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.
This professional doctorate suits teachers in early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary sectors who are committed to enhancing their contribution to their educational communities.
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 applying to study this research degree email doctoral.and.mphil.admissions@aut.ac.nz first to assess your eligibility for the programme.
Start date: 2022
- Download our Prospectus [PDF, 5.4 MB]
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
International student entry requirements
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 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 (such as 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 course 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 courses)
- 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 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
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.
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.
18 Jul 2022
$6,961
- This represents the approximate tuition fee based on a full-time workload of 120 points in 2021. The exact tuition fee will depend on courses selected and may exceed this figure.
- Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for beyond 2021, fees may vary from those stated.
- There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay. Learn more about fees to study at AUT
$39,201
- This represents the approximate tuition fee based on a full-time workload of 120 points in 2021. The exact tuition fee will depend on courses selected and may exceed this figure.
- Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for beyond 2021, fees may vary from those stated.
- There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay. Learn more about fees to study at AUT
- International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.