Overview
Enhance your career in Education and become a leader in your field with our Doctor of Education (EdD) course.
The global education market is expected be worth almost £8 trillion by 2030 (Global Education Outlook). Education specialists are in high demand to shape the future of the sector including in:
- schools and universities,
- early years provision,
- professional learning,
- policy development.
This Doctorate is for senior professionals already working in Education. An EdD offers the same level of study as a PhD, but includes some taught modules before the supervised research phase. The work you undertake will make a significant contribution to the field and enable you to develop research topics deeply connected to your areas of professional interest.
You’ll be part of a vibrant group of learners working to strengthen their expertise. As you study, you will:
- explore ideas informing educational research and consider their strengths, weaknesses and underlying assumptions;
- design your own research projects and learn how to critique other research strategies and methods;
- analyse social science data and statistics and make informed analytical judgements about data;
- craft an original thesis to make an immediate contribution to knowledge in education.
Benefit from a recognised curriculum
You’ll be taught by experts whose research helps to shape policy and practice around curriculum development, educational philosophy and professional education. Many of the modules you study on our Education Doctorate are also recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). This provides a further validation of the world-class expertise on offer.
Gain the skills you need to create an impact in your field. Support change with an Education Doctorate from the University of Stirling.
Top reasons to study with us
Flexible learning
There are part-time and full-time options. Students may also study via blended provision in the taught phases for the six core modules. All modules make use of some form of synchronous online and/or face-to-face attendance.
There is also the use of a virtual learning environment (Canvas) and most modules have considerable asynchronous participation in learning tasks online. Most of the classes for the initially taught modules are timetabled for synchronous activity, be that face-to-face or other, on Fridays (occasionally on other days of the week) but check ahead for the semester timetable.
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
Our expert interdisciplinary teaching team from across the Faculty of Social Sciences are on hand to introduce you to cutting-edge empirical and theoretical research applicable to your professional context and educational environment. We have a vibrant and collegial research community of students and staff at Stirling. As you can see from our staff listings and publications, we have expertise across many diverse areas of research which can be deployed in doctoral supervision.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to the degree, you’ll normally have a good honours degree in Education or related subject from a Higher Education institution in the UK, or a degree of equivalent standard from an institution outside the UK. In exceptional cases, you may be considered for the course if you have extensive professional experience in the field. Candidates are expected to have good numeracy skills and a willingness to engage with in-depth statistical analysis.
If you are an international student and applying with a Student Visa, we can’t accept your application for this course as it is in the category of being
No full research proposal for the thesis stage is required for admission, but we do like applicants to scope out one area of inquiry at the outset and to express this research interest when applying. You may approach staff to discuss possible supervision for the dissertation and thesis phase but we will of course articulate this match for you once you get to that point.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing and 6.0 in speaking and listening.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with a minimum of 62 in reading and writing and 60 in speaking and listening.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 19 in reading, 24 in writing, 21 in speaking and 19 in listening.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
The Doctor of Education course uses the same six core modules as are offered on Stirling’s ESRC-recognised MRes Educational Research. These modules are recognised by the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council), which means they are designed to create rounded and expert research-aware professionals. We highly value our interprofessional, interdisciplinary and increasingly international student cohorts' contributions, our ability to match students to research-active staff, and our focus on criticality and impact via research.
Modules
Teaching
The initial phase includes six taught modules about research understanding and research practices – for example, different modules focus on topics such as educational and social research paradigms, data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and digital research methods. After completing the six core modules, you will go on, under supervision, to complete a ‘Professional Practice' enquiry dissertation (ASRP020 / ASRP021) before commencing the thesis stage.
The Doctor of Education (EdD) is an innovative interdisciplinary course, offered on a flexible full and part-time basis. The course comprises six core modules, which are taught both online and face-to-face. Study of the modules is followed by the conduct of an empirical study focused on an aspect of professional practice and, thereafter, the production of a doctoral thesis of up to 60,000 words.
Candidates not proceeding to the EdD thesis may aim to complete the Master of Science or Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Research.
Students who pass the six core taught modules EDRP001, ASRP002, ASRP004, EDRP002, ASRP001, ASRP005 and the dissertation, ASRP020 (if part-time) / ASRP020 (full time) will successfully exit with a Masters.
