Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD)

The EdD programme at Buckingham brings together an exciting international research community. Our Doctoral Programme in Education promotes and endorses the highest level of knowledge, skills and experiences of leaders in schools and education in the belief that this recognition will impact significantly on practice. An EdD is at the same level as a PhD. Like a PhD the EdD requires students to make a unique contribution to knowledge. A distinguishing element of an EdD is that it is also required to ensure your study results in a tangible impact on practice.  This is because the EdD is a practitioner/professional doctorate which means that it is designed for professionals working in Education and that the focus of study should be on the nature of Educational practice.

Every student attends an Induction Programme and then is allocated two personal supervisors. You have a main supervisor who will be a critical friend through the process, and you will have approximately 12 hours of supervision each year. Students are supported by webinars and by two online study days in November and another two online study days in April. You are expected to attend these for the first three years. The online support guides you through some of the key elements of completing a doctorate, for example, research methodology, engaging with literature and philosophical frameworks.

The doctorate:

• Can be completed in 3.5-6 years part-time – the average length of time to complete is usually 4-5 years.
• Involves itself in the professional practice of educational practitioners.
• Can be achieved by the creation of a portfolio or a traditional thesis.
• Has a highly competitive course fee.
• Is available completely online.

Doctoral Students will need to have demonstrated:

• The creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication.
• A systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice.
• The general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems.
• A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
  (QAA, The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies, 2024).

Course content

The University of Buckingham EdD is appropriate for experienced practitioners and postgraduate students who already hold an MA or equivalent. Doing a doctorate is likely to be one of the most intellectually challenging experiences of your professional career. Despite its challenges it is hoped that you will also find the experience hugely rewarding. The programme aims to enable those working in education to develop expertise through critical evaluation of research and scholarship in their chosen field of interest. Students will develop skills that allow them to critically analyse, engage in and reflect on educational issues. Whilst the intensity of the doctorate might seem daunting, the programme is designed for students to be able to complete study alongside their work in education.  Students will contribute to wider debate on education and reflect on the implications of their study for educators and learners. The expectation is that on average you will spend at least 15 hours a week studying.  This takes into account time spent with you supervisor, study days as well as your own independent research, reading and study.

We offer two routes to achieving the EdD at Buckingham:

1. a traditional thesis; or
2. a portfolio route

The choice of route will be decided in discussion with your supervisors.

Many people will be familiar with the structure of the doctoral thesis; it is a pathway that encompasses a review of literature followed by the pursuit of a research project and as the EdD is a professional thesis, this would also include an evaluation of the implications for practice that the work would have within a particular educational context. A thesis consists of a continuous narrative, divided up into chapters that form a whole. Each chapter contributes to the main idea and builds a logical sustained argument cumulatively from start to end.

By comparison a doctorate by submission of a professional portfolio reflects on a particular area of focus and interest through the production of a collection of different papers, all at Level 8 standard, that together form a whole. If you have already published articles and documents of different kinds, then the portfolio may be suitable for you.

It is important to recognise that both require the same level of academic rigour. A thesis is an extended piece of research that presents an argument supported by evidence and reference to relevant research. For the portfolio, it is the overriding argument that binds the varied contents of the portfolio together through use of linking documents. Both pathways also require an ability to be critical both in terms of one’s own position and also in the further development of your own critical voice when encountering a range of alternative views. Both pathways will also contribute something unique and original to your existing knowledge. Originality may lie in the discovery or collection of material never before used; or it may lie in a new approach to more familiar material.  Your progress with this work will be assessed at regular stages to determine your suitability to continue on the course.

Assessment for a doctorate is by the presentation of a 60,000 word thesis or portfolio that is examined by viva voce.

To apply for this course, you must have:

• an Honours degree or equivalent and a Master’s Degree
• at least three years’ experience as a practitioner in Education

The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.

Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.

Applicants must also pay a £300 non-refundable Registration Fee.

Fees are invoiced for in September, at the beginning of the course, and can be paid in termly instalments or annually. Termly instalments can be arranged directly with the Finance department upon receipt of the invoice.

Please use the ‘Apply’ button at the bottom of this page; or contact The Faculty of Education on +44 (0)1280 820222 or email: education@buckingham.ac.uk.

Applicants are required to complete an application form (available via the ‘Apply’ button above) and to provide a doctoral research proposal. On application, you will receive a form to be completed. This requires you to consider:

• the focus (topic) of your research and/or evidence (e.g. leadership, curriculum development, etc.)
• an introduction to existing literature reflecting your focus
• how at this point you think you will carry out the work
• the impact you feel this could have on educational practice
• your motivations for carrying out this work at this time and an introduction to your own educational context.

Your application will be assessed against a number of different criteria. These include:

• the suitability of your topic as one that has the ability to be developed at this level
• your ability to communicate effectively in English
• the way in which your area of interest relates to your own professional experience and background
• your academic record to date.

These applications will be reviewed and every applicant will then be interviewed by the Course Director. Applicants should have a focus linked to their professional remit and provide evidence that significantly contributes to the application of knowledge that is relevant locally, nationally and internationally.

Before being able to join us, you will need to supply:

• copy of your degree certificate
• copy of your Masters certificate
• copy of your passport photo page (and visa/work permit where necessary)
• head and shoulder style photo for your University identity card

Closing date for applications: 12 July 2024 for September 2024 entry.