The Doctorate in Education (Research) is an innovative programme offering a professionally relevant and academically rigorous opportunity for advanced study in education. The programme is designed for professionals at all levels in education, training and development, and in education-related fields. You will be able to study part-time through a combination of distance e-learning and residential study weekends in Glasgow.

Programme overview

• EdD: 60 months part-time by distance learning

You will normally undertake two courses per year, meaning at a normal pace you should complete the Doctorate in five years. We understand that you may need to take a break from studies during such a long programme, and we will allow you to suspend studies for a limited time period.

Years 1, 2 and 3

You will take six taught courses in total. Each one lasts one semester and are taught online with one weekend in Glasgow. 

Courses

• Critical reflection in professional learning and practice
• Education policy 
• Educational futures 
• Ethics and education 
• Open studies one: advancing research methods 
• Open studies two: applying research methods.

Years 4 and 5

You will work towards the submission of your dissertation of 50,000 to 60,000 words, supported by an appropriate supervisor.

Career prospects

Career opportunities include lecturing and teaching at schools and universities; and research and consultancy within the education sector.

Academic entry requirements

The normal entry qualification is a Master's level qualification, or equivalent, in education or a cognate subject area.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

EdD

Home and EU fees - £2,500 per year; International fees - £5,295 per year.