Doctorate in Education (Part-time) (EdD)
The Doctorate in Education (EdD) is a professional research degree designed for experienced education professionals who want to deepen their understanding of educational theory, policy and practice. It offers a rigorous academic pathway for those working in schools, colleges, universities, local authorities, third-sector organisations and training providers who are seeking to strengthen their research skills and apply them directly to their professional context.
This programme is for those who are interested in exploring the real-world challenges that face educators today. Through a combination of taught sessions and independent research, you will critically engage with current debates, question established practice and develop new approaches that can make a tangible difference in your field. Whether your background is in teaching, educational leadership, support services, or policy development, the EdD allows you to reflect deeply on your practice and contribute to meaningful change.
The part-time route is delivered in two parts. The first involves a taught element that builds your capacity in academic writing, research design and critical thinking. These face-to-face sessions take place on campus and are essential for developing a shared academic foundation. The second part is a 60,000-word thesis, through which you’ll carry out an original research project related to your professional role. This stage can be completed via distance learning if needed, offering flexibility for busy professionals. In addition to this, a full-time version of the course is also available.
Throughout the programme, you will be supported by an experienced and respected academic team, with supervision tailored to your research interests. The EdD is designed not only to extend your knowledge but to help you shape the future of education - through evidence-informed practice, leadership and scholarly engagement.
Choosing the EdD is a commitment to becoming a research-active professional, ready to influence change and improve outcomes across the education sector.
Course details
- Blended (On-campus)
- Part-time
- English
- Welsh
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
You will explore key ideas in educational theory, policy and practice while building advanced research and analytical skills. The programme helps you design and conduct a major research project focused on your professional context. Through taught sessions and a research thesis, you’ll gain confidence as a reflective practitioner, critical thinker and evidence-led leader.
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(60 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(360 credits)
Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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Ideally, you will be working in an educational or education-related setting and already hold a Master’s degree; however candidates with some level 7 study and considerable leadership experience are also encouraged to apply.
Admissions Advice and Support 
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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A range of assessment processes apply to the taught modules including presentations, blog posts, video-based and written assignments.
Part 2 is assessed via a 60,000 word work-based research project and viva voce examination.
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Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
Additionally, there are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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The programme is aimed, in the main, at those already in employment. However, it will enhance and promote further progress in students’ careers and career opportunities. The strong analytical and transferable skills embedded in the programme will be valued by a range of career routes and occupational areas within the broad educational context.
With a specific focus on developing higher order research, analysis and evaluation skills, the Ed D will provide its students with a strong set of critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills. The new professional standards for the education sector suggest that such skills are increasingly in demand across this field of employment.