Doctor of Education

This qualification includes the various specialisations. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.

• Provides high-level leaders in the broad field of education who possess expert and growing knowledge of some aspects of education.
• Accredits learners who contribute to knowledge of education by accomplishing advanced and independent inquiry.
• Fosters the generation and contribution of well-grounded knowledge about education.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Masters of Education, NQF Level 9.

1. Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the wider subject of education in relation to specialised bodies of theoretical and applied knowledge relevant to an area of study or practice in education.
2. Engage in the practices of systematic and disciplined thinking.
3. Demonstrate competence in the practices of educational research to satisfy current international standards.
4. Provide contextualised academic leadership in a range of institutional contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 1

• Be familiar with the main strands of theoretical and policy debate in the area of study.
• Show in-depth knowledge of the conceptual theories that constitute the field in which learners chosen topic is situated.
• Have a theoretically sophisticated mastery of the literature in the specific area of professional or academic study.
• Apply acquired knowledge and skills effectively in diverse educational contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 2

• Show full commitment to the ideas of disciplined study.
• Deal with complexity, ambiguity, lacunae and lack of coherence in the knowledge base of education.
• Provide independent critical analysis of data and theories in the field of education.
• Generate a variety of alternative solutions to educational problems and demonstrate some intellectual independence and analytical skills in developing systematic arguments.
• Show ability to justify claims and conclusions with appropriate evidence and argument.
• Generate systematic and rigorous theorising in the field of educational theory, policy and practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 3

• Access and use a wide range of appropriate sources to acquire information.
• Demonstrate a capacity for sustained research with results that encroach upon the frontiers of present knowledge.
• Produce a well-ordered thesis in which:
• Clearly set out the central argument and its relations with current and earlier strands of thinking.
• Specify research strategy.
• Present and evaluate the original research findings appropriately.
• The implications for knowledge in and thinking about the broader area of inquiry are formally assessed.
• Acquire and assess further knowledge in the field of education and to identify suitable topics for further investigation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 4

• Advise and supervise others efficiently in their educational research.
• Interpret educational principles and concepts with relevance in a variety of institutional contexts.
• Contribute, at a sophisticated level, to debate in a relevant area of education and interact effectively within an academic or professional community.
• Provide collaborative leadership in relation to an area of educational study or practice.
• Work with others in identifying problems and finding and assessing ways of improving educational practice.
• Stimulate and encourage others to become engaged in disciplined thinking about education towards the development of education.

Integrated assessment

• Written thesis.