Information for Applicants 2026
Applications are invited for the National EdD (Wales), part-time programme being co-delivered by Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Wrexham University from January 2027.
This programme is for educators who have completed the National MA Education (Wales), or any other Education Masters degree, where equivalency can be demonstrated.
Please use the link here to apply for this programme: National EdD (Wales) 2026-2027 – Fill in form
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:
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 – materials and expertise is available in both Welsh and English promoting scholarship in both languages.
3. Communities of Practice (compulsory) – 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. Communities of Practice (CoPs) meet regularly for mutual academic support and reciprocal engagement during the programme.
4. 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.
5. Blended Learning (compulsory) – 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). Attendance at the on-campus residential EdD Summer School (July 2027)
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)
The application process for the National EdD programme comprises two parts.
Part one
Applicants to complete the application form via this link:
Addysg Cenedlaethol (Cymru) 26-27 – Llenwch Ffurflen (To complete in Welsh)
National EdD (Wales) 26-27 Application Form (To complete in English)
Applicants should also submit the following to NationalMAEducation@Cardiffmet.ac.uk by 5.30pm on 14th August 2026.
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 this research is important.
- Reference list (this will not count as part of 1000 words)
Evidence of Masters degree qualification (including classification and dissertation title). Please submit PDF files only.
A signed and dated reference from your line manager or Headteacher
(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. If successful at interview, applicants will be asked to register directly with the institution of their choice.
Funding
Welsh Government funding is available to educators employed in Wales* who can demonstrate that they meet the academic criteria. There are 20 funded places available for the-2027 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
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 4 partnership HEI’s that include, Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Wrexham 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) which should be submitted as a signed and dated acknowledging all compulsory taught sessions and attendance at the National EdD Summer School
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 five taught sessions and five Community of Practice meetings (January to June 2027) and an on-campus residential EdD Summer School (July 2027). All sessions including the Summer School are compulsory. 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.
Link to FAQs National EdD Admissions 2027 FAQs.docx