Doctor of Education EdD

Program Overview

The University of Chester's Doctor of Education (EdD) program empowers working professionals in education to conduct original research and advance their careers. Through weekend seminars and online learning, students explore research methodologies, social theory, and education philosophies. The program culminates in a research thesis that delves into a specific aspect of the student's professional work, leading to opportunities in leadership roles, research, and educational policy development.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Doctor of Education (EdD) program at the University of Chester is designed for professionals working in schools, universities, educational businesses, agencies or voluntary bodies. The program aims to support these professionals in conducting original doctoral research in the continually changing field of education, pedagogy, teaching and learning.

Outline:

• Year 1: The first year consists of six taught modules delivered over six weekends annually, allowing working professionals to balance their studies with their work commitments.
• Modules:
• Research methodologies
• Social theory
• Creative and cultural practices
• Education philosophies
• Thesis: The program culminates in an extended research project that delves into a specific aspect of the student's professional work.
This research project can be partly practice-based.

Assessment:

• Taught Modules: The assessment for the taught modules includes written and practical assignments based on small-scale research projects.
• Thesis: The final assessment is based on the doctoral thesis and a viva voce examination.
Creative practices can be incorporated into the thesis.

Teaching:

• Methods: The EdD program employs a variety of teaching methods including weekend seminars, individual tutorials, written assignments, practical assignments, and online learning activities.
• Faculty: The program is led by a team of active researchers with international reputations in their field who provide guidance and support throughout the program.

Careers:

• Careers Service: The University of Chester offers an award-winning Careers and Employability service that provides support in developing professional skills, making connections with employers, and exploring career options.
• Opportunities: The EdD program can lead to a variety of career opportunities in education, including leadership roles in schools, universities, and other educational institutions.
It can also open doors to research positions or roles in educational policy development.

Other:

• Location: The EdD program is delivered at Exton Park, Chester.
• Contact Hours: The program requires 20 contact hours per taught module.
• Private Study: Students are expected to engage in 400 hours of private study per taught module, and 3,000 hours for the thesis.
• Supportive Environment: The program fosters a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to develop distinctive research themes grounded in their professional practices.
• Weekend Sessions: Some weekend sessions are held at off-campus locations, like the creative education workshops at Tate Liverpool.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Home Students

The tuition fees for home students studying Doctor of Education in 2024/25 are £2,393 per year.

International/EU Students

The tuition fees for international students studying Doctor of Education in 2024/25 are £7,322 per year. The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter. For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section. Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Additional Costs

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.