Doctor of Education

This is your opportunity to explore an area of your interest within the field of education. The Doctor of Education qualifies students as experts in their fields and enables practitioners from diverse education settings to extend their knowledge.

At the heart of the Doctor of Education is the research thesis, where you can undertake independent research of an educational topic of relevance to professional practice. There’s a strong collaborative spirit, and the support students give each other is a key element in this programme.

This professional doctorate suits teachers in early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary sectors who are committed to enhancing their contribution to their educational communities.

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Start date: 2018

Start date: 2019

This programme brochure will be available soon.

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.

The degree should include advanced learning in research, execution of a research project and a written report on the research.

AND

A minimum of five years’ professional experience in the specific area of study

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

  • It is expected that a candidate will meet with professorial staff at least once to discuss their application and proposed area of research
  • A candidate must first provide a current CV and transcripts showing evidence of postgraduate qualifications and research capability (eg publications). This will be assessed to ascertain eligibility for entry to this doctoral programme
  • Following this, a candidate must complete a research proposal (PGR2) to submit to the Doctoral Board for approval, along with an application for enrolment
  • A candidate only be offered a place on the programme and enrol in the first research portfolio paper once Board approval has been received

While you can apply at any time, the initial candidature process for enrolment in the programme can take up to two months.

PGR2: Admission to a doctoral programme

Information we need to asses your application

We require the following information:

  • Faculty and/or field you wish to conduct your study in
  • Academic transcripts
  • Grading scale for postgraduate qualification
  • Degree certificates (undergraduate and postgraduate)
  • Title of the thesis/dissertation/research project
  • 1-2 page document (maximum) outlining your proposed research project
  • 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 five years’ professional experience in your specific area of research

International applicants enrolled in the Doctor of Education are not eligible for domestic tuition fees, international tuition fees will apply.

Once the required information is received, we will forward your enquiry to the relevant faculty who will communicate to you about the outcome of your application, possible research areas and supervisors.

Students undertake advanced study based on independent research of an educational phenomenon, issue or topic of relevance to professional practice.

The programme has two parts:

  • Research portfolio (four papers)
  • Thesis

Research portfolio

The research portfolios cover four specific domains of research competency, for example literature and methodology. All students are expected to attend portfolio blocs throughout the year.

The 4 papers are taken sequentially, one per semester:

Completing the research portfolio is integral to preparing your thesis, and you need to complete the portfolio before starting your thesis.

Thesis

For your thesis you undertake advanced study based on independent research of an educational issue. The research and learning methods are designed to heighten your awareness of the broader context of education and develop critical academic and research skills.

You will usually have two supervisors for your thesis, and will also have the support of other students and the Doctor of Education team.

Skills you will develop

The outcomes for graduates of the Doctor of Education are outlined in the Graduate Profile below.

Graduate Profile

Graduates will have skills that will assist them in a wide range of positions, including:

  • Educational management
  • Research
  • Civil service
    Public institutional education
  • Formal and informal social and leadership roles
  • Senior roles in the education system

Graduates will also be favourably placed for promotion and leadership responsibilities.

Quick facts
Programme code:
AK3685
Level:
10
Points:
360
Duration:
2 years P/T (coursework – research portfolios), plus 3 years (thesis)
Campus:
North Campus
Starts:

16 Jul 2018

25 Feb 2019

15 Jul 2019

Fees:
Tuition and other fees
  • The tuition fee for a year of full-time study varies depending on your course of study and the combination of papers you study within your qualification. Estimates given are based on paper selection of previous student enrolments within each qualification. Your exact fees will be calculated at the time of invoicing.
  • The tuition fee for a year of full-time study varies depending on your course of study and the combination of papers you study within your qualification. Estimates given are based on paper selection of previous student enrolments within each qualification. Your exact fees will be calculated at the time of invoicing.

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

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