Nat EdD (Wales) Expression of Interest
National EdD (Wales) Doctor of Education
Information for Applicants
Applications are invited for the National EdD (Wales), part-time programme being co-delivered by Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, and Cardiff Metropolitan University from January 2025.
This programme is for educators who have completed the National MA Education (Wales), or any other Education Masters degree, where equivalency can be demonstrated.
Information about the National EdD (Wales) Programme
The distinctive features of the programme are:
1. Progression – students who have completed the National Masters (Wales), and those with other equivalent Masters qualifications, can pursue higher level study that affords them the breadth of expertise and the quality of support from participating Universities.
2. Bilingual provision –delivery and expertise in both languages is an important feature of the National EdD (Wales) hence promoting scholarship in both languages.
3. Communities of Practice – a ‘National EdD (Wales) Cohort’ model will create an infrastructure of connected, highly qualified individuals, working at doctoral level, who will be best placed and motivated to help the Welsh system move forward. The National EdD (Wales) programme will require national EdD (Wales) students to form their own communities of practice for support and reciprocal engagement during the programme.
4. Expertise – leading academics in Wales and international experts will offer clear, consistent, and regular grounded guidance to help students navigate their way successfully through doctoral-level study. The collective nature of the expertise available to students on the National EdD (Wales) will go beyond that normally experienced at a single institution.
5. Blended Learning – the National EdD (Wales) will ensure that participants benefit from a blended learning approach to maximise flexibility with dedicated supervision throughout their studies.
6. The National EdD (Wales) design affords practitioners within a wide range of educational contexts, the opportunity to follow a part-time level 8 programme of study, through collective support and advice from the participating universities to successfully complete doctoral-level work.
Applying for the EdD (Wales)
To apply for the National EdD programme, applicants will need to provide evidence of their Masters degree (including classification and dissertation title) plus a response to the a, b, and c below. This information comprises an initial expression of interest and needs to be sent to Professor Michelle Jones (National EdD Programme Director) at MSJones@cardiffmet.ac.uk
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- Applicant’s current role and responsibilities plus a preferred choice of institution where they will register. i.e.
Aberystwyth
Bangor
Cardiff Metropolitan University
(NB. Although each National EdD doctoral student will register at one institution, the National EdD cohort will engage in shared learning experiences, conferences, and networking opportunities plus a face-to-face, on-campus EdD Residential for all students (July 11th and 12th 2025).
b) Applicant’s funding route:
□Welsh Government Funding
□Institutional Funding
□Self Funding
c) Applicants will need to submit a 500 abstract outlining the following elements:-
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- Reasons for the interest in pursuing the National EdD (Wales)
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- Proposed title with an area of investigation or research study.
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- Proposed research question (s)
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- Background or context for the study
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- Proposed research design/methodology
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- Why applicants feel that this research is important.
Structure of National EdD (Wales)
Applicants who have completed the National MA Education (Wales) or an equivalent Masters programme (in education) will progress on to phase 1 (Year 1) of the National EdD Wales with 120 level 7 taught credits that will be imported.
PHASE 1 (Year 1 EdD)
Phase 1 of the National EdD (Wales) comprises a taught 60-credit module at level 8 ‘Planning for Doctoral Study and Thesis Preparation’. This module will be delivered synchronously online through four taught blocks (January to October 2025) and a compulsory on-campus residential EdD Summer School (July 11th -12th 2025, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff campus). Students will also have dedicated support through the Professional Learning Passport (PLP) platform.
PHASE 2 (Years 2 to 6 EdD)
Phase 2 of the National EdD (Wales) will require students to undertake empirical research resulting in the completion of a thesis of doctoral standard. Academic supervisors will support students throughout this phase.
Following an expression of interest submission, applicants who meet the criteria will be required to participate in an interview process. They will then be asked to register directly with the institution of their choice.
Further queries on the EdD can be directed to nationalmaeducation@cardiffmet.ac.uk in the first instance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Who is the EdD programme intended for?
The National EdD (Wales) is a part-time Doctor of Education programme co-delivered by Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, and Cardiff Metropolitan University. It is designed for educators who have completed the National MA Education (Wales) or other equivalent Masters degrees.
Equivalency will need to be demonstrated for non-National MA graduates.
2. How is the programme structured?
Phase 1 (Year 1): A taught 60-credit module titled “Planning for Doctoral Study and Thesis Preparation,” delivered online and including a compulsory summer school in Cardiff.
Phase 2 (Years 2-6): Students will undertake empirical research, resulting in a doctoral-level thesis with support from academic supervisors.
2. How do I apply for the National EdD (Wales)?
To apply, you must:
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- Submit evidence of your Masters degree (classification and dissertation title).
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- Provide your current role, responsibilities, and your preferred institution (Aberystwyth, Bangor, or Cardiff Metropolitan).
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- Indicate your funding route: Welsh Government Funding, Institutional Funding, or Self-Funding.
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- Submit a 500-word abstract including:
- Reasons for interest in the EdD.
- Proposed title and research question(s).
- Background and context of the research.
- Proposed research design/methodology.
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- Importance of the research.
- Submit a 500-word abstract including:
6. What funding options are available?
Applicants can seek funding through:
Welsh Government Funding
Institutional Funding
Self-Funding
7. What is the deadline for applying?
Applications should be sent to Professor Michelle Jones (National EdD Programme Director) at MSJones@cardiffmet.ac.uk. The document doesn’t specify a particular deadline, but the programme is set to begin in January 2025, so early submission is advisable.
8. Will there be any in-person components?
Yes, the programme includes a compulsory on-campus EdD Summer School, which will take place on July 11th and 12th, 2025, at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
9. How can I get more information?
For further questions, you can contact nationalmaeducation@cardiffmet.ac.uk.
10. What happens after I submit my application?
Applicants who meet the initial criteria will participate in an interview process. Following successful completion of the interview, you will be asked to register with the institution of your choice.