Doctor of Education
The Doctor of Education is a practice-led doctorate for educators who create knowledge through making and doing.
You’ll create a significant piece of work (see the Information Sheet for examples), along with a written explanation that shows how your work connects to research and professional practice. This programme focuses on research that’s driven by practice and creative ways of building knowledge. It will help you define your research approach, your perspective, and your ethical responsibilities, with a strong commitment to equity, diversity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The degree is equal in standard to a PhD.
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds – educators, leaders, curators, artists, and practitioners across schools, communities, health, the arts and public life – who are engaged in education and pedagogy in its broadest sense, seeking a creative, professionally relevant route to a doctoral qualification.
Download programme guides
Minimum entry requirements
Must have completed the following in a specialisation appropriate to the proposed research:
- Master’s degree with honours OR
- Bachelor’s degree with honours (equivalent to 4 years of study)
The degree must have a standard equivalent to first class or second class (first division) honours.
Applicants should be able to show evidence of relevant creative practice (eg portfolio, performances, resource creation, publications) and engagement in associated community or professional contexts.
For kaupapa Māori or Pacific research, evidence of appropriate established relationships or advisory support.
AND
A minimum of two years’ relevant professional experience
International students
Because of its part-time nature, this programme is not available for international students. International students are encouraged to apply for the PhD programme.
Other requirements
- Supervision of the Doctor of Education thesis is subject to the availability of staff
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with 7.0 in Writing and all other bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent
How to apply for the Doctor of Education
- Make an appointment with Associate Professor Neil Boland (neil.boland@aut.ac.nz) to discuss your proposed area of research interest.
- When applying, you will need to include a number of documents – see list below. These will be assessed to ascertain if you are eligible for entry to this programme
- Working with the course co-leaders, you will complete a research proposal (PGR2) to submit to the doctoral board for approval
- A place on the programme is only offered once board approval has been received, followed by your enrolment in the first research portfolio course
While you can apply at any time, the initial candidature process for enrolment in the programme can take up to two months. There is one cohort annually, and the closing date for the following year is the end of October in the preceding year. The EdD is generally regarded as a domestic qualification and is only offered part-time; international students are encouraged to apply for the PhD programme.
Admission to a doctoral programme
Coursework and thesis
You need to complete four courses over two years (part-time) followed by a creative/practice-oriented artefact and exegesis, which you should complete within two years full-time or four years part-time.
Information we need to assess your application
We require the following information:
- Academic transcripts
- Grading scale for postgraduate qualification
- Degree certificates (undergraduate and postgraduate)
- 1-2 page document (maximum) outlining your proposed research project (develop this after initial discussions with the course leader)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- If English is not your first language you need to provide evidence of English language proficiency – IELTS (Academic) test results or recognised equivalent. If your postgraduate study was completed in English within three years, this may be waived
- Evidence of a minimum of two years’ relevant professional experience and of a background in the practice you wish to explore
Delivered part-time in a cohort model, the first two years provide structured preparation for independent work. In this phase you will undertake coursework in research methodologies and ethics, complete a small-scale practice-led study and submit a full application for admission to the remainder of the degree, by which point you will have framed a clear topic of creative or practice-led inquiry with an emerging methodological plan.
The Doctor of Education sets students up for their artefact and exegesis by providing a supportive and collaborative cohort-based learning experience. The support students give each other is a key element in this programme.
The programme has two parts:
- Research portfolio (four courses)
- Creative/practice-oriented artefact and exegesis
Research portfolio
The research portfolio comprises four 30-point courses that will develop your research competency, and enable you to make the transition from practitioner to researcher. All students are expected to attend portfolio blocs (usually four Saturdays each semester) throughout the year. You will have the support of your peers and the Doctor of Education team.
The 4 courses are taken sequentially, one per semester:
- EDUCX01 EdD Research Portfolio Part I
- EDUCX02 EdD Research Portfolio Part II
- EDUCX03 EdD Research Portfolio Part III
- EDUCX04 EdD Research Portfolio Part IV
The portfolio development is designed to scaffold your Format Three artefact and exegesis, situating your practice in context and strengthening practice-led inquiry, critical reflection and ethical judgement. The portfolios provide essential preparation; all four must be completed to a satisfactory standard prior to undertaking the artefact and exegesis.
Creative/practice-oriented artefact and exegesis
The Doctor of Education involves the design, realisation and critical analysis of a substantial creative or practice-oriented artefact that results in an original contribution to knowledge and practice in education, articulated in an accompanying exegesis. You will have two supervisors who will have been identified during the portfolio development.
Explore our research expertise
AUT's academic supervisors are recognised world-class researchers who have the expert knowledge in their fields to guide you throughout your studies.
If you’re interested in discussing this degree, please email Associate Professor Neil Boland neil.boland@aut.ac.nz
Enrolments for next year are now open and will close at the end of October, so, if you are interested, contact Neil Boland as soon as possible.
Graduates will develop skills that will assist them in a wide range of positions, including:
- Academic and practice-oriented researchers
- Leaders in curriculum and pedagogical innovation
- Creative directors or education consultants
- Artist-scholars or practitioner-researchers
- Leaders and collaborators on community-based projects
- Policy advisors and community engagement specialists
Graduates will also be favourably placed for promotion and leadership responsibilities.
($8,402 tuition fees + $1,222 student services levy)
- Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
- Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
- There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.