National EdD Wales 2026 Application Information
National EdD (Wales) Doctor of Education
Applications for 2026 are now open
National EdD (Wales) Doctor of Education
Information for Applicants 2026
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 2026.
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
As part of the Welsh Government’s ongoing commitment to establishing an evidence-informed profession and enhancing opportunities for educators in Wales, the Cabinet Secretary for Education has supported the development of a new bilingual National Education Doctorate (EdD) (Wales) that was successfully launched in January 2025. Building on the National MA Education (Wales) and the existing strong partnership between Universities in Wales, the National EdD (Wales) offers a clear progression route for professionals who are keen to build upon the learning and research experience gained in their Masters, by working with academics and research experts across the participating Welsh Universities and with experts internationally.
The distinctive features of the programme are:
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.
Bilingual provision – delivery and expertise in both languages is an important feature of the National EdD (Wales) hence promoting scholarship in both languages.
Communities of Practice – a ‘National EdD (Wales) Cohort’ model creates an infrastructure of connected, highly qualified individuals, working at doctoral level, who are best placed and motivated to help the Welsh system move forward. The National EdD (Wales) programme requires national EdD (Wales) students to form their own Communities of Practice (CoPs) for support and reciprocal engagement during the programme.
Expertise – leading academics in Wales and international experts provide 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) goes beyond that normally experienced at a single institution.
Blended Learning – the National EdD (Wales) ensures that participants benefit from a blended learning approach to maximise flexibility with dedicated supervision throughout their studies. Distance Learning materials to support online teaching sessions are available via the EWC’s Professional Learning Passport (PLP).
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)
The application process for the National EdD programme comprises two parts.
Part one
Applicants should submit the following to Professor Michelle Jones, Director of the National EdD Programme via NationalMA@Cardiffmet.ac.uk by July 31st 2025.
A Research Proposal (Maximum 1000 words) to include:-
- Reasons for pursuing the National EdD (Wales).
- Proposed title with an area of investigation or research study.
- Proposed research question (s)
- Rationale, background or context for the study: what research has already been done in this area?
- Proposed research design/methodology
- Why applicants feel that this research is important.
- Reference list (this will not count as part of 1000 words)
Evidence of Masters degree (including classification and dissertation title). Please submit PDF files only.
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).
Part two
Applicants who are successful at Part One will be invited to attend an online interview to discuss their Research Proposal. They will then be asked to register directly with the institution of their choice.
Funding
Welsh Government funding is available to educators employed in Wales* who successfully demonstrate that they meet the academic criteria. There are 30 funded places available for the-2026 intake. Other funding options include self-funding or institutional funding.
*Educators considered eligible for Welsh Government funding for this programme include;
- Qualified teachers
- Teaching Assistants or Higher-Level Teaching Assistants who meet the academic entry requirements for the programme
- Estyn inspectors
- Local authority / local authority partnership advisors
In order to be eligible for Welsh Government funding, candidates must;
- meet the academic entry requirements of the HEI
- be accepted / enrolled on this specific National EdD (Wales) Doctor of Education programme offered by the 3 partnership HEI’s that include, Aberystwyth University, Bangor University and Cardiff Metropolitan University
- either:
- work in a maintained school in Wales and:
- be registered with the EWC (which must be maintained through the course of the programme)
- be employed on a minimum of 0.4FTE contract, this can include supply teachers who are on long-term contracts either with a local authority, school or agency
- work as an Estyn inspector, or
- work for a local authority or local authority partnership in a school advisory capacity.
- have the support of their Headteacher or equivalent (Principal, MD, CEO, Head of Service).
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 2026) and a compulsory on-campus residential EdD Summer School (July 2026). 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.
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.
3. How do I apply for the National EdD (Wales)?
To apply, you must:
- Submit evidence of your Masters degree (classification and dissertation title).
- Provide a letter of support from your line manager,
- Provide your current role, responsibilities, and your preferred institution (Aberystwyth, Bangor, or Cardiff Metropolitan).
- Indicate your funding route: Welsh Government Funding, Institutional Funding, or Self-Funding.
- Submit a 1000-word abstract including:
- Reasons for pursuing the National EdD (Wales).
- Proposed title with an area of investigation or research study.
- Proposed research question (s)
- Rationale, background or context for the study: what research has already been done in this area?
- Proposed research design/methodology
- Why applicants feel that this research is important.
- Reference list (this will not count as part of 1000 words)
4. What funding options are available?
Applicants can seek funding through:
Welsh Government (please see eligibility criteria above)
Institutional Funding
Self-Funding
5. Will there be any in-person components?
Yes, the programme includes a compulsory on-campus Nat EdD Summer School, which will take place in July 2026, at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Applicants will need to evidence support from their Headteacher/line manager prior to application.
6. How can I get more information?
For further questions, you can contact nationalmaeducation@cardiffmet.ac.uk.
7. 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.
Closing date for January 2026 entry: July 31st 2025