Course summary

The Doctor of Education is a research-based program comprising coursework and a substantial thesis. It is designed for experienced, professional educators and education leaders who operate in a fast-changing environment, where innovation, creativity, problem-solving and collaboration are key professional attributes.

You'll undertake a project with practical implications in the education sector, building your research skills to make a significant and original contribution to the profession. 

This professional Doctorate develops focused, high-level capacity-building through strategic problem solving and transdisciplinary knowledge.

Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in education and educational policy. As experts in their area of investigation, they can make a significant contribution to the profession.

The Doctor of Education is a fee-free course.

Coursework core units include:

  • What is educational research?
  • On the shoulders of giants: critically examining the literature in education
  • Playing with theory and research methodology in education
  • Research ready: Doctor of Education research proposal & ethics

Thesis:

Doctor of Education (EdD) candidates design and conduct original research under the supervision of at least two supervisors in a cohort model. Candidates are required to write a thesis of 50,000 words or equivalent.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Apply a substantial body of knowledge to research, investigate and develop new knowledge, in one or more fields of investigation, scholarship or professional practice in education.

Creativity

Demonstrate creativity in theory and methodology in education and/or education related research.

Ethical practice

Apply ethics and ethical principles across all aspects of research.

Conduct research involving children with a high degree of competence.

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate sophisticated knowledge of education and/or education related fields of research.

Lifelong learning

Sustain and extend learning in research in practice and industry beyond the completion of the program.

Communication and social skills

Effectively communicate research within an academic environment in the form of a thesis or equivalent.

Communicate or translate research to end-users and the broader community as a 'public intellectual'.

Cultural competence

Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in the design and conduct of research.

Course overview

Course code

1447190

Course abbreviation

EdD

Credit points

288

Equivalent units

24

Domestic duration

6 years part-time

International duration

3 years full-time

Availability details

Domestic

Location Session UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast 1 N/A N/A
Online 1 N/A N/A

Domestic fees

Fee paying

<p> The Doctor of Education is a <strong>fee-free </strong>course.</p>

Course requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

To be eligible for the award of a Professional Doctorate, a candidate will:

a.     complete the prescribed 4 coursework units (96 credit points);

b.     complete the Professional Doctorate Thesis Unit (192 credit points) involving an original investigation, review, criticism or design; 

c.     maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the Dean, Graduate Studies in consultation with the Principal Supervisor and relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training; 

d.     be confirmed through the Confirmation of Candidature process; 

e.    complete in-candidature review process 12 months post successful Confirmation of Candidature;

e.     submit for examination, and have accepted, a thesis prepared under the supervision of the Principal Supervisor; and

f.      complete such other work as may be prescribed by the Dean, Graduate Studies.

Course progressions

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment

Notes

Note 1: Double-weighted unit
Note 2: 16 unit equivalent