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Award
Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD)
School/s
School of Education
Campus or location
Newton Park
Course length
Up to six years.

Entry requirements

Our Professional Doctorate in Education students come from a variety of academic backgrounds.

We would usually expect applicants to hold a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university, as well as an MA, MEd, or MPhil in a relevant field. 

See 'What we look for in applicants' in the main column for more guidance.

Enhance your career with our Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD)

  • Designed to meet the needs and career aspirations of experienced professionals working in education, training, and professional development.
  • Focuses on cutting-edge research methodologies to extend your knowledge and understanding of education practice.
  • High-quality supervision by internationally recognised researchers with expertise in education leadership and policy, social justice, inclusion, early childhood and teacher education.

The EdD is a six-year part time programme for professionals working in all areas of education who wish to draw on their work experience to gain a doctorate.

You’ll have the opportunity to conduct an original piece of research on a topic of your choice and contribute new knowledge to education research and practice.

From the outset, you’ll be supported by a supervisor who is an expert in your field of study. You’ll also benefit from highly interactive teaching and a vibrant research culture in the School of Education.


Please note that this programme recruits every two years. Recruitment for October 2025 will open in September 2024.


Course structure

Overview

The EdD is organised in two parts.

The first part, the Taught Stage, takes two years to complete; the second part, the Research Stage, takes three to four years.

Course structure

In year one, you’ll complete two modules and start working with a supervisor, who will be allocated at the beginning of the course in response to your draft proposal required for entry. The two modules will be taught in four study blocks per year (Friday afternoon and Saturday) to offer you a flexible approach to doctoral study.

In year two, you’ll also complete two modules and continue working with your supervisor on refining your research proposal and submitting the ethics application. Participation in study blocks in years one and two offers you an opportunity to engage in advanced professional development together with your cohort and is a requirement for progressing to the Research Stage. Opportunities to undertake further doctoral training are offered by our Graduate College.

The Research Stage comprises 3-4 years of work on an independent research project of your choice, resulting in 60,000 word doctoral thesis. Your supervisors will offer you support with all aspects of your fieldwork, data analysis and write up, and the preparation for your final viva voce examination.

Course modules

The Taught Stage includes studying the following modules. Please check the programme document for more information.

  • Introduction to Education Research at Doctoral Level (year one)
  • Methodologies (year one)
  • Theory and Analysis (year two)
  • The Research Proposal (year two)
How will I be assessed?

Your assessment will consist of end-of-module assignments (years one and two) of 6,000 words each, an ethics application and a thesis of 60,000 words.

Assessment throughout foregrounds your professional experience and your growing expertise in education research.

How will I be taught?

The teaching on the EdD is highly interactive. It’s seminar and workshop-based and offers a high level of support by the supervisors and the programme teaching team.

Opportunities

Open lectures and seminars

Our School of Education runs a series of research seminars throughout the academic year, in which staff and postgraduate students present their research.

You’ll be welcome to attend these seminars, and there's the opportunity for you to talk about your own research interests within an informal and supportive setting.

Adobe Creative Campus

Develop a wealth of indispensable digital skills that you can take into your future career. One of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, we provide all Bath Spa students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, giving you the tools to communicate creatively, whatever your course or chosen professional field.   

Research environment

Where you’ll be taught

The modules are taught through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, with in-person study blocks taught at our Newton Park campus. You'll have access to a wide range of excellent facilities, including:

Staff and supervisors

Key contacts

Dr Agnieszka Bates, Head of Taught Provision

Email: a.bates@bathspa.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1225 875615

Course administrator

Email: pgtadmin@bathspa.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1225 875593

Find a research supervisor.

Fees

UK students part time
Course fees
2023/24 entry £2,356*

*This course is offered on a part-time basis, and you can study for up to six years. You'll pay a fee for each year of study, and fees are revised on an annual basis.

Interested in applying?

What we look for in applicants

Are you an experienced professional working in education or an education related field? Do you aspire to be able to analyse, critique and innovate in education practice, policy and research? Are you interested in thinking, writing and researching critically, innovatively and rigorously?

If you are, we’d like to support you in the successful development of your professional and academic skills to the highest level.

Successful applicants are normally expected to have a Master’s degree. An offer of a place is subject to submission of a coherent, well-written research proposal of 2,000 words and a successful interview.

How are applications assessed?

All applicants will be interviewed if their proposal is accepted, as per the existing doctoral admissions process. Online interviews will usually take place in July, with a panel of three interviewers, consisting of a chair, a potential Director of Studies who is an expert in your proposed field, and an academic member of staff from another subject area.

How do I apply?

Applications for October 2025 will open from September 2024 and will have a deadline of 31 May 2025. 

The full list of documents to supply with your application can be found on our Research degree applications page.

You’re welcome to contact supervisors who share your research interests before making your application (you can find out more about our Research Supervision on our website). In your application, please match your research interests with our areas of expertise.

For more information please contact pgradmissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

If you’d like to talk to a member of the course team, please email a.bates@bathspa.ac.uk.

Admissions service
Phone: +44 (0)1225 875 877
Email: pgradmissions@bathspa.ac.uk

Academic representative: Dr Agnieszka Bates
Phone: +44 (0)1225 875 615
Email: a.bates@bathspa.ac.uk

Website feedback to web@bathspa.ac.uk