doctor of education new zealand

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main navigation
• Tāwāhi International
• Oranga Tauira Student Life
• Rangahau Research
• Ākonga o Mua Alumni
• Ahumahi me ngā Kaiwhakawhiwhi Mahi Industry & employers
• Mō Mātou About
• Apply Enquire
• MyAUT Staff intranet
• Doctor of Education

The Doctor of Education qualifies students as experts in their fields and enables practitioners from diverse education settings to extend their knowledge.

This is your opportunity to think deeply about your professional practice while developing the skills of professional and scholarly research as you explore an area of your interest within the field of education in a supportive cohort-based programme. The Doctor of Education qualifies students as experts in their fields and enables practitioners from diverse education settings to extend their knowledge. This professional doctorate suits a range of educational practitioners, including teachers, lecturers, middle managers and leaders whose work is education-related.

Explore our research expertise

AUT's academic supervisors are recognised world-class researchers who have the expert knowledge in their fields to guide you throughout your studies.

If you’re interested in discussing this research degree, email our course leader, Professor Jane Gilbert:  [email protected]

Browse research expertise

Download programme guides

• AUT Prospectus (2025)
• Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
• Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
• There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay .
• International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
• International students must be enrolled full-time to abide by the terms of their student visa, and to remain eligible for domestic fees. Therefore, part-time study is not allowable for international students

Indicative 2024 international fees

Scholarships

• Entry requirements
• Application process
• What you study
• Career opportunities

Minimum entry requirements

Must have completed the following in a specialisation appropriate to the proposed research:

• Master’s degree with honours OR
• Bachelor’s degree with honours (equivalent to 4 years of study)

The degree must have a standard equivalent to first class or second class (first division) honours. The degree should include advanced learning in research, execution of a research project and a written report on the research.

A minimum of two years’ relevant professional experience

International student entry requirements

Other requirements

• Supervision of the Doctor of Education thesis is subject to the availability of staff

English language requirements

• IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with 7.0 in Writing and all other bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent

How to apply for the Doctor of Education

• Make an appointment with the course leader, Professor Jane Gilbert ([email protected]) to discuss your proposed area of research interest.
• When applying, you will require a current CV and transcripts showing evidence of postgraduate qualifications and research capability (such as publications). This will be assessed to ascertain eligibility for entry to this doctoral programme
• Working with the course leader, you will complete a research proposal (PGR2) to submit to the doctoral board for approval
• A place on the programme is offered once board approval has been received, followed by your enrolment in the first research portfolio course

While you can apply at any time, the initial candidature process for enrolment in the programme can take up to two months. There is one cohort annually, and the closing date for the following year is the first Monday of September in the preceding year. The EdD is generally regarded as a domestic qualification, so international students are encouraged to apply for the PhD programme. Admission to a doctoral programme

Coursework and thesis

You need to complete four courses over two years (part-time) followed by a thesis component, which you should complete within two years full-time or four years part-time.

Information we need to assess your application

We require the following information:

• Academic transcripts
• Grading scale for postgraduate qualification
• Degree certificates (undergraduate and postgraduate)
• 1-2 page document (maximum) outlining your proposed research project (develop this after initial discussions with the course leader)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• If English is not your first language you need to provide evidence of English language proficiency – IELTS (Academic) test results or recognised equivalent. If your postgraduate study was completed in English within three years, this may be waived
• Evidence of a minimum of two years’ relevant professional experience

The Doctor of Education sets students up for their research thesis by providing a supportive and collaborative cohort-based learning experience. The support students give each other is a key element in this programme.

The programme has two parts:

• Research portfolio (four courses)

Research portfolio

The research portfolio comprises four 30-point courses that will develop your research competency, and enable you to make the transition from practitioner to researcher. All students are expected to attend portfolio blocs (usually four Saturdays each semester) throughout the year. You will have the support of your peers and the Doctor of Education team. The 4 courses are taken sequentially, one per semester:

• EDUCX01 EdD Research Portfolio Part I
• EDUCX02 EdD Research Portfolio Part II
• EDUCX03 EdD Research Portfolio Part III
• EDUCX04 EdD Research Portfolio Part IV

The portfolio development is designed to heighten your awareness of the broader context of education and develop critical academic and research skills. The research portfolio is integral to preparing your thesis, and satisfactory completion of the portfolio is required before starting your thesis.

Your thesis is an advanced study, based on independent research, aimed at contributing new knowledge to a relevant educational issue. You will have two supervisors for your thesis, who will have been identified during the portfolio development.

The outcomes for graduates of the Doctor of Education are outlined in the Graduate Profile below.

Graduates will develop skills that will assist them in a wide range of positions, including:

• Academic roles in the tertiary sector
• Senior educational management
• Civil service
• Public institutional education
• Formal and informal social and leadership roles
• Senior roles in the education system

Graduates will also be favourably placed for promotion and leadership responsibilities.

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar .

Doctor of Education

Designed specifically for educational professionals, this qualification is a supervised professional research degree designed to provide you with high quality, advanced research skills to extend your leadership credentials and abilities in education.

360 points, 3 years

• School of Education

School of Graduate Research

Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

Why study a EdD?

The Doctor of Education (EdD) will extend your academic knowledge and expertise so that it can be applied in the wide range of settings in which educators work. This programme is specifically designed for professional educators who have at least three years of experience as an educator and who have a desire to further their knowledge and skills in their educational practice and gain a doctorate.

