Course overview
Not all teachers and educators seeking doctoral level studies intend to become researchers. If you intend to stay in teaching and become a leader in classroom teaching, curriculum development, multimedia, school improvement, evaluation or school-based professional development, our Doctor of Education (EdD) may suit you better than the traditional Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The EdD also accommodates currently occupying positions of leadership in universities, schools, school districts, TAFE colleges, teaching hospitals and system-wide central offices needing to upgrade their qualifications.
Our EdD will provide you with doctoral level study which will simultaneously provide you with advanced, in-depth knowledge related to your profession and involvement in research work closely related to the improvement of your professional practice. It will provide you with high-level research and inquiry skills, enabling you to evaluate, implement, commission, design and administer research into the many different aspects of education provision. You'll also develop an understanding of the policy implications of such research.
The EdD is more closely related to your professional world, is research based and research driven, but with a distinctive orientation toward practical research outcomes that will contribute to the growth of the education profession as well as the discipline itself.
A higher degree by research differs from other postgraduate degrees in that at least two-thirds of the study program must involve research. Although some coursework units may be required, the main part of your work will be in the form of a thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor and associate supervisor(s). Your thesis must, in the opinion of the examiners, be a substantial original contribution to the knowledge or understanding of any field through the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. It must also demonstrate your capacity to conceive, design and complete independent research. As an alternative to a single major dissertation, you may choose to complete a series of sequential and complementary scholarly papers which can be submitted in conjunction with an exegesis.
The majority of our domestic students remain employed full-time while studying part-time. As such, we encourage the integration of your coursework and research with the needs and directions of your workplace.
Throughout your studies, the Faculty of Humanities will provide you with access to facilities and resources to support your research, and financial assistance to attend appropriate local and international conferences. You will also be provided with a professional support infrastructure which exemplifies best practice in education by providing access to relevant technologies and resources.
Professional accreditation and recognition
Depending on your area of speciality, you may be eligible for membership of various professional organisations upon graduation.
Your student experience
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Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for Australian and New Zealand students
Applicants are required to demonstrate a capacity to carry out independent research and have adequate training and ability to pursue the proposed research course.
A bachelor degree, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and/or a Master of Education or equivalent. Those with a Bachelor of Education with first or upper second-class honours are also eligible.
See the Section 3.2.1 of the HDR admission policy for detailed information.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
If you’re an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen and you’re accepted into a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program, you may be eligible for a tuition fee exemption through the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP).
This exemption (known as the RTP Fee Offset) covers tuition fees for the standard duration of your HDR: up to four years full-time equivalent for a Doctoral/PhD program, and up to two years full-time equivalent for a Master of Philosophy.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Identify a research topic
First check that you meet the entry requirements. Then explore Curtin’s research areas to identify a research topic and potential supervisor.
Submit an expression of interest
Before contacting a potential research supervisor via the expression of interest form, make sure you have a proposed research topic and a current CV ready.
Submit your formal application
If your expression of interest is successful and a supervisor agrees to support your project, you’ll be invited to submit a formal application.
Your application pathway
Applying for a research degree is different from applying for coursework. You’ll need to identify a research topic and supervisor before submitting your application.
To apply for this course, you’ll apply directly to Curtin via our online applications portal.
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
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