Students who pass these six core taught modules EDRP001, ASRP002, ASRP004, EDRP002, ASRP001, ASRP005 will successfully exit with a Postgraduate Diploma.
Approximate days and commitments for scheduled taught components are below. Days of the week are indicative only; students should refer to live timetabled events in a given semester.
- EDRP001 The Nature of Educational Inquiry
Eight Friday afternoons: online and some optional face-to-face classes - ASRP002 Qualitative Research Design
Eight Friday mornings: a mix of online, blended and face-to-face classes - ASRP004 Quantitative Data Analysis
Eight to ten Monday mornings: – a face-to-face module. It may be appropriate for some students (with good mathematics/statistics backgrounds) to take an online version of this module: ASRP104. - EDRP002 Theory and Methods of Digital Social Research
Six to eight Friday afternoons: – online. One or two optional face-to-face sessions. - ASRP001 The Nature of Social Inquiry
Five or more Friday mornings – blended, mostly face-to-face classes - ASRP005 Qualitative Data Analysis
Five or more Friday mornings – blended, mostly face-to-face classes
Modes of Study
|
|
EdD |
MSc |
Diploma |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Full-time |
3 years min, 4 years max |
30 months |
12 months |
|
Part-time |
4 years min, 8 years max |
3 years |
18 months |
Assessment
You'll be assessed in each course module through assignments approximately 3,000 words in length but many modules have more than one assignment and take creative approaches to the use of digital, creative, and collaborative assignment production for assessment. The Doctor of Education also leads to the production of a dissertation (ASRP020 / ASRP021) of 15,000 words, and, thereafter, a thesis (up to 60,000 words) under expert supervision by education staff from the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Classroom hours
Part-time students may find it easier to have a minimum of a day or two a week (or equivalent if you study in the evenings) to commit to study. You will need considerable time dedicated to study in certain phases to complete assignments and projects. Either way, the commitment is important to realise, with each module carrying 20 credits (approximately 200 hours each for total study time which includes both shared, synchronous and independent research and assignment production).
Whilst the Doctor of Education involves gaining credit for taught modules via assignments in the first phase, later phases are much more project-oriented and student-led. In later phases, we require you to be quite independent. This is especially so at the dissertation and thesis stage when your contact with faculty will be via supervision meetings.
Across the faculty, there are many research groups, events and training opportunities. Many students also contribute by leading research interest groups. There is an annual student-led postgraduate student conference. There is a plethora of training events on research (e.g. ethics, use of NViVo etc) led by our dedicated team in the Institute of Advanced Studies. The faculty is a member of the Scottish Graduate School for Social Sciences which also runs excellent free events for any doctoral student at Stirling. Students contribute to and are a valued part of our thriving research culture. Many also actively get involved in funded research projects and initiatives where specialist expertise can be gained.
Course director
Dr Marty Chamberlain, Course Director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
| UK and Republic of Ireland students | International (including EU) students | |
|---|---|---|
| Full course fee | £17,000 | £47,900 |
| Full-time annual fee (charged years 1-3) | £5,667 | £15,967 |
| Part-time annual fee (charged years 1-5) | £3,400 | £9,580 |
| UK and Republic of Ireland students | International (including EU) students | |
|---|---|---|
| Full course fee | £17,300 | £48,900 |
| Full-time annual fee (charged years 1-3) | £5,767 | £16,300 |
| Part-time annual fee (charged years 1-5) | £3,460 | £9,780 |
If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
This fee is charged as an annual course fee. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fees policy.
Doctoral loans
If you're domiciled in England or Wales, you may be eligible to apply for a doctoral loan from your regional body.
- English students can apply for a loan of up to £28,673 from Student Finance England.
- Welsh students can apply for a loan of up to £28,395 from Student Finance Wales.
Funding
Eligible international students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Graduates with a Doctor of Education degree can pursue a variety of career paths. After you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a range of leadership and specialised roles within education.
The salary range for graduates with a Doctor of Education degree in the UK can vary depending on the sector, role, and level of experience. However, graduates in the UK typically have an annual income ranging from £40,000-£60,000 on average (unischolars.com).
Our graduates gain employment in a variety of areas including:
- Government Curriculum Consultant
- University Lecturer
- E-technology Developer
- Lead Specialist in Curriculum Areas
- Contract Researcher
- Third Sector Learning Researcher
- Research Lead in Charity Sector
- Local Authority Executive Officer
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