Globally, this qualification has the same status as the PhD and is a benchmark in terms of researching education policy and practice. The EdD programme brings together professionals from a range of education contexts and backgrounds. This diversity adds richness to the learning experience and enhances your ability to engage in robust and innovative research.

Most educators study for the EdD part-time over 6-8 years whilst continuing their educational practice, but full-time study over 3-4 years is possible.

The EdD has two parts, a series of taught papers followed by supervised research. Part 1 comprises four taught papers, within which you can explore your specific study interest. These include choosing 2 out of 3 optional papers listed below (choice may be limited to when the papers are offered):

• EDUCA981 Advanced Education Inquiry: Pedagogies and Practices for Social Justice
• EDUCA982 Advanced Education Inquiry: Leading Educational Transformation
• EDUCA983 Advanced Education Inquiry: Policy, Context, Discourse

You will also need to complete the two compulsory papers listed below:

• EDUCA980 Advanced Education Inquiry: Research Paradigms and Theories
• EDUCA990 Advanced Education Inquiry: Research Design

You need to obtain an average grade of at least B+ across your first three papers and pass Research Design (EDUCA990) to qualify for Part 2.

Part 2 is supervised, independent research into an aspect of your educational practice, and builds on your learning in Part 1. It culminates in writing a thesis about your research.

If you are not sure about whether a full Doctor of Education is for you, or you are unsure about a research focus for your EdD, you can still get started with Advanced Education Studies through three other Advanced Education Studies pathways; Postgraduate Diploma in Education, Postgraduate Certificate of Education and Individual Paper Credit, outlined below.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education or Postgraduate Certificate of Education

A set of four taught papers that are selected from those available for Part 1 of the EdD above, with the exception of EDUCAT990, which is specific to the EdD.

This  Postgraduate Diploma in Education qualification allows you to get started on your papers whilst considering or searching for supervision. Once supervision has been secured you will be eligible to apply to transfer to the EdD, gaining credit for any of these papers that you have passed.

Or you may not wish to complete the whole Doctor of Education and instead take four Advanced Education Studies papers to get a qualification. This requires you to successfully pass four of these papers, normally within two years of part-time study.

A further alternative pathway is to successfully pass two of the Advanced Education Studies paper and take out a  Postgraduate Certificate of Education, normally within one year of part-time study.

Individual Paper Credit

A single paper selected from available for Part 1 of the EdD, with the exception of EDUCA990, which is specific to the EdD.

This credit allows you to test the waters in doctoral study. The paper is completed within one trimester of study. If you study goes well and you wish to continue, you can then transfer this credit to the Postgraduate Certificate (two papers required), Postgraduate Diploma (four papers required) or full EdD (subject to supervision availability) depending on how much further you wish to go.

Flexibility and Planning

These pathways offer flexibility of study programmes to suit your circumstances. You may also be able to pause your study between papers when required. For further information or to discuss a study plan, please contact the EdD Coordinator, Chris Eames ( [email protected] ), or the EdD Administrator, Jinah Lee ( [email protected] ).

Graduate outcomes

As a graduate of the EdD you will be able to contribute to the national and international scholarship of your chosen field as an experienced and competent professional practitioner. You will have developed an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the theoretical bases of empirical studies and professional practices in the relevant field of study to a level beyond that normally attained in master's programmes. You will apply knowledge and understanding gained in professional settings with the objective of enhancing the quality of teaching, learning and leadership and the well-being of colleagues and students.

You will have produced advanced, original, applied research and will be able to provide leadership at national and international levels in your field of practice. You will confidently present and defend your work in an appropriate academic and professional forum.

Degree information

To gain entry to the EdD, you need to:

1. have qualified for the award of a recognised teaching or allied professional qualification and must produce evidence of at least three years of competent service as an education practitioner, and

2. have qualified for the award of a New Zealand Bachelor's degree with Honours or Master's degree in a field relevant to the proposed research with at least Second Class Honours (First Division) or Distinction, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or

3. equivalent to these requirements (see the regulations below for more details.

You will be required to secure agreement from two eligible supervisors, one at least of whom is a continuing staff member of the University and the chief supervisor (normally this person would be in the Division of Education). You may have relationships with University staff which you can explore for possible supervision. If not, you can access staff interests and contact details in the  staff profiles here . You can also contact the EdD Coordinator, Chris Eames,  [email protected] , for advice.

One or both of these supervisors may be secured by you prior to enrolment, or during your Part 1 studies, but must be secured before enrolment in the final Part 1 paper, EDUCA990. The Division of Education will support you to secure appropriate and available supervision.

EdD Regulations

Higher Research Degree Application Process

Estimated fees

$8,579 per year

Domestic tuition fees

Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.

Scholarships

Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.

Relevant as of 20 February 2024.

All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees-free study .

$39,000 per year

International tuition fees

Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.

All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. 

Scholarships and prizes

Visit our  Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.

PhD research opportunities

Browse our available PhD or Doctoral opportunities , our research areas and potential supervisors.

What our students are saying

Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education

School Administrator - Postgraduate

Edd adviser, you’re viewing this website as a domestic student.

You’re currently viewing the website as a domestic student, you might want to change to international.

You're a domestic student if you are:

• A citizen of New Zealand or Australia
• A New Zealand permanent resident

You're an International student if you are:

• Intending to study on a student visa
• Not a citizen of New Zealand or Australia

Doctor of Education (EdD)

The University of Otago College of Education Doctor of Education (EdD) is a research degree designed for senior educational professionals.

