Doctor of Education

How to apply for the Doctor of Education

• It is expected that a candidate will meet with the programme leader 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.

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.

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:

• EDUCX01 EdD Research Portfolio Part I
• EDUCX02 EdD Research Portfolio Part II
• EDUCX03 EdD Research Portfolio Part III
• EDUCX04 EdD Research Portfolio Part IV

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.

Find a supervisor with our Research Connect tool

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.