Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD)

Next start date

Sept 2026

Location

Online, part-time

Course duration

3-6 years

Fees

£17,100

The Professional Doctorate in Education is a research degree for educational practitioners who wish to study beyond Master’s level and obtain the highest level of knowledge, skills and experience.

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Course Overview

Joining the EdD programme means joining an exciting international research community. You will be undertaking one of the most intellectually challenging and rewarding experiences of your professional career. 

Equivalent to a PhD, which requires students to make a unique contribution to knowledge, an EdD is a professional doctorate, which means your study should result in a tangible impact on practice. It is designed for professionals working in Education, and the focus of study should be on the nature of educational practice.

This doctorate is delivered completely online and can be completed part-time alongside work in education. We offer two routes to achieving the EdD at Buckingham:

  • a traditional thesis; or
  • a portfolio route.

Course Content

Course Content

This programme enables education professionals to develop expertise through critical evaluation of research and scholarship in their chosen area of interest.

The focus of the course will be the production of a doctoral thesis or portfolio via independent research and study. In terms of the difference between a thesis and a portfolio:

  • A thesis is a continuous narrative that reviews existing literature, presents original research, and evaluates the implications for practice in a specific educational context. Chapters build a sustained argument from start to finish.
  • The portfolio route focuses on a particular area of professional interest through a collection of papers at Level 8 standard. These may include previously published work and documents that, when combined, form a coherent whole. If you have an existing body of work, this may be a suitable option.

Both routes demand the same level of academic rigour, critical engagement with different perspectives, and the development of your own scholarly voice. The final route can be chosen in discussion with your supervisor. 

Progress is reviewed at regular stages to ensure suitability to continue. Assessment for a doctorate is by the presentation of a 50-60,000 word thesis or portfolio that is examined by viva voce.

To receive the full details of this course from the University of Buckingham Curriculum Handbook, please get in touch with our Admissions Officer.

Course Delivery

Course Delivery

On average, you are expected to spend at least 15 hours a week studying. This includes supervision meetings, study days, and independent research, reading and writing. To support your study, you will:

  • Attend an induction programme.
  • Be allocated two supervisors to support your learning. You will have approximately 12 hours of supervision each year.
  • Have access to a film library, webinars and two online study days in November and another two online study days in April, which you must attend for the first three years.

This support will guide you through some of the key elements of completing a doctorate, for example, research methodology, engaging with literature and philosophical frameworks.

 

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

All applicants are required to have:

  • an Honours degree or equivalent and a Master’s Degree
  • at least three years’ experience as a practitioner in Education.

You will also need to have IELTS 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component) or equivalent English level qualification. To see what is accepted by the University, visit our FAQ page on Language Requirements.

 

Fees

Fees

Registration Fee: £300 (non-refundable)

Tuition Fee: £17,100

Fees are invoiced for in September, at the beginning of the course, and can be paid in termly instalments or in one lump sum. Termly instalments can be arranged directly with the Finance department upon receipt of the invoice.

All fees are charged directly by the University of Buckingham, BISE will not add any additional charges for our services.

How To Apply

How To Apply

Click Apply Now below to apply online through Buckingham International School of Education. We will support you to complete your application before submitting it directly to the University of Buckingham.

If you have any queries, click Ask a Question and our admissions team members will endeavour to reply to your enquiry within 24 hours.

Our admissions staff are based in Mainland China and Hong Kong and our hours of business are 10am to 7pm (GMT+7), Mon-Fri.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a doctoral research proposal. Your proposal will need to include:

  • your initial intended working title
  • the focus (topic) of your research and/or evidence (e.g. leadership, curriculum development, etc.)
  • how you feel that this topic may potentially make a unique contribution to knowledge
  • an introduction to existing literature reflecting your focus
  • how at this point you think you will carry out the work
  • the impact you feel this could have on educational practice
  • your motivations for carrying out this work at this time and an introduction to your own educational context.

Your application will be assessed against a number of different criteria. These include:

  • the suitability of your topic as one that has the ability to be developed at this level
  • your ability to communicate effectively in English
  • the way in which your area of interest relates to your own professional experience and background
  • your academic record to date.

If you do not submit the application as requested and/or it is not within the word count parameters set out your application may be returned. If your application is considered to be suitable, you will be called for interview after the application deadline closes. At interview you will be expected to present your research proposal.

Applications may be returned for revision. Applicants should have a focus linked to their professional remit and provide evidence that significantly contributes to the application of knowledge that is relevant locally, nationally and internationally.

Admissions for January 2026 intake will close on 31 July 2026.

FAQ's

What is an EdD? What is the difference between EdD and PhD?

An EdD is at the same level as a PhD. Like a PhD, the EdD requires students to make a unique contribution to knowledge. A distinguishing element of an EdD is that it is also required to ensure your study results in a tangible impact on practice. This is because the EdD is a practitioner/professional doctorate, which means that it is designed for professionals working in Education and that the focus of study should be on the nature of Educational practice.

What supporting documentation do I need to provide to apply?

You will be required to provide supporting documentation to prove that you meet the entry requirements. Entry requirements for each course are listed on the individual course pages.

Here are some examples of what you might be asked to provide:

  • A copy of your Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree certificate.
  • For any degrees completed outside of the UK, you will need a 'Statement of Comparability' from ENIC.
  • If you are not from an English-speaking country or your academic degree was not delivered in English, you will be required to provide evidence of English Language proficiency. Doctorate applicants may be waived of this requirement at the discretion of the university.

For any questions, get in touch with our admissions team.

When can I apply?

You can apply throughout the year. Each course has one or two intakes per year as well as an application deadline for that intake. Please see the individual course pages for the intakes and deadlines for your particular course. If your application deadline has passed, do get in touch with us as the university may be able to accommodate late applications, provided all the required documentation can be provided before the course start date. We do, however, recommend that you apply as early as possible – you can even apply before your first degree or other entry qualification has been awarded.