The Doctor of Education provides the opportunity to:

• Engage in higher professional development
• Become a knowledgeable and critically reflective practitioner
• Acquire the knowledge and skills through coursework and supervised thesis research to conduct independent and high quality research in their workplace
• Contribute original knowledge to improving their profession

As an alternative doctoral-level degree to the PhD, the EdD is designed with an explicitly professional orientation. This programme graduates researching and scholarly professionals, rather than professional researchers, as is the expected outcome of the PhD programme.

Who Should Do an EdD?

You should be doing it if you are:

• A professional in education or related fields.
• Keen to acquire advanced research skills to study your own practice, investigate issues or problems that arise from the workplace, or to improve institutional practice.

What is the Programme of Study?

In the first year of the programme (July–June), you will complete a taught paper (EDDC 911).

Research Proposal

In the second year you will complete a research proposal and present it at a Confirmation Seminar.

Thesis Research

Thesis research will begin after confirmation of the thesis proposal. The thesis should be between 50,000 and 60,000 words in length.

Research to Practice Portfolio

As part of your thesis research you will submit a research to practice portfolio consisting of evidence documenting the connection between your research and professional practice and how the research has informed and enhanced your practice. The portfolio should be between 10,000 and 15,000 words in length.

The coursework will normally comprise part-time study while you complete EDDC 911 for a 12-month period, followed by 5–7 years of part-time study, or equivalent in full-time study. You should complete the whole programme in between six and eight years of part-time study, or equivalent in full-time study.

Entry Requirements

You should have:

• A Bachelor's degree in education or related fields, with first or upper second class Honours or equivalent; or
• A Bachelor's degree with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (with distinction or credit) or a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (with distinction or credit); or
• A Master's degree in education or related fields.

You are also required to show evidence of knowledge of research methods, and independent research experience. You should also have at least five years of professional experience in education or related fields.

What are the Delivery Methods?

• Primarily delivered as a distance programme.
• One-week compulsory residential school at the beginning of each year (early in July) for the first two years of study.
• Online seminars and workshops.
• Cohort-based, collaborative learning in a community of practice.
• Coursework taught by a team of senior academics and professionals.
• Theses supervised by leading researchers, facilitated by face-to-face meetings and/or advanced communication technologies.

Further information and application

Read more about the Doctor of Education and the postgraduate admission process . To apply, please use the yellow "apply now" button.

Applications open on 30 June and close 31 March annually. Please note that since this is a cohort-based programme, all applications are assessed together as a group, so you will not be informed of the outcome of your application until after applications close.

If you would like to talk to someone about the EdD, please contact [email protected]

This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2023 Calendar and supplementary material.

• Our campus and environment
• Campus maps
• Sustainability Hub
• Canterbury University Press
• Donating to UC
• Partnering with UC
• Corporate information
• Our structure
• Our rankings
• Getting started
• Admission and enrolment
• Study costs
• Qualifications
• Study support
• Scholarships
• Engineering
• Academic study options
• Transition programmes
• UC Graduate School
• Other study options
• School & community outreach
• Support and wellbeing
• Accessibility
• Accommodation
• Communities and clubs
• Financial support
• IT logins and tools
• Jobs and careers
• Safety and security
• Sports, fitness and recreation
• Student ID | Canterbury Card
• Student life
• Sustainability
• About UC's research
• Doing research at UC
• IP and commercialisation
• Research facilities and equipment
• Research and Innovation
• Research groups and centres
• Research specialities and projects
• Field stations

News and Events

Rongo o te wā.

• Regular events and celebrations
• Future students
• Current students
• International students
• Postgraduates
• open_in_new UC Online

PhDs and Doctoral degrees

A doctoral degree is the highest academic degree offered at UC. Those who earn it must show significant intellectual achievement, high scholarly ability, and great breadth of knowledge. Studying towards a doctoral degree will give you fresh knowledge, enable you to discover new things, and develop new skills. Check out the options and requirements.

Perhaps you have a burning intellectual curiosity about something, wish to advance your career or even change career direction and increase your employability and earning capacity. Either way you can be sure that studying towards a doctoral degree will give you fresh knowledge, allow you to discover new things, and develop new skills.

A doctoral degree is the highest academic degree offered at UC. Those who earn it must demonstrate significant intellectual achievement, high scholarly ability, and great breadth of knowledge.

In addition to your thesis research, UC offers a number of workshops and seminars for thesis students to develop general skills such as career planning, time management, networking, and communication skills. See the 'Further study' section below for more details.

A number of  scholarships and awards  are available for doctoral students.

Qualification options keyboard_arrow_down

Doctor of philosophy (phd).

A  Doctor of Philosophy  involves extensive and sustained original research in a subject of your choice, with the results being presented in a thesis. It is normally the highest academic qualification available and is a mark of intellectual ability and independence, critical thinking, self-discipline, and commitment. PhDs are offered in a wide range of subjects at UC, and are by thesis only.

Doctor of Education (EdD)

A  Doctor of Education  is a specialised doctorate designed for professionals in education and related fields. Built on a cohort model of inquiry, the Doctor of Education provides a structured, supportive, rigorous approach to doctoral study. The Doctor of Education builds leadership and commitment, fosters scholarly excellence, and allows candidates to connect educational research with questions of professional practice. Please note that this programme is not open to international students as the first two years of study are conducted part-time, and student visa conditions only allow for full-time study.

Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc)

The  Doctor of Health Sciences  offers clinical and non-clinical professionals collaborative research opportunities and contacts with local industry. Please note that this programme is not open to international students as the first two years of study are conducted part-time, and student visa conditions only allow for full-time study.

