Entry requirements

You should hold both a bachelor's degree (normally first or second class honours or equivalent) and an appropriate masters degree, or equivalent.

You should also have a minimum of five years' professional experience within a relevant field.

How to apply

You'll need to provide a short personal statement of no more than 1,000 words. This should explain your reasons for applying for the programme and indicate how your work will relate to one of our research clusters or networks. We are also keen to hear about your existing research skills and experiences. The statement should be succinct and tightly structured.
You'll also need to provide a piece of writing of approximately 2,000 words that you have produced. You could make up a portfolio consisting of one or more of these types of documents:
- a short extract from a longer piece of your academic writing (for example a masters thesis or published journal article)
- an extract from an analytical document or report that you have written in the course of your professional duties (for example a policy document, a review of practice in education, an internal report written for your institution or employer) or journalism that you have published (for example Times Higher Education (THE), The Times Higher Education Supplement (THES), Union Magazine.
You must also submit a 750 to 1,000 word research proposal summarising your chosen area of study, including references to key literature in your field.

Next steps

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by the programme director and a member of the EdD team. In the interview you will be asked to give a five-minute presentation based on your research proposal and identify two potential supervisors from the School of Education academic team.

Interviews will take place in November, February and July. Further interview dates may be arranged if places on the programme are still available.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 31 July 2026.

This course will help you develop your own high standards of research that can be applied to a range of professional and managerial careers. You can study from anywhere at any time and share experiences with fellow students during the study weekends in Sheffield.

Course description

The Sheffield EdD is a vibrant and successful distance learning doctoral programme which attracts students from all over the world. The programme is based on a structure of study weekends, so you can study from anywhere at any time and also share experiences with fellow students at the weekend study schools in Sheffield.

Designed for experienced professionals working in the field of education who are currently mid-career or senior leaders, this professional doctoral degree will enable you to develop the expertise to design, implement and apply research to address current educational problems/issues.

The Doctorate in Education has been designed to enhance your knowledge and understanding of contemporary educational issues across a range of topics whilst developing your research skills and academic writing. The EdD will challenge you to think differently about issues impacting your role, practice, and the wider educational sector. You will develop your own areas of specialism relating to your role across theory, policy, pedagogy and practice supported by our expert academic staff.

Programme structure

The EdD is divided into two parts. Part 1 is the taught element of the course and runs over two years, while Part 2 is the research component.

In Part 1, students undertake modules which focus on research training in preparation for Part 2.

In Part 2, students undertake an independent study in an area of their choice and submit a doctoral thesis, under the supervision of a supervisory team.

Study weekends

The weekend study schools are held in Sheffield and are a rewarding feature of the programme. You'll have the chance to take part in lectures, workshops, seminars and group and individual tutorials. You'll also benefit from networking opportunities with fellow students.

Dates for study weekends

Weekend 1: 30 October to 1 November 2026
Weekend 2: 26 to 28 February 2027
Weekend 3: 14 to 16 May 2027

These are our confirmed dates, but dates may change due to factors beyond our control. If dates change we'll give you as much warning as possible.

Study weekends form a key part of your learning experience - they are:

compulsory for students on the Part 1 element of the course, there are three per year and the dates are listed above.
optional for students on the Part 2 element of the course.

Please see our University website for the most up-to-date course information here

Information for international students

English language requirements

Overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or equivalent.

Other English language qualifications we accept

Fees and funding

https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026/edd-sheffield-edd-edd#feesfunding

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

EdD
part time
24-48 months
- Distance learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: Postgraduate Admissions Tutor
Email: study@sheffield.ac.uk

Visit website

Apply

EdD - The Sheffield EdD