skills are increasingly in demand across this field of employment.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.
Please visit our Accommodation pages for more information.
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions related to the University or to this course in particular.