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

The  Doctor of Musical Arts  is a doctoral degree that is specific to advanced research in music composition or performance. It comprises scholarly research in the form of a supervised research thesis and performance practice in the form of public music performance or the presentation of compositions. International students will need to pay international fees for this doctorate.

Entry requirements keyboard_arrow_down

The minimum requirements to apply for doctoral study are that you should have completed, or be in the process of completing, a research-focused  honours degree  or  master's degree . For PhD study you must achieve this degree at either the level of First-Class or Second-Class Division I (or equivalent).

For international applicants, our International Office, in consultation with your host department, look at your previous qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the necessary background required to complete a doctoral degree at UC. You are also required to meet UC's  English language requirements  for admission.

Find out how to  apply for PhD and Doctoral degrees .

See also  Financial and Enrolment Information — Doctorate, Master's Thesis, and Dissertation Students Policy .

Identifying a supervisor

As part of the admissions process, you must  identify a potential research supervisor  before submitting a formal application to enrol in a PhD. A supervisor must be an academic member of staff at UC. Over 500 academics at UC have expertise in a large variety of topics. To identify experts in a given area and to find out about the research interests of staff in your discipline, you can search the school or department website, or the  UC Research Profile database .

If you identify any possible supervisors, please contact them directly to discuss your potential research topic and ascertain whether suitable supervision might be available. When you have identified a supervisor who is willing to support your application to enrol please  complete the admissions documents.

For more information visit the  Find a Supervisor webpage .

Specific qualification entry requirements

If you are applying for  Doctor of Musical Arts  study, you will typically require an audition, interview, and/or submission of previous academic work and recommendation from  Te Kura Puoro | School of Music .

A  Doctor of Health Sciences  requires at least five years of relevant professional practice in the clinical or non-clinical industry.

How do I plan my degree? keyboard_arrow_down

During your doctoral degree you will investigate a research topic and develop your research skills, culminating in the submission of a thesis for examination. The thesis undergoes examination by two independent examiners prior to you having an oral examination.

Your thesis must:

• be an original contribution to knowledge/understanding in its field
• meet internationally recognised standards for doctoral research in its field
• demonstrate knowledge of literature relevant to the field to which it belongs, and the ability to exercise critical and analytical judgment of that literature
• be satisfactory in its method, in the quality and coherence of its expression, and in its scholarly presentation and format.

The doctoral programmes are structured in PhD reporting milestones to track your progress. These must be submitted to the  Dean of Postgraduate Research  and approved every six months.

The exact structure of programme will vary based on the nature of the research being undertaken and agreed to with your senior supervisor.

You can begin a  Doctor of Philosophy  or  Doctor of Musical Arts  on the first day of any month of the year, and should regard study and research as a full-time occupation throughout the calendar year. The minimum period of enrolment if you are a full-time student is 3 years (PhD students should normally complete their thesis within 4 years). There are provisions for you to apply for part-time study, in which case the minimum period is 4.5 years, and you should complete your thesis within 6 years.

The first two years of the  Doctor of Education  and  Doctor of Health Sciences  degrees are part-time for all. These doctorates will take 4-6 years to complete, or part-time only for up to 6 years.

Further study keyboard_arrow_down

Additional skills and training opportunities.

In addition to providing world-class research supervision and facilities, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury is committed to providing PhD students with a range of opportunities to engage in a broader research-based experience, equipping students with research skills, introductions to professional networks, and enhanced career opportunities.

A UC doctoral graduate will not only be recognised for the quality of their research thesis, but will also have additional research skills and experiences.

While doing a doctorate at UC, you will have the opportunity to participate in:

• transferable skills workshops
• research design and statistical analysis workshops
• 'Surviving your Thesis' seminars
• networking opportunities, within and outside the University
• presentation experience
• social events.

Many doctoral students also have the opportunity to undertake teaching assistance work.

For social networking and events,  UC Postgraduate Students' Association (UC PGSA)  is run by students and works closely with the Dean of Postgraduate Research to enhance the UC postgraduate student experience.

Connect with us

By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

General enquiries

0800 827 748 (within NZ) +64 3 369 3999

info@canterbury.ac.nz

International enquiries

+64 3 364 3443

Ask a question

More contact details

See all contacts

Emergency contact details

Ext: 92111 (from a campus landline) Direct dial: 0800 823 637

Emergency information

University of Canterbury | A Fair Trade University

• Skip to main navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to Chat now
• Skip to footer

Get in touch with us for career information.

We're here from 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday – except Wednesdays when we're here from 9.30am to 5pm.

We're closed on all public holidays, including Wellington Anniversary.

Call 0800 601 301

Email us with your career question

• Doctor of Education - Auckland University of Technology

Doctor of Education

Auckland university of technology, subject area.

Qualification

Doctorate Level 10

Duration "> Tooltip

Total student fees

over 3 Years - details

Check out Fees Free to see whether you are eligible for a year of fees-free study or two years industry training. Contact your provider to confirm your study options meet the criteria.

About the course

What can i expect out of this qualification.

EdD graduates will have developed a very broad range of research and applied skills together with advanced analytical and critical thinking skills. They will be capable of demonstrating high levels of independence, professionalism, and leadership in their chosen field. They will achieve a high degree of research expertise in the topic area of their doctoral work. Graduates will also have further developed their personal capabilities and will be well placed to construct and apply advanced theoretical concepts and knowledge to investigate professional practice in a wide range of domains.

Key Information for Students

Entry requirements, minimum requirements "> tooltip.

