Doctor of Education (EdD International) *
* subject to final UWE, Bristol approval
About
Advance your research skills with our International Doctor of Education. Equivalent to a PhD, it combines in-person teaching with remote research, empowering you to lead enquiry in your professional context and drive meaningful change in educational practice.
Why study Doctor of Education (International)?
Our flexible, four-year International Doctor of Education (EdD) award is equivalent in status and challenge to a PhD and builds on your research skills gained at master's level. It comprises four years of study and allows you to use the title 'Dr'.
In your first year, you'll study in person on Frenchay Campus, with global colleagues in the UK. For the remaining three years, you'll conduct research remotely, with online support from a supervisory group and mentor.
You'll advance your ability to critically evaluate research literature and methodology, current theory, and validation procedures, while differentiating between competing schools of thought.
Why UWE Bristol?
Our International Doctor of Education is research-informed and rooted in the latest academia. You'll join our thriving global postgraduate research community, enriched by cultural activities. Guided by research-active experts, you'll receive dedicated academic support and benefit from opportunities to present your work at a research conference.
This EdD blends taught and research elements, with highly interactive teaching delivered through seminars and workshops led by multiple tutors. Your learning and assessments are grounded in real-world practical research tasks, supported by independent enquiry.
As your research progresses, you'll critically reflect on your work, adapt your projects to emerging challenges, and have your findings peer-reviewed by recognised experts in the field.
Where can it take me?
Our Doctor of Education is aimed at professionals from many areas of educational practice. These include teachers from all sectors, lecturers from colleges and universities, policy officers, and education professionals working in specialist fields such as health, community work and police services.
By completing a higher qualification, you'll develop advanced research skills tailored to your professional context, enhancing your career potential as a publisher researcher. You'll lead original enquiry that contributes new knowledge to your field and offers practical recommendations to improve educational practice relevant to your own institution.
Entry
Entry requirements
Participants will normally hold a Masters degree and will have a minimum of four years' experience in a relevant professional area.
English Language Requirement
International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 (or approved equivalent*).
*The University accepts a large number of UK and international qualifications in place of IELTS. To find details of acceptable tests and the required grades please visit English Language requirements.
If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.
English language support
If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.
Read more about our Pre-Sessional English Programme.
How to apply
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview to discuss their application to the course.
Read about international applications and key international deadline dates.
For further information
- Email: Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333
Structure
Content
The below information is indicative of the course content and structure and is subject to final UWE Bristol approval. The new, approved content and structure will be published in January 2026.
Year one
Taught modules, on campus:
- Diverse Contexts, Values and Ethics
- Preparing for Doctoral Study
- Theorising Education
- Approaches to Educational Research.
Years two, three and four
Research/distance learning:
- Doctoral Thesis.
Learning and Teaching
Will I have specialist support for my research?
There are two aspects to research supervision: support for the substantive theme of your research (for example leading education, developing pedagogies that promote language development, policy training, social bases for pupil efficacy) and support for the methodological challenges you face (for example is it appropriate to use a survey or how do I handle the ethics of observing the work of my colleagues?).
We'll always provide support for methodological challenges and if required, will also provide support for the substantive theme of your research. However, some people prefer to cope with the substantive challenge themselves and to use supervision to advance their methodological understanding.
We can offer supervision remotely across a wide range of substantive and methodological fields. Examples include: case study; statistical procedures; evaluation; grounded theory; discourse analysis; social theory (for example Bourdieu); action research; interpretative sociology; life history research; feminist approaches; questionnaire design; narrative research; focus group work.
Study time
What will my time commitment be?
Each component has a specified number of hours 'contact time'. In addition, you should plan to spend between 20 to 30 hours each month engaged in personal and directed study.
Features
Study facilities
The Department of Education on Frenchay Campus has excellent facilities and resources for learning and teaching. Its modern, purpose-built facilities feature high-quality teaching rooms equipped with the latest technology, excellent IT resources, and a dedicated open learning area.
Our research centre, BRIDGE, holds seminars approximately monthly with a variety of staff and postgraduate students from across the University, and national and international speakers.
Find out more about the facilities and resources UWE Bristol has to offer.
Take a personalised virtual tour of the Education and Teaching facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.
Fees
For information about fees, please see our Graduate School fees and funding pages.
Life
Postgraduate support
Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.
Bristol
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
Sports, societies and activities
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
Health and Wellbeing
We provide support in the way you need it.
Campus and facilities
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
