Doctorate (PhD)
The Doctor of Education is a research-based program comprising coursework and a substantial thesis. It is designed for experienced, professional educators and education leaders who operate in a fast-changing environment, where innovation, creativity, problem-solving and collaboration are key professional attributes.
You'll undertake a project with practical implications in the education sector, building your research skills to make a significant and original contribution to the profession. Researchers will be aligned to the School of Education research concentrations. These are the Sustainability, Environment and the Arts in Education (SEAE) Research Cluster and the TeachLab Research Group
This professional Doctorate develops focused, high-level capacity-building through strategic problem solving and transdisciplinary knowledge.
Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in education and educational policy. As experts in their area of investigation, they can make a significant contribution to the profession.
The Doctor of Education is a fee-free course.
To qualify for admission to a Professional Doctorate, applicants must:
a. demonstrate relevant professional experience as considered acceptable by the Dean, Graduate Studies; and
b. meet one of the following criteria:
i. possess a Bachelor's degree from Southern Cross University, or equivalent; or
ii. possess a Masters degree from Southern Cross University, or equivalent; or
iii. submit evidence of other professional qualifications as will satisfy the Dean, Graduate Studies that the applicant possesses suitable and relevant professional knowledge and/or experience; and
c. satisfy such additional requirements for admission to Professional Doctorate candidature, if any, as may be prescribed by the Higher Degrees Research Committee.
Coursework core units include:
Thesis:
Doctor of Education (EdD) candidates design and conduct original research under the supervision of at least two supervisors in a cohort model. Candidates are required to write a thesis of 50,000 words or equivalent.
Graduates are highly skilled professionals who are well-prepared for leadership roles in the education and educational policy sectors. Graduates are experts in an area of investigation who make a significant contribution to their profession.
To be eligible for the award of a Professional Doctorate, a candidate will:
a. complete the prescribed 4 coursework units (96 credit points);
b. complete the Professional Doctorate Thesis Unit (192 credit points) involving an original investigation, review, criticism or design;
c. maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the Dean, Graduate Studies in consultation with the Principal Supervisor and relevant Director, Higher Degree Research Training;
d. be confirmed through the Confirmation of Candidature process;
e. complete in-candidature review process 12 months post successful Confirmation of Candidature;
e. submit for examination, and have accepted, a thesis prepared under the supervision of the Principal Supervisor; and
f. complete such other work as may be prescribed by the Dean, Graduate Studies.