A masters degree in education, or other masters or Bachelors degree with at least second-class honours in a relevant discipline; at least 5 years' professional experience in education or a related area.

Detailed requirements

See provider website for more details about entry to this qualification.

Tuition Fees

StudyLink website – information about student loans

A Compulsory Student Services Fee may be charged, see your provider for details.

Student Success

Successful course completions N/A Tooltip

National Graduate Outcomes

Outcomes for students who completed qualifications at the same level and in the same subject area, three years after completion:

All KIS information is the most recent data available and relates to domestic students only.

Click here for more information about the Key Information for Students

Contact details

Main campus office.

Free phone: 0800 288 864 Phone: (09) 921 9999 Fax: (09) 921 9812 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.aut.ac.nz

Where does this information come from?

The Key Information for Students data is compiled by the Tertiary Education Commission based on information provided by tertiary education providers and the Ministry of Education. Remember to check the provider’s website for further details.

NZQA supplies all other information based on material from the provider.

What to do if you find incorrect course information

MyQ is now closed. Find out more about MyQ

Back to top

• Search Jobs
• Search Employers
• Career planning
• Interviews and assessments
• Virtual Fairs
• Top 100 Employers
• Employers/Post job
• Institutions

University of Canterbury

Doctor of education.

Doctorate (PhD)

Key details

About this course.

The Doctor of Education is a specialised doctorate designed for professionals in education and related fields. Built on a cohort model of inquiry, the Doctor of Education provides a structured, supportive, rigorous approach to doctoral study.

The Doctor of Education builds leadership and commitment, fosters scholarly excellence, and allows candidates to connect educational research with questions of professional practice.

Entry requirements

Every student, before enrolling for the degree, must be approved by the Amo Rangahau | Dean of Postgraduate Research (or delegate) as having adequate qualifications, experience, and ability to pursue the proposed course.

You must have either:

• an Aotearoa New Zealand bachelor's degree with First or Second Class Honours; or
• a master's degree with Distinction or Merit; or
• an approved qualification of equivalent standing.

You will normally need to have a minimum of five years' experience in a relevant professional role. Most students usually continue to work in a relevant professional role while completing Part I of the degree.

In special circumstances, the Amo Rangahau | Dean of Postgraduate Research may approve the enrolment of a graduate who does not hold one of the qualifications above, but who has produced satisfactory evidence of adequate research experience, training, and ability to pursue the degree.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Doctor of Education or use the admission requirements checker.

Find out more about how to apply for PhD and Doctoral degrees.

Study locations

Main campus.

• Universities & Partners
• Our Network
• Partner Terms
• General Terms
• Advertiser Terms
• Privacy Policy
• Become Partner
• Knowledge Base
• Employer Login
• Student Login / Sign-up
• Search Courses
• Accounting Graduate Jobs
• Engineering Graduate Jobs
• Information Technology (IT) Graduate Jobs
• Graduate Jobs in Auckland
• Graduate Jobs in Christchurch
• Graduate Jobs in Wellington
• Graduate Jobs in New Zealand
• Accounting Internships
• Engineering Internships
• Business & Commerce Internships
• Law & Legal Clerkships and Internships
• Internships in Auckland
• Internships in Christchurch
• Internships in Wellington
• Auckland Council
• How to craft the perfect graduate CV
• How to write a winning cover letter
• What’s the average graduate salary in New Zealand?
• Prosple Australia
• Prosple India
• Prosple Indonesia
• Prosple United Kingdom
• Prosple Malaysia
• Prosple Philippines
• Prosple United States
• All Regions

Copyright 2024 © Prosple.  Graduate Jobs, Internships & Programmes in New Zealand

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

We use cookies to help us understand how you use our website so we can improve your experience. Visit our Website Privacy Statement or our cookies page .

Regulations for The Doctor of Education - EdD

Looking for general study information or to apply?

No new enrolments

This qualification is not accepting new enrolments.

Qualification Regulations

These regulations are to be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates .

1. Admission to the Degree of Doctor of Education requires that the candidate will:

(a) meet the University admission requirements as specified; and 

(b) have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor of Education or Teaching with Honours, or Master of Education, or an equivalent, with the award of First Class or Second Class Division I Honours; and

(c) have sufficient background and good standing in professional leadership in education to satisfy the Doctoral Research Committee they have the capacity to successfully undertake the programme.

Qualification requirements

2. Candidates for the Degree of Doctor of Education shall follow a parts-based programme of study, which shall consist of courses and a thesis, totalling at least 360 credits, comprising:

(a) Part One: Provisional Registration; and

(b) Part Two: Full Registration

and including:

(c) the courses listed in the Schedule for the Qualification

(d) a thesis

(e) participation in required activities including presentation of a proposal at a confirmation event and defending a thesis in an oral examination.

Specialisations

3. The Degree of Doctor of Education is awarded without specialisation.

Thesis Requirements

4. The thesis must demonstrate the candidate’s ability to carry out independent research, which must make a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding in education. The thesis shall be a cohesive and integrated report of the candidate’s supervised work and may consist of several studies or cases, and will include the candidate’s published or unpublished material or a combination of both.

5. There shall be one main supervisor, who shall be a member of the academic staff of the University, and at least one co-supervisor who shall also be a member of the academic staff of the University.

