Overview
The course supports you in doctoral research related to your professional interests. We encourage critical reflection on experiences and expertise. You’ll take an evidence-based approach to practice, innovation and change.
The Doctor of Education (EdD) is a professional doctorate. It brings together theory, research and practice. This is through the close alignment of research with professional knowledge.
Professional doctorates are valuable in supporting and developing, evidence-based practice. This is to the benefit of the student and the wider education world.
You’ll receive a structured introduction to education and a flexible approach to learning. You can tailor your study to your own interests and emerging needs in the taught stage. You’ll develop research skills and approaches needed to succeed at the research stage.
It is appropriate for professionals who wish to undertake part-time doctoral study while working full time. It is also suitable for full-time students who are teachers or leaders and would like to develop research linked to their practices.
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Important information
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Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
Our flexible EdD begins as a taught programme and then progresses onto a research stage. This includes a project and thesis.
The taught component includes a mix of compulsory research methods modules. They are for doctoral researchers in education. We have optional educational content modules from a wide range of topics.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Education Doctor of (EdD) modules
Compulsory modules
EdD Core Module 3 Thinking Critically about Research Methodology (20 credits)
Optional modules
You take optional modules to a value of 80 credits. This includes a minimum of 20 credits from the following list of research methods modules and the remainder from the list of content modules:
Research methods modules
Research Strategies and Methods (20 credits)
Information Skills (10 credits)
Qualitative Methodology in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (20 credits)
Quantitative Analysis (20 credits)
The Making and Unmaking of Knowledge (10 credits)
Research Design, Academic Writing and Publishing for Doctoral Students (20 credits)
Content modules
Language Learning  (20 credits)
Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment as Foundations of Teaching and Learning (20 credits)
Innovative Pedagogies (20 credits)
Leadership and Strategic Management (20 credits)
The Future of Learning in the Digital Age (20 credits)
Investigating Technology Enhanced Learning (20 credits)
Future of Educational Leadership and Practitioner Research (20 credits)
How you’ll learn
In attending seminars you will engage with staff and students from around the world.
We provide flexibility in the choice and timing of modules. There is also flexibility in the design and format of the research study and thesis. It comprises a taught element and a research element.
Module teaching is at various times. This includes Monday-Friday and some Saturdays. Email support is available from the Degree Programme Director and module leaders. You can apply for accreditation of prior learning (APL). You’ll match the learning objectives of our modules with the objectives or outcomes of any previous study or experience. This includes academic or professional experience.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Computer assessment
- Essay
- Oral examination
- Poster
- Portfolio
- Report
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
You’ll complete an empirical research thesis. This will have a 60,000 words limit. It should address an issue of professional concern or interest.
You’ll have a supervision team from ECLS. This team will support you through your research and the write-up of your thesis. Your progress is monitored through annual progress panels. For these you’ll submit a piece of writing and present your research to date. When your thesis is complete, it is examined at the viva voce. This will be by two academics with relevant knowledge and expertise.
You’ll have professional educational knowledge and experience on which you can draw. Most students work or volunteer in a setting. This provides the context for their understanding of educational research and a site for their research.
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 150 for Education – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
You’ll learn in the King George VI Building. You’ll have access to the Education Resource Centre and associated borrowing rights. When you reach the research stage, you also have access to the School’s postgraduate suite.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as education or social sciences. A merit master’s degree is preferred, but not essential, although we would expect some study at master’s level.
We will also consider your application on an individual basis with a 2:2 if you have other qualifications, such as a PGCE or Cert Ed, and educational work/research experience.
