Unit Descriptions for the EdD Program
EdD Part-Time Load
Year 1 Semester 1
EDCX 782 Researching Professional Contexts 12cp—In this unit EdD candidates will critically analyse a number of published workplace based research studies and explore the role of how research can drive educational change. They will go on to explore a range of conceptual frameworks and situate their own research project within a particular research paradigm.
Year 1 Semester 2
EDUC 797 Proposal Writing 12cp—In this unit doctoral students critically analyse one or more research portfolios or dissertations previously submitted by EdD candidates, and ultimately develop their own research proposal.
Portfolio or Dissertation at Doctorate level
EDUC 799 - Portfolio or Dissertation at Doctorate level
Once students have successfully completed the units above, they proceed to the major research component of the EdD. This can be reported as either a dissertation (in-depth with a single focus) or a portfolio (broader with several linked foci).
Although some students opt to undertake a dissertation for their research project, most current students see the portfolio as the more attractive option and the one most appropriate for their needs. We take the stand that a portfolio of research is more consistent with the nature of professionals' lives in that professionals have many researchable questions and that these questions need answers in the medium rather than the long term. Professionals operate on many fronts at the same time. Furthermore, we believe that rigorous research is possible in site-based projects. Additionally, other professionals are adept at reading case studies and taking what is valuable from such research. Furthermore, part of the rationale behind the portfolio is that it will accommodate professional workers who in the present environment may change workplace during the course of their research. If this occurs, the greater flexibility of the portfolio should make continuity of the research project easier than might be the case with a dissertation. However, for a doctoral level degree it is clearly important to maintain academic rigour and if students undertake a broad research project made up of a number of studies there is a danger of loss of rigour and depth. The requirement that the portfolio includes a linking paper is intended to provide rigour as it ensures that students provide a theoretical framework and strong contextualisation for their research. (Maximum of 70,000 words) (96 credit points)
The following links to files provide further information on the concept of a portfolio:
Producing the Professional Doctorate (PDF)
Defining the Professional Doctorate (Word document)
Doctoring the Portfolio (Word document)
Writing up a Professional Doctorate Portfolio (Word document)
Portfolios on the Agenda (Word document)
What does a Professional Doctorate Portfolio look like? (PDF)
Confirmation of Candidature Requirements
