Duration:
2 year (full-time)
Number of credits:
360 at level 8 (doctoral)
Start date(s):
September 2026
The Doctor of Education programme is specifically designed for Education professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills, enrich their subject knowledge and strengthen their impact through a concentrated period of on campus study and research in the UK.
The Doctor of Education has been developed for experienced education professionals who wish to undertake doctoral research within a defined period of full-time study . The programme has been specifically structured to support completion of a doctoral thesis over two years. The first stage focuses on research training, proposal refinement and project development. Students then progress to a sustained period of independent research supported through expert supervision and monitored via formal doctoral progression milestones, ensuring appropriate academic rigour.
Balancing doctoral study with professional responsibilities can be challenging. This programme is designed to tackle those challenges by providing a clear and concentrated research pathway for education practitioners seeking to deepen their research expertise and professional impact.
During the first six months, Doctor of Education researchers undertake structured research training to refine their research focus and prepare a formal, assessed submission of their research project design. They will also complete a module on Researching Education to ensure they have the research skills and context necessary to support their independent research. Following this stage, students embark on research activity and thesis writing with the support of their supervisory team. Submission is normally expected by the end of the second year of registration.
Students will become part of the wider postgraduate research community within the School of Education and the University, able to participate in research events, workshops, talks and summits, supported by the University’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Centres and the Research Office.
Did you know?
The programme is delivered at Roehampton’s beautiful campus in south-west London. The University has a long and proud history of teacher education and educational research, with origins dating back to 1841.
Who this programme is for
The programme is intended for master’s-qualified education professionals who wish to undertake doctoral study as part of their ongoing career and professional development.
It is particularly suited to experienced practitioners familiar with educational contexts, including educational policy and leadership, who can commit to a concentrated period of full-time study.
Careers
The programme is designed to boost professional development, opening up roles with increased leadership responsibility and providing the research context to facilitate contributing to research, policy or organisational development.
Learning and supervision
How you’ll learn:
Research training is delivered through a combination of centrally organised sessions and academic support within the School. Students then progress to independent research supported through regular face-to-face supervision. Supervisors will be aligned to the students’ chosen area of study.
Particular specialism within the School of Education include mentoring and coaching, special educational needs and philosophy of education (more can be seen here at the Centre for Educational Research)
Structure:
First six months: Research training and development of the doctoral project.
Year 1: Supervised research and annual progress review.
Year 2:Independent research and thesis writing. Submission normally expected by the end of the year.
How you’ll be assessed:
Progression through the programme is monitored through formal doctoral milestones, including confirmation of the research project within the first six months.
The final assessment takes the form of a doctoral thesis of up to 60,000 words. The programme provides additional flexibility, permitting, where appropriate, submission in portfolio format, supported by a written critical commentary. The thesis is assessed through an oral examination (viva voce).
A dynamic research community
As a student on this programme, you become part of our Centre for Educational Research. We have a long and distinguished history in educational research, working to ensure that all young people are able to benefit from enriching educational experiences, and to become active and engaged global citizens.
Here you’ll have opportunities to:
- work alongside a diverse community of practitioners, academics, and postgraduate researchers
- attend research seminars, workshops, and conferences
- collaborate with peers across sectors and countries
- connect your research to real educational challenges in schools, universities, and policy environments.
The Centre’s work influences decision-making from local classrooms to national and international policy - and you will be studying at the heart of it.
Open days
Get a real taste of our campus, community and what it’s like to study at Roehampton
Applying
UK postgraduate students apply through our direct application system.
This course is subject to validation.
Applicants are normally expected to have:
A master’s degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience
A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent
A research proposal (1,000 words) and a professional biography (1,000 words) are both required.
IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) where required
Applicants who meet the entry requirements may be invited to interview.
Completion period
Further registration may be required until submission.
Start date: September 2026 (subject to validation).
International postgraduate students apply through our direct application system.
This course is subject to validation.
Applicants are normally expected to have:
A master’s degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience
A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent
A research proposal (1,000 words) and a professional biography (1,000 words) are both required.
IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) where required
Applicants who meet the entry requirements may be invited to interview.
Completion period
Further registration may be required until submission.
Start date: September 2026 (subject to validation).
Fees and funding
UK students
Tuition fees
| Entry date | EdD |
|---|---|
| September 2026 | £9,000 |
Prices shown are for the first year of your degree.
Funding your studies
We also provide other ways to support the cost of living, including on-campus car parking, hardship support and some of the most affordable student accommodation and catering in London.
International students
Tuition fees
| Entry date | EdD |
|---|---|
| September 2026 | £16,950 |
Prices shown are for the first year of your degree.
Funding your studies
We also provide other ways to support the cost of living, including on-campus car parking, hardship support and some of the most affordable student accommodation and catering in London.
Need help or advice before applying?
Education
The School of Education is renowned for its high-quality teaching and research, and is one of the principal teacher training providers in the UK.
