Part one is the modular stage of the programme and spans two years. You cover four modules, including evidence and education policy, professional learning, researching education practice as social research and the thesis proposal. These modules are assessed by written assignments and presentations. They are fitting for a research community, such as: a paper for submission to a journal; a conference paper with associated presentation and rationale; a small-scale research project to explore methodological issues; or a traditional essay.
Core modules
Evidence and Education Policy (EDD801)
Students will consider the influence of policy discourses on the education aspects of their particular professional disciplines. Discourses will be compared over time and across professional and cultural contexts. Evidence for policy development and implementation will be examined. The ways in which various groups are privileged and marginalised by different discourses will be considered, as will the links between policy, systems, working practices and professional identities
Professional Learning (EDD802)
This module critically evaluates models of professionalism and professional learning set within the context of theories of expertise. It argues that for genuine organisational improvement, strategies and approaches must evolve from practitioners themselves. Models, approaches and the many issues surrounding practitioner research are explored
Researching Educational Practice as Social Research (EDD803)
Students will develop a theoretical frame for their doctoral research by looking at social theories and their ontological and epistemological basis and relating them to the field in which they are and their own research interests. They will consider how and why people do research and examine methodologies, approaches and methods, particularly in an applied practitioner research context. Students develop skills to design, conduct, analyse, write up and critically evaluate research.
Professional Doctorate in Education Thesis Proposal (EDD804)
The focus of this module is the preparation of a project proposal which identifies the area of study and methodology for students’ thesis research. Students build on their own work on the programme thus far to develop a plan for a project which has the conceptual and methodological potential to generate new knowledge at the forefront of the discipline.