Professional Doctorate in Education - EdD

Program Overview

The Professional Doctorate in Education at Bath Spa University is a part-time, six-year program designed for experienced professionals in education. It combines cutting-edge research methodologies and high-quality supervision to extend knowledge in education practice and contribute original research to the field. Students engage in interactive teaching, seminars, workshops, and research support from internationally recognized experts. The program offers a unique opportunity for professionals to advance their careers while pursuing research interests in education leadership, policy, inclusion, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD) is a six-year part-time program designed for experienced professionals working in education, training, and professional development. It aims to:

• Meet the needs and career aspirations of experienced professionals in education.
• Extend knowledge and understanding of education practice through cutting-edge research methodologies.
• Provide high-quality supervision by internationally recognized researchers with expertise in education leadership and policy, social justice, inclusion, early childhood, and teacher education.
The program offers the opportunity to conduct original research on a topic of choice and contribute new knowledge to education research and practice. Students are supported by a supervisor who is an expert in their field of study. The program also benefits from highly interactive teaching and a vibrant research culture within the School of Education.

Outline:

The EdD program is structured in two parts:

Taught Stage (2 years):

• Year 1:
• Two modules taught in four study blocks per year (Friday afternoon and Saturday).
• Introduction to Education Research at Doctoral Level
• Methodologies
• Start working with a supervisor allocated at the beginning of the course based on the draft proposal required for entry.
• Year 2:
• Two modules taught in four study blocks per year (Friday afternoon and Saturday).
• Theory and Analysis
• The Research Proposal
• Continue working with the supervisor on refining the research proposal and submitting the ethics application.

Research Stage (3-4 years):

• Independent research project of choice resulting in a 60,000-word doctoral thesis.
• Supervisors provide support with fieldwork, data analysis, write-up, and preparation for the final viva voce examination.

Course Modules:

• Taught Stage:
• Introduction to Education Research at Doctoral Level
• Methodologies
• Theory and Analysis
• The Research Proposal
• Research Stage and Thesis

Assessment:

• End-of-module assignments (years one and two) of 6,000 words each.
• Ethics application.
• Thesis of 60,000 words.
Assessment throughout the program emphasizes professional experience and growing expertise in education research.

Teaching:

• Highly interactive seminar and workshop-based teaching.
• High level of support from supervisors and the program teaching team.

Other:

• The program recruits every two years.
• Recruitment for October 2025 will open in September 2024.
• The School of Education runs a series of research seminars throughout the academic year.
• Students have the opportunity to talk about their research interests in an informal and supportive setting.
• Bath Spa University is one of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, providing all students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite.
• The modules are taught through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, with in-person study blocks taught at the Newton Park campus.
• Students have access to a wide range of excellent facilities, including the Newton Park library, Commons building, Virtual Learning Environment, and ASk (Academic Skills).