The Doctorate in Education (EdD) is a part-time professional doctorate which offers research training and career development to a broad range of employed professionals in areas relating to education.
By providing a detailed understanding of research techniques and enabling students to relate theoretical concepts to their professional field, the programme aims to support students to critically reflect on their professional contexts as well as explore and understand the research and values that inform practice.
The programme has been running successfully for many years at the University of Reading and we welcome students from a range of backgrounds including: early years; schools; further and higher education; the NHS; the armed forces; and social work.
Programme structure
Our EdD is available for study on a part-time basis, and students typically complete the programme in 4-5 years. The EdD is formed of two parts:
Part A: provides a programme of modules, including research methods, theory in educational research and leadership and management research, delivered through blended learning with immersive campus-based learning weekends.
Part B: an independent, supervised research study on an approved topic of approximately 50,000 words.
Please note that the fees for the 2024/2025 academic year (i.e., for those starting the EdD programme in 2024) will be updated later in 2023. For your reference, the tuition fees for the current academic year are as follows:
- Home fees: £3,500 per year
- International fees: £10,415 per year
Assessment
Each module in Part A is assessed via means of assignments. Students must successfully complete Part A of the programme before progressing to Part B. Students who successfully pass Part A and do not wish to move on to Part B may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma.
Part B is an independent, supervised research thesis on an approved topic which will be examined by viva voce. The thesis is required to make a distinct contribution to professional knowledge, be original, and demonstrate an ability to relate to the existing body of research within the field.
EdD supervision
In Part B of the EdD you will be assigned a supervisor with expertise that aligns with your research topic.
Our expert academics are leaders in their areas of research, and will work closely with you to ensure your time with us as a EdD student is as rewarding as possible.
Find out more about our EdD alumni and their research
Find out more about our staff and the areas of doctoral research they supervise
Training
As well as the excellent training on research methods on the programme, all postgraduate research students automatically become members of the University-wide Graduate School. The Graduate School's Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP) offers a rich array of training sessions and workshops which have been especially designed to help you gain the additional skills that will enable you to carry out your research professionally and effectively. The RRDP is delivered primarily using the expertise of academic and specialist staff within the University and complements any subject-specific training that we provide. The RRDP includes training sessions on research methods, writing academic papers, getting published, public engagement and career planning.
In addition to the RRDP, doctoral researchers will also have the chance to access the following development opportunities:
- Preparing to Teach - a programme focused on the skills needed for teaching and learning activities.
- Developing your potential as a leader - the programme is jointly run with the triple accredited Henley Business School.
- Supporting international students to develop their academic English skills with a range of classes and services.
