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Doctor of Education

Doctorate by Coursework and TB Thesis

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    EdD

  • Course code

    1447190

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee

    Fee paying

Overview

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.

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.

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.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Session 1 , Session 2 N/A N/A

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

To qualify for admission to a Professional Doctorate, applicants must:

a. demonstrate relevant professional experience as considered acceptable by the Dean, Graduate Studies; and

b. meet one of the following criteria:

i. possess a Bachelor's degree from Southern Cross University, or equivalent; or

ii. possess a Masters degree from Southern Cross University, or equivalent; or

iii. submit evidence of other professional qualifications as will satisfy the Dean, Graduate Studies that the applicant possesses suitable and relevant professional knowledge and/or experience; and

c. satisfy such additional requirements for admission to Professional Doctorate candidature, if any, as may be prescribed by the Higher Degrees Research Committee.

Course requirements

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 structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

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


Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Note 2:

16 unit equivalent

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Core Units
EDU02001 What is Educational Research? Intermediate
EDU03002 On the Shoulders of Giants: Critically Examining the Literature in Education
EDU03003 Playing with Theory and Research Methodology in Education Advanced
EDU03004 Research Ready: Doctor of Education Research Proposal & Ethics
EDU03001 Doctor of Education Thesis