6. The thesis must comply with the following requirements:

(a) the work on which the thesis is based has not been accepted either in whole or in part for any other degree or diploma; and

(b) must clearly define the nature and extent of any assistance the candidate has received in pursuing the research on which the thesis is based;

(c) reference to work other than that of the candidate must be appropriately acknowledged;

(d) all relevant policies underpinning research practice have been complied with;

(e) the thesis must not exceed 65,000 words (excluding appendices and bibliography);

(f) the thesis must be submitted for examination in the manner specified by the Doctoral Research Committee in accordance with the published guidelines.

7. The thesis will be independently examined by an Examination Panel experienced in the subject area, appointed by the Doctoral Research Committee in accordance with published guidelines, and will include an oral examination of the candidate on the thesis and the subject area. The oral examination will not proceed if the examiners agree that the thesis is of an inadequate standard.

8. The Thesis Examination Panel shall make a recommendation to the Doctoral Research Committee on the whole examination and will advise the result of the examination by using one of the following categories:

(a) Pass without emendation.

(b) Emendations required

(c) Further research and re-examination required.

(d) Fail. The candidate shall not be awarded the degree and shall not be permitted to apply for re-examination.

9. If emendations are required the candidate will have a maximum of six months full time, or nine months part time, to complete the emendations and during this time the candidate will not be required to re-enrol. The candidate must complete the emendations to the satisfaction of the nominated examiner(s) or the candidate will be failed. Under these circumstances the candidate shall not be permitted to be re-examined. A candidate may only submit emendations for re-examination once.

10. If further research and re-examination is required, the candidate will have a maximum of one year full time and eighteen months part time to conduct the required additional research and/or revisions. The candidate must re-enrol and pay tuition fees on a pro-rata basis. A candidate may only revise and resubmit a thesis for re-examination once. If the candidate does not complete the revisions to the satisfaction of all the examiners, the candidate will be failed. Under these circumstances the candidate shall not be permitted to be re-examined.

11. No appeals are allowed except on completion of the examination process on the grounds of procedural irregularities in the examination process. For an appeal to be considered, applications must be received by the Doctoral Research Committee within three months of formal notification of the examination result by the Graduate Research School.

Student progression

12. For progression from Provisional Registration to Full Registration candidates must have:

(a) achieved a grade average of B+ or higher across the courses specified for the Provisional Registration;

(b) participated in a confirmation event, during which they have presented their proposal to, and had it accepted by, a confirmation committee;

(c) their proposed main supervisor and co-supervisor(s) approved by the Doctoral Research Committee.

13. Candidates are required to make successful progress in the thesis as determined by six-monthly progress reports in accordance with the guidelines published by the Doctoral Research Committee and assessed by the Supervisors, Head of Academic Unit, and the Doctoral Research Committee.

Completion requirements

14. A candidate’s period of registration (including provisional registration) shall be a minimum period of three years (36 months) and a maximum of four years (48 months) if full time, and a minimum period of four years (48 months) and a maximum of six years (72 months) if part-time, unless a specified time of suspension or extension has been approved by the Doctoral Research Committee. Suspensions or extensions granted will appear on the academic transcript.

15. The maximum period of registration shall include:

(a) completion of courses as listed in the Schedule to the Qualification;

(b) submission of a thesis in the manner required under the published Doctoral Research Committee guidelines;

(c) application to be examined;

(d) examination (including, completion of any emendations or re-examination);

(e) submission of four bound copies and one electronic copy of the final thesis.

16. Candidates may be graduated when they meet the Admission, Qualification and Thesis requirements within the prescribed timeframes; candidates who do not meet the requirements for graduation may, subject to the approval of Academic Board, be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Education should they meet the relevant Qualification requirements.

Unsatisfactory academic progress

17. For candidates enrolled in the Degree of Doctor of Education, the following will lead to termination of registration:

(a) failure to pass any one of the courses in Part One;

(b) failure to make adequate progress as required by the six-monthly progress reports in accordance with the guidelines published by the Doctoral Research Committee as assessed by the Supervisors, Head of Academic Unit, and the Doctoral Research Committee.

Schedule for the Doctor of Education

Course planning key, part one: provisional registration.

A critical analysis of the political, social, cultural, historical and philosophical perspectives of professionalism relating to education in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Particular attention will be focused on professionalism in action and professional lives.

Restrictions: 180911

A critical examination of educational theory, policy and practice in educational settings with a particular emphasis on reflective professional practice.

Prerequisites: One of 180910, 180911or 267911 Restrictions: 180912, 187918, 211916, 209919, 182915, 186917

This course prepares students to design, conduct and write a research thesis.

Prerequisites: 180911 and 180912 or 267911 and 267912 Restrictions: 180910, 180913

This course provides the vehicle for students to integrate the work in Parts I and II of the programme through the production and defence of a research proposal and any necessary pilot work in preparation for undertaking the thesis.

Restrictions: 180929

Part Two: Full Registration (Choose at least 240 credits from)

This component involves undertaking research based on the courses that precede it in the programme. In those courses students will develop the perspectives and strategies necessary to enable them within this component to pursue responses to research questions within the domain of professional education.

Restrictions: 180930

Looking for a previous version of this regulation?

