SCU - Doctor of Education

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Course summary

The Doctor of Education is a research-based program comprising coursework and a substantial thesis. It is designed for experienced, professional educators and education leaders who operate in a fast-changing environment, where innovation, creativity, problem-solving and collaboration are key professional attributes.

You'll undertake a project with practical implications in the education sector, building your research skills to make a significant and original contribution to the profession.

This professional Doctorate develops focused, high-level capacity-building through strategic problem solving and transdisciplinary knowledge.

Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in education and educational policy. As experts in their area of investigation, they can make a significant contribution to the profession.

The Doctor of Education is a fee-free course.

Domestic snapshot

Duration	Location	Session
6P	Gold Coast	1, 2
Online	1, 2

Duration

Location

Session

Gold Coast

1, 2

Online

1, 2

International snapshot

Major areas of study

Coursework core units include:

What is educational research?
On the shoulders of giants: critically examining the literature in education
Playing with theory and research methodology in education
Research ready: Doctor of Education research proposal & ethics

Thesis:

Doctor of Education (EdD) candidates design and conduct original research under the supervision of at least two supervisors in a cohort model. Candidates are required to write a thesis of 50,000 words or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour	Apply a substantial body of knowledge to research, investigate and develop new knowledge, in one or more fields of investigation, scholarship or professional practice in education.
Creativity	Demonstrate creativity in theory and methodology in education and/or education related research.
Ethical practice	Apply ethics and ethical principles across all aspects of research. Conduct research involving children with a high degree of competence.
Knowledge of a discipline	Demonstrate sophisticated knowledge of education and/or education related fields of research.
Lifelong learning	Sustain and extend learning in research in practice and industry beyond the completion of the program.
Communication and social skills	Effectively communicate research within an academic environment in the form of a thesis or equivalent. Communicate or translate research to end-users and the broader community as a 'public intellectual'.
Cultural competence	Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in the design and conduct of research.

Teaching methods

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Our online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Career opportunities

Type

Detail

Course code

1447190

Course abbreviation

EdD

Credit points

288

Equivalent units

Duration

6 years part-time

Availability details

Location	Session
Gold Coast	1, 2
Online	1, 2

Fees

The Doctor of Education is a fee-free course.

Fee paying

Type	Detail
Course code	1447190
Course abbreviation	EdD
Credit points	288
Equivalent units	24
Duration	6 years part-time
Availability details
Admission Requirements	Qualification equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree. Refer to the Course Structure tab for specific admission requirements.

Learning Resources

MySCU is a student's point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.

The web-based study environment Blackboard Learn delivers an advanced online learning environment for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces, classrooms, and discussion boards. They can share files, presentations and applications. If a tutorial or lecture is recorded, students can view it afterwards.

Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.

The SCU Library provides a wide range of services that include face-to-face and online help, and access to print and electronic resources.

The Academic Skills team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, assignment reviews and small group or one-on-one face-to-face, phone or Skype consultations during business hours 9am to 4.30pm. Appointments can be made via the MySCU Hub 'Connect Now' button or on the Academic Skills home page. Students can also book appointments online in Career Hub.

The Studiosity service provides online after-hours study support for SCU students. This service is available from 4pm to midnight Sunday to Friday via the 'Connect Now' button on MySCU Hub or from a link in nominated unit learning sites. The Studiosity service offers generic writing feedback and live online chat assistance for foundational concepts and study skills.

Equipment and facilities

Southern Cross University provides students with modern well equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audiovisual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.

Course structure

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

Admission requirements

To qualify for admission to a Professional Doctorate, applicants must:

a. demonstrate relevant professional experience as considered acceptable by the Dean, Graduate Studies; and

b. meet one of the following criteria:

i. possess a Bachelor's degree from Southern Cross University, or equivalent; or

ii. possess a Masters degree from Southern Cross University, or equivalent; or

iii. submit evidence of other professional qualifications as will satisfy the Dean, Graduate Studies that the applicant possesses suitable and relevant professional knowledge and/or experience; and

c. satisfy such additional requirements for admission to Professional Doctorate candidature, if any, as may be prescribed by the Higher Degrees Research Committee.

Course requirements

To be eligible for the award of a Professional Doctorate, a candidate will:

a. complete the prescribed 4 coursework units (96 credit points);

b. complete the Professional Doctorate Thesis Unit (192 credit points) involving an original investigation, review, criticism or design;

c. maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the Dean, Graduate Studies in consultation with the Principal Supervisor and relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training;

d. be confirmed through the Confirmation of Candidature process;

e. complete in-candidature review process 12 months post successful Confirmation of Candidature;

e. submit for examination, and have accepted, a thesis prepared under the supervision of the Principal Supervisor; and

f. complete such other work as may be prescribed by the Dean, Graduate Studies.

Schedule of units

	Title	Level of learning
Core Units
	EDU02001 - What is Educational Research?	Intermediate
	EDU03002 - On the Shoulders of Giants: Critically Examining the Literature in Education	Advanced
	EDU03003 - Playing with Theory and Research Methodology in Education	Advanced
	EDU03004 - Research Ready: Doctor of Education Research Proposal & Ethics	Advanced
	EDU03001 - Doctor of Education Thesis	Advanced

Course progressions

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment

S1 Commencement - Part-time

	Title	Level of learning	Note
Year 1, Session 1
	EDU02001 - What is Educational Research?	Intermediate	Note 1
Year 1, Session 2
	EDU03002 - On the Shoulders of Giants: Critically Examining the Literature in Education	Advanced	Note 1
Year 2, Session 1
	EDU03003 - Playing with Theory and Research Methodology in Education	Advanced	Note 1
Year 2, Session 2
	EDU03004 - Research Ready: Doctor of Education Research Proposal & Ethics	Advanced	Note 1
Year 2, Session 3
	EDU03001 - Doctor of Education Thesis	Advanced	Note 2

S2 Commencement - Part-time

	Title	Level of learning	Note
Year 1, Session 2
	EDU02001 - What is Educational Research?	Intermediate	Note 1
Year 2, Session 1
	EDU03002 - On the Shoulders of Giants: Critically Examining the Literature in Education	Advanced	Note 1
Year 2, Session 2
	EDU03003 - Playing with Theory and Research Methodology in Education	Advanced	Note 1
Year 3, Session 1
	EDU03004 - Research Ready: Doctor of Education Research Proposal & Ethics	Advanced	Note 1
Year 3, Session 2
	EDU03001 - Doctor of Education Thesis	Advanced	Note 2

Notes

Note 1:	Double-weighted unit
Note 2:	16 unit equivalent

This course is available to:

Australian/Domestic students

Where and when do you want to study?

Gold Coast

Online

Notice

The information on this page may be subject to change over time. Please check this web page again before acting and see our disclaimer

From the 1st of June, 2017, the term 'Distance Education' has been replaced with 'Online'