Doctor of Education by Professional Record: EdD (PR)

Our Doctoral Programme in Education by Professional Record 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.

The EdD is unique in that it:

• can be completed in just over 3 years of part-time study
• involves itself in the professional practice of school leaders and accredits a portfolio rather than a traditional thesis
• a highly competitive course fee

Course content

The University of Buckingham EdD (Professional Record) is offered to 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 complete alongside work in Education.  Students will contribute to wider debate on education and perhaps most importantly reflect on the implication of their study for educators and learners.  They will demonstrate the capacity to lead improvement in practice; which may involve working across organisational and professional boundaries, generating successful partnerships. They will show that they are able to exercise personal responsibility in complex and unpredictable situations potentially involving significant change management.

Each student is assigned two supervisors and receives guidance on the development of their doctoral portfolio.  The portfolio consists of documents including, but not only, a Narrative CV, Executive Summary, Literature Review, Proposal and Findings.  There are two residential stays each year where you meet with supervisors, attend lectures and workshops that contribute to the development of your portfolio.

The Portfolio should demonstrate 5 essential characteristics:

• Innovative or creative thought applied to the work of an educational institution/workplace;
• Awareness of the wider national (where appropriate, international) context of issues covered;
• Evaluation of the effect of progression on practice in the target institution(s) and the community;
• Understanding of broader educational issues (for example, political, economic & social) that precede choice of the study theme/topic
• A personal professional record of professional growth achieved through the programme itself

Full details in the Curriculum Handbook

Applicants will hold:

• an Honours degree or equivalent and a Master’s award
• evidence of previous academic and practical excellence, as well as future potential

How to Apply

Applicants are required to complete an application form (available via the ‘Apply’ button above) and to provide a doctoral 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

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. Potential applicants are welcome to contact the School of Education and speak to the Programme Director prior to application.

To apply you will need to supply:

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

The closing date for applications is 31 August 2021.

Terms and conditions for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting any offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >

This should be paid at the rate of £5040 a year for the first three years of the course. It should be paid in three instalments each year: October, January and April.

Applicants must also pay a non-refundable £275 registration fee.

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

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided for all residentials at Whittlebury Hall or alternatively in nearby hotels, all of which will be arranged by the School of Education staff. The cost of this is included in the course fee.

If you have any questions, please contact The School of Education on +44 (0)1280 820222 or email education@buckingham.ac.uk