Doctor of Education (EdD)
Educational systems worldwide are undergoing profound change driven by digital transformation, policy reform, globalisation, and evolving learner needs. Today’s education leaders are expected not only to manage institutions, but to design evidence-based strategies, lead innovation, and improve educational outcomes at scale.
The Doctor of Education (EdD) is designed for experienced education professionals who seek to apply doctoral-level research to real challenges in educational leadership, planning, policy, and practice.
This programme enables candidates to transform professional experience into rigorous, practice-oriented research that delivers measurable impact across schools, universities, training institutions, and education systems.
Why This EdD Matters
Unlike traditional research-focused doctorates, the EdD is built around applied research in education.
Candidates work on real challenges drawn from their own professional contexts—such as education planning, curriculum reform, digital learning integration, quality assurance, governance, inclusion, and institutional leadership—and develop research-based solutions that can be implemented and evaluated in practice.
The programme supports education professionals who aim to:
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Improve educational leadership and decision-making through research
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Design and evaluate education policies and institutional strategies
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Integrate technology and innovation into teaching and learning
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Advance careers in educational leadership, administration, or higher education
Program Overview
The EdD programme focuses on practice-oriented research in education and leadership. The curriculum is structured into two key phases.
Phase 1 – Advanced Coursework and Professional Development
Candidates undertake advanced study across eight core areas of education and leadership, designed to:
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Strengthen critical and strategic thinking in educational contexts
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Develop expertise in education planning and policy analysis
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Enhance the integration of digital technologies in teaching and learning
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Strengthen leadership, governance, and institutional management capabilities
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Build strong foundations in educational research methods and ethics
This phase provides the academic and professional foundation required for doctoral-level applied research in education.
Phase 2 – Doctoral Research and Thesis
During the research phase, candidates complete an original doctoral thesis aligned with their professional role, institution, or education system.
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Address real-world educational or policy challenges
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Apply rigorous and appropriate research methodology
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Produce practical frameworks, models, or policy recommendations
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Demonstrate measurable impact on educational practice or systems
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Doctor of Education will:
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Demonstrate doctoral-level research competence in education
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Possess in-depth expertise in their chosen area of educational practice
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Apply research-based solutions to complex educational challenges
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Enhance their professional and academic standing in leadership, administration, or teaching roles
After completing the foundational coursework, the programme places strong emphasis on independent, applied research tailored to the candidate’s professional context.
Entry Requirements
Applicants to the Doctor of Business Administration must meet the following criteria:
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Hold a Master’s degree from a recognized institution or an equivalent qualification aligned with EQF Level 7
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Applicants with non-standard qualifications may be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in accordance with ULDP policies
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Degrees from unaccredited institutions or diploma mills will not be accepted
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Admission decisions are made following an individual review of each applicant’s academic and professional profile
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose previous education was not conducted in English are required to demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:
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CEFR Level B2 or equivalent
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IELTS 6.5 (with Reading and Writing at 6.5 or above) or equivalent
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TOEFL iBT 101 or equivalent
Tuitionfees
Tuition fees are subject to ULDP policies and may be revised without prior notice. Scholarships may be available for eligible applicants.
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Application Fee: €400
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Program Fee: €12,000
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Payment Options: 2 Installments
Shaping Your Doctoral Journey
The Doctor of Education enables candidates to design a doctoral pathway aligned with their professional ambitions in education.
Through structured coursework, academic supervision, and applied research, candidates transform experience into doctoral-level educational knowledge and impact.
Practice-Based Educational Research
Conduct doctoral research grounded in real educational challenges, policies, and institutional contexts.
Technology and Innovation in Education
Develop research-informed strategies for integrating technology and innovation into teaching, learning, and education systems.
Leadership and System-Level Impact
Strengthen leadership capability and influence across educational institutions and systems through doctoral-level study.
