Conduct high-impact work with world-class leaders & researchers

The Doctor of Education (EdD) program is designed for education professionals working in schools and systems. The doctorate will accommodate individuals who wish to consolidate, refine and expand their theoretical understandings of educational policy and practice, and to apply these in their own contexts.

Students in the EdD program will be co-taught by world-class researchers conducting high-impact work and highly experienced educational leaders. You’ll receive rigorous scholarly training in a range of research methodologies and conduct high-quality research that will have a powerful and lasting impact on research, policy and professional practice.

The EdD is a Commonwealth-supported, flexible cohort-based program designed to be undertaken part-time over four years, with the flexibility to adjust pace to complete in three years full-time or six years part-time if needed.

Structure

Students are required to complete eight coursework components (48 units of credit) of specialised coursework, three per year. The coursework includes two research methodology courses and a small project that will support candidates in completing their original piece of substantive research.

The concurrent research component requires completion of supervised research leading to the production of a written thesis, typically of 50,000–60,000 words. The research will demonstrate an original and significant contribution to the field of education.

Examination of the thesis is by two independent examiners, external to the university.

Doctor of Education courses

  • EDST5034 – Current Issues in Education 1 (6 UOC)
  • EDST5035 – Current Issues in Education 2 (6 UOC)
  • EDST5031 – Research Methods 1 (6 UOC)
  • EDST5033 – Research Methods 2 (6 UOC)
  • EDST5036 – EdD Project 1 (6 UOC)
  • EDST5037 – EdD Project 2 (6 UOC)
  • EDST5038 – EdD Seminar 1 (6 UOC)
  • EDST5039 – EdD Seminar 2 (6 UOC)

For more information, please visit the UNSW Handbook.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Doctor of Education degree requires the following qualifications:

  • A first or upper-second class Bachelor Honours (research) degree in education; or

  • A Masters (coursework) degree in education with a distinction average and evidence of research capacity; or

  • Other approved equivalent qualifications AND at least three years professional experience in a branch of education.

  • All applicants must meet the English language entry requirements of the University.

The Doctor of Education program (EdD) will not be accepting a new intake of applications in 2024. However, the program will be resuming in 2025 with a new intake every two years. This is to ensure an availability of appropriate supervision and expertise for the variety of research projects usually undertaken as part of this important program. For further enquiries please contact the EdD Program Director, Associate Professor Hoa Nguyen at: 

E: hoa.nguyen@unsw.edu.au
T: +61 2 9385 8349
Office: G37 Morven Brown