• MyAucklandUni
• Student Services Online
• Class search
• Student email
• Change my password
• MyCDES+ (job board)
• Course outlines
• Learning essentials
• Libraries and Learning Services
• Forms, policies and guidelines
• New students
• Enrol in courses
• Campus card
• Postgraduate students
• Summer school
• AskAuckland
• Student Hubs
• Student IT Hub
• Student Health and Counselling
• Harassment, bullying, sexual assault and other violence
• Complaints and incidents
• Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)
• Ratonga Hauātanga Tauira | Student Disability Services (SDS)
• Rainbow support
• Covid-19 information for our community
• Emergency information
• Report concerns, incidents and hazards
• Health and safety topics
• Staff email
• Staff intranet
• ResearchHub
• PeopleSoft HR
• Forms register
• Careers at the University
• Education Office
• Early childhood centres
• University Calendar
• Opportunities
• Update your details
• Make a donation
• Publications
• Photo galleries
• Video and audio
• Career services
• Virtual Book Club
• Library services
• Alumni benefits
• Office contact details
• Alumni and friends on social media
• No events scheduled for today You have no more events scheduled for today
• Next event:
• Show {0} earlier events Show {0} earlier event
• Event_Time Event_Name Event_Description
• My Library Account
• Change Password
• Edit Profile
• My GPA Grade Point Average About your GPA GPA not available Why can't I see my GPA?
• My Progress
• Points Required Completed points My Progress Progress not available All done!
• Student hubs
• Health and counselling
• All support
• Health, safety and well-being

Breadcrumbs List.

• Education and Social Work
• Study with us
• Study options
• You are currently on: Doctoral programmes page. Open sub navigation overlay.

Doctoral programmes

Join our thriving community of doctoral candidates and help turn knowledge into tangible benefits for society.

• Doctor of Education 2024
• PhD in Education
• PhD in Social Work
• Research proposal guidelines
• Structuring your research proposal

Research areas

Find out how New Zealand’s cultural diversity is driving our faculty research in learning, equity and wellbeing.

Doctoral support services

Find out about the range of support services available to doctoral students, including study advice, skills development, money matters and personal wellbeing.

Information for new doctoral candidates

Explore the valuable resources available to you as you begin your research journey as a new candidate on a PhD or named doctorate.

Browse our directory of Education and Social Work academics, including their specialties and research interests.

Find a supervisor

Search the University’s database for information about our research staff, supervisors and ongoing projects and opportunities.

Doctoral stories

Meet doctoral candidates helping turn knowledge into tangible benefits for society.

Jump to section...

This dialog can be closed by pressing Escape close button .

You are using a very outdated browser, which means that some of the features may not work as intented. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Loading ...

The application is loading, please wait.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

This course is available

Level of Study

Doctoral Degree

Next start date

Expected Jul 2024

Grafton Campus

The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree and the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years.

This course is also offered at overseas locations.

Education focuses on teaching methodology based on the theory and practice of how people learn. It can be studied as part of a teaching qualification or within an Arts degree.

Education is broadly the study of learning and teaching at all stages of people's lives. It includes the history, sociology, philosophy, politics and psychology of education and teacher preparation.

Studying Education as a teaching qualification equips you with the knowledge and skills to be an excellent teacher. It covers a wide range of topics, including the theory and context of education, philosophy and ethics, the New Zealand curriculum, teaching specific subjects, and assessment. It looks at how people learn, how to work with whanau and communities, how to engage children in meaningful learning, the history and philosophy of education in New Zealand, te reo and tikanga Maori, and the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi. The programme also involves in-depth study of the NZ Curriculum and Te Whariki.

You can specialise in Early Childhood Education, Primary or Secondary teaching, Huarahi Maori (Maori-medium teaching), teaching Sport, Health and Physical Education, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in schools. Faculty of Education and Social Work: Available as a research area in the associated department subject to the availability of these topics and supervisors.

Programme structure

The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree.

On possible to the PhD programme, you will be enrolled provisionally. By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of goals to be confirmed into the PhD programme, including developing a full thesis proposal. After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis for examination after three years and within four years of your start date. The examination process includes an oral exam.

As part of your PhD study, you can take part in our doctoral skills programme, designed to help you achieve success in your research and develop skills for your future. We have a dedicated postgraduate careers advisor, and our library service includes specialist subject librarians to help you in your research. The central School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.

Where could this programme take you?

Our PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives you extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help you to develop entrepreneurship skills to run your own startup.

Entry criteria

Masters-level qualification or the equivalent of a bachelors degree with honours

Evidence of significant research, usually undertaken as part of prior study

English language requirements

• IELTS (Academic) - Overall score of 6.5 and no bands below 6.0
• Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) - Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21
• Paper-based TOEFL - Overall score of 68 and a writing score of 21
• C1 Advanced (previously - Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)) - Overall score of 176 and no bands below 169
• C2 Proficiency (previously - Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)) - Overall score of 176 and no bands below 169
• University of Auckland Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCertEAP) - Grade of B-
• University of Auckland English Pathway for Postgraduate Studies (EPPS) - Grade of B-
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 and no PTE Communicative score below 50
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) - 85
• Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE) - ISE III with a pass in all 4 components
• LanguageCert - International ESOL - C1 Expert (LRWS) with a high pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill OR C2 Mastery with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill
• AEMG English for Academic Purposes Direct Entry Program (AEAP DEP) Final Exam - Overall score of 70% with no section below 65%
• English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment - Assessment Level 3 overall and no skill below Level 2

Studying in NZ

Share this course

1 Doctor of Education Degrees in Education in New Zealand for 2024

• Doctor of Education
• New Zealand
• Education (1)
• United Kingdom (0)
• Australia (0)
• Bachelor (0)
• Certificate (0)
• Diploma (0)
• Associate of Applied Science (0)
• Associate Degree (0)
• Graduate Certificate (0)
• Associate of Arts (0)
• Summer Course (0)
• Advanced Diploma (0)
• Graduate Diploma (0)
• Postgraduate Diploma (0)
• Foundation Year (0)
• Postgraduate Certificate (0)
• A-level (0)
• Preparatory Program (0)
• Doctor of Education (1)
• Advanced Certificate (0)
• Juris Doctor (0)
• Undergraduate Pathway (0)
• Undergraduate Certificate (0)
• Graduate Pathway (0)
• 2 years (0)
• 3 years (1)
• 4+ years (0)
• Full time (0)
• Part time (1)
• English (1)
• Spanish (0)
• Portuguese (0)
• Italian (0)
• On-Campus (0)
• Distance Learning (1)
• Blended (0)
• Master Degrees
• Masters of Arts
• Bachelor Degrees
• Postgraduate Diplomas
• Bachelors of Arts
• Postgraduate Certificates
• Bachelors of Science
• Certificates
• Foundation Year Programs
• Graduate Diplomas
• Masters of Science

Popular degree type

Popular study format

Popular education type

Doctor of Education Degrees in Education

Those who pursue education as a career will undergo courses that are designed to train future educators. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of courses designed for students who wish to supplement any teaching credentials. These courses are offered at various institutions across the globe.

New Zealand is a country of stunning and diverse natural beauty. Kiwi are not only one of the national symbols – the others being the silver fern leaf and koru – but also the name New Zealanders usually call themselves. Overseas students will need to pay the full tuition fees and their own living costs while studying at a New Zealand institution.

The Doctor of Education degree allows education professionals to further their knowledge in specialized areas of study. Graduates can be prepared for roles in academia, administration, or policymaking in either educational or civic institutions.

Visiting a doctor

On this page, enrolling with a general practice, choosing your general practice, what you’ll pay, specialist care, after-hours care, it’s free to enrol.

It’s free to enrol with a general practice – but they may charge a consultation fee each time you go to see them after that.

General practices normally charge a higher fee, often called a casual rate, for patients that aren’t enrolled with their practice.

If you enrol with a general practice, your care will be subsidised – so you’ll pay a reduced consultation fee.

Who can enrol?

General practices can only enrol people who are eligible for publicly funded primary health services. When you enrol, you may be asked to show proof of eligibility – such as your passport or birth certificate. You’ll be asked to sign an enrolment form.

In New Zealand, you can choose the general practice that you visit.

• For a list of practices and their fees, check the website of your local  primary health organisation   (PHO).
• The New Zealand Medical Council   has a register of practising GPs and advice on choosing a doctor.

A general practice may ‘close its books’ if it can’t safely take on any more patients. If this happens, the practice should refer you to their PHO for help with finding another practice. The PHO may put you on a waiting list and arrange for you to get care in the meantime.

Your medical record

Your medical record is kept with the general practice you’re enrolled with, but any health professional involved in your care can look at your record. You can ask to look at your record at any time.

The Privacy Commissioner website has advice on  health privacy .

General practices are private businesses and set their own fees for consultations and other health services. While the fees charged must be within a certain threshold agreed to by Health New Zealand (HNZ) and PHOs, the level of co-payment is determined by the practices.

The cost of a visit will be lower if you’re enrolled with the practice, because the Government subsidises the fee for enrolled patients.

Some general practices join a Very Low Cost Access (VLCA) programme run by their primary health organisation (PHO). This means they get extra Government funding to keep their fees at low levels for all enrolled patients. Most general practices offer zero fee visits for children aged 13 and under, and most non-VLCA practices offer cheaper visits for Community Services Card holders and their dependants.

• For a list of practices and their fees, check the website of your local   PHO .

Zero fees for children aged 13 and under

All children aged 13 and under are eligible for free general practice visits, both during the day and after-hours. Not all general practices provide free visits, so check with your general practice first.

For more information visit   Zero fees for under-14s

Community Services Cards

If you're visiting a general practice where you’re not enrolled, you’ll pay less if you have a Community Services Card.

Community Services Card holders also get cheaper visits at the general practice they’re enrolled with. This also applies to injury-related visits at most practices, which are covered by ACC.

More information is available on the   Work and Income website   or phone   0800 559 009   to see if you’re eligible for a Community Services Card.

If you have a long-term health condition or a terminal illness, you may be eligible for   Care Plus .

General practices get extra Government funding for Care Plus patients, so the practice can provide additional care at no further cost to the patient.

General practices can charge a fee for services provided outside of a consultation, such as a repeat prescription or referral letter to a specialist.

Maternity care

Mothers of babies born in New Zealand are entitled to free essential care during and after their pregnancy. Go to   Services and support during pregnancy   to find out more

Your doctor may refer you to a hospital or specialist doctor for further assessment or diagnosis.

• Specialist care is free through the public health system, but you may go on a waiting list.
• If you want to get specialist advice quickly, you may wish to use a private hospital or specialist. You will have to pay a fee for this, unless you have private health insurance.

Call Healthline for free health advice from registered nurses, 24 hours a day. Phone   0800 611 116 .

General practices are usually open business hours, Monday to Friday. Every practice is required to have arrangements for their patients to receive care outside these hours.

Check with your practice where you should go if you do need care outside working hours. (You might have to visit an after-hours accident and medical clinic or another practice.)

Changing your general practice

When you enrol with a new general practice, you’ll be asked to sign a form so your records can be transferred from your old practice.

• A practice should not refuse to enrol new patients unless they already have too many patients.
• A practice can terminate your enrolment if there is an ‘irreparable breakdown’ in the relationship.

If you wish to make a complaint about the care you get from your general practice, contact the   Health and Disability Commissioner   or the   New Zealand Medical Council .