Triangle

Research overview

The School of Education’s Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD) offers an advanced programme tailored for educational professionals looking to elevate their expertise and make significant contributions to the field through research. Crafted for full-time professionals, this part-time course integrates face-to-face instruction with self-directed study, ensuring flexibility and promoting a collaborative learning atmosphere. Four foundational modules form the basis of doctoral-level research preparation, culminating in a substantial independent research project. By emphasising collaborative, active learning and integrating scholarly inquiry with professional experience, the EdD prepares educators as researchers to lead and innovate in their respective fields.

Programme Highlights

  • Research-focused development
    Encourages the growth of researching professionals through critical engagement with educational issues in participants’ contexts, emphasising impactful, practice-relevant research.
  • Engaged learning
    Combines critical inquiry with hands-on research preparation activities relevant to participants’ professional expertise, promoting the development of practical, scholarly, and dispositional knowledge.
  • Collaborative environment
    Leverages participants’ collective expertise, enhancing professional knowledge and practice.
  • Key outcome
    Completing a thesis (50–60,000 words) that demonstrates significant, original contributions to professional educational scholarship.

You will benefit from: 

  • our links to practice - allowing you to draw on your own educational experiences 
  • weekend and summer classes - our course has been designed for busy professionals who may be studying alongside a full-time job 
  • a cohort of experienced education practitioners 
  • exit routes, where appropriate, for those who, for whatever reason, are not able to complete the full course

Supervision and teaching

Supervision is offered by colleagues across our research centres in the School of Education and if appropriate, we may be able to work with academic colleagues elsewhere in the university to offer joint supervision across schools. Applicants are not required to identify a supervisor before applying for the programme.

You will be taught by an established team of nationally and internationally recognised education researchers who boast a wide range of expertise and experience in research, teaching and policy work. 

Alumni

Read our alumni profiles to see their experience of of the EdD and how it has helped with their career.

Contact

Please contact Course Leader, Professor Kathleen Pithouse-Morgan if you have any academic questions about the EdD.

Course content

Our EdD is organised into two parts. Part one - coursework phase, and Part two - research phase. You will be awarded the Professional Doctorate if you successfully complete Part two by submitting a thesis of 50-60,000 words and undergo a viva voce examination. 

Part one is taught in a series of eight in-person weekend schools on Jubilee Campus (typically Friday/Saturday; two weekend sessions per module). These weekends have been provisionally planned and avoid major holiday periods for the UK. 

The dates for 2026 entry are below for guidance and are subject to confirmation.

Module 1

  • Weekend 1: Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October 2026
  • Weekend 2: Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November 2026

Module 2

  • Weekend 1: Friday 26 and Saturday 27 February 2027
  • Weekend 2: Friday 19 and Saturday 20 March 2027

There is an in-person EdD summer school on Jubilee Campus each year in July. In 2027, it will take place Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 July 2027. This is compulsory for second year students and optional for others. The summer school is designed to support the development of your research and writing.  

Your attendance will typically be equal to four full days per module. 

In part two of the programme you will engage in a sustained research project within your specific education sub-field, tailored to your unique professional context and/or practice. This phase must span at least two years. During this time you are expected to conduct research on an approved topic relevant to your field of education, culminating in a thesis of 50,000 to 60,000 words. Your thesis should showcase your ability to combine academic research with practical applications, demonstrating both depth and analysis and real-world relevance. 

You must study for a minimum of four years part-time to complete this degree. Most students expect to spend around six years; there is an upper limit of eight years of study. 

Following any progression review, it may be possible to transfer to an MPhil award. This can be requested with your agreement, or made as a requirement of continued study. Please see progression review information in our Quality Manual.

This foundational module is designed to support professionals in developing a deeper understanding of their interests and roles in the context of contributing to knowledge in the field of education. This module delves into the multifaceted nature of educational knowledge, prompting participants to explore how this knowledge is formed, debated, and applied in various educational settings. Emphasising critical analysis and synthesis of diverse educational theories and practices, it fosters the growth of participants as reflexive practitioners and researchers while exploring connections between professional experience and the construction of education knowledge.

The second module guides participants through the intricacies of creating effective and ethical education research studies. It emphasises the importance of understanding the philosophical foundations of research, the challenges of conducting research within one’s educational context, and the ethical considerations unique to insider research. This module offers an introduction to various methodological frameworks in social science research, focusing on designing coherent studies, understanding the interplay of theory and practice, and critically engaging with different methodological perspectives in the realm of educational research.

The third module is tailored for doctoral candidates to engage with the art of conducting thorough and effective literature reviews. It guides participants through the intricate processes of literature search and evaluation, distinguishing between various types of literature, such as theoretical, empirical, normative, and grey literature. This module links the literature review to the research questions and design. It delves into strategies for structuring and composing a comprehensive literature review, developing essential skills to critically engage with and synthesise existing research in the field of education.

The concluding module of our course synthesises the learning and insights gained from the previous modules, culminating in creating a preliminary research proposal. This module encourages participants to delve deeper into identifying and analysing critical debates and issues within a specific education sector and understanding the multiple dimensions that shape educational policies and practices. Participants will refine their research focus, purpose, context, and methodological approach through reflexive problem-posing and constructing well-informed arguments for impactful educational research.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on 11 September 2025.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
  • Thesis

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

QualificationEdD
Degree

Masters degree in a relevant discipline and a 2:1 (or international equivalent); plus at least two years of professional experience in a relevant field or another suitable qualification

QualificationEdD
Degree

Masters degree in a relevant discipline and a 2:1 (or international equivalent); plus at least two years of professional experience in a relevant field or another suitable qualification

International and EU equivalents

We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.

For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.

IELTS7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

Applying

Find a supervisor

You need to write a short piece of writing (750-1,500 words) on a current problem that concerns you related to your professional practice. The problem could be related to a topic that you are interested in researching on the EdD, but this is not a requirement. We will use this to assess your academic writing.

You should:

  • identify the problem clearly
  • use theory and/or research evidence to illuminate the problem
  • cite 5-10 academic publications appropriately

Potential course members are usually interviewed before any offer of a place is made.

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

How to apply

Fees

QualificationEdD
Home / UK£5,260
International£25,750

The Home fee shown is a provisional figure that is subject to change. We expect the final fee to be confirmed in February 2027.

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, we do not anticipate any extra significant costs, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies which you would need to factor into your budget. You may incur some costs if you have to travel for data collection purposes.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Support

Tutorial support and feedback

Support and guidance is provided to help you in the preparation, research, and writing-up stages of your work. 

Your tutors will provide you with written comments on each assignment, and you are invited to make contact with them to discuss this feedback. The written comments will include the un-moderated grades (ie subject to amendments by the Examinations Board) and advice for future action where appropriate. 

As you are working at an advanced level, we assume that much of your time will be spent planning and carrying out systematic inquiries and preparation for assignments and dissertation. Your tutor will be crucial in providing intellectual and moral support and challenge for these processes. Tutors regard this support role as a high professional priority. 

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services, including:

  • academic and disability support
  • childcare services
  • counselling service
  • faith support
  • financial support
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • visa and immigration advice
  • welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

  • international students
  • black and minority ethnic students
  • students who identify as women
  • students with disabilities
  • LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

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Where you will learn

Jubilee Campus

Jubilee Campus has eco-friendly buildings, alongside green spaces, wildlife and a lake. 

This campus is home to our business, education and computer science schools, as well as a sports centre and student accommodation.

You can walk to University Park Campus in around 20 minutes or catch a free hopper bus. Nottingham city centre is 20 minutes away by public bus.

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Career destinations for our graduates include counsellors, education advisers, language tutors, primary/secondary teachers and vocational/industrial trainers and instructors. A number of our graduates are already in employment while undertaking part-time study for professional development in their chosen career. 

91% of MA postgraduates from the School of Education secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2017/18-2022/23.

The EdD places professionals at the forefront of developing and disseminating new educational knowledge that significantly impacts the field. It is inspiring to work with proactive programme participants who follow their professional interests to initiate positive change.”
Professor Kathleen Pithouse-Morgan

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Research Excellence Framework

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

  • We are ranked 3rd in the UK for education
  • 84% of our education research was considered world-leading or internationally excellent with 55% rated at the highest score
  • All of our education submission relating to research impact and research environment was considered to be world-leading - our school is the only education submission to achieve this
  • 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
  • 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
  • 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 11 September 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.