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University of Gloucestershire
Postgraduate research

Doctorate of Education EdD

Course options

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Study type
Full Time
Course length
4 Years
Campus
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
UCAS Code
N/A

What is Doctorate of Education EdD?

The Doctor of Education (EdD) differs from a PhD in that it’s primarily focused on professional rather than theoretical issues and is aimed at those who’ve already been employed in the education sector for a number of years, as lecturers, teachers, consultants, advisers or inspectors. Through this programme, you can both challenge and enhance your practice by engaging with relevant theory, policy and empirical research.

The EdD attracts a diverse range of educational professionals. Students work across a range of education sectors, including higher education, local authorities, schools and colleges and early years settings.

Study style

There are taught sessions in groups and individual supervisions, in addition to visiting professors and fellows who may enhance provision.

The taught phase introduces you to methodological, political, philosophical, sociological and epistemological concepts that will underpin issues that emerge from the professional context. You’ll join a supportive community and study four modules – three with academic content and one focused on research methods. The entire programme has four cross-cutting themes: Leadership, Inclusion, Sustainability and Childhood, Youth, Families and Community.

During the thesis phase you’ll work on a research question of your choice with the support of two supervisors.

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Entry requirements

    • A master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic

    • Professional experience of an educational role or setting

    • EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

Start date Course code Fee (UK)
Fee per year
Fee (international)
Fee per year
October 2024 £4,875 £4,875
February 2025 £4,875 £4,875
October 2025 TBC TBC
February 2026 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

Develop your critical skills

Demonstrate a critical awareness of the conceptual frameworks and policy background relevant to their chosen focus of study – eg inclusive education, educational leadership or other aspect of education – and show a critical review of alternative models.

Complete your thesis

On successful completion you’ll be able to develop strategic thinking and critical analysis to improve and guide your own and other people’s practice.

"I focus on international education and sustainability"

“Starting as a teacher in UK and Tanzania I soon switched to community-based environmental education, firstly in Leicester and then Mount Elgon, Uganda. My career has focused on international education and sustainability projects working for charities but with communities, large corporations and governments including the UN. I joined here in 2013 to follow my interest in teaching and research.”

Dr Paul Vare, Postgraduate Research Lead – School of Education

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