EdD - The Sheffield EdD
School of Education,
Faculty of Social Sciences

Course description
The Sheffield EdD is a vibrant and successful distance learning 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.
The main aim of the programme is that students develop their own high standards of research that will be relevant to a range of professional and managerial careers.
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, under the supervision of their own personal supervisor.
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 will also benefit from networking opportunities with fellow students.
How to apply
1. 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 exisiting research skills and experiences. The statement should be succinct and tightly structured.
2. You'll also need to provide a piece of writing of approximately 2,000 words that you have produced. This could be:
- 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.
- a proposal for your study, providing a rationale for your focus and your initial ideas for a methodology
You could also make up a portfolio consisting of one or more of these types of documents.
Please upload this piece of writing to the Course Supporting Documents section of the online application form.
Modules
Duration
Part-time (distance learning):
- Part I: 2–4 yrs PT
- Part II: 2–4 yrs PT
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 two years’ professional experience within a relevant field.
English language requirements
Overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or equivalent.
Fees and funding
Staff from the University of Sheffield applying for the EdD do not pay fees for Part 2 of the programme (the research component). More information for staff candidates (requires University login).
Apply
You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
education-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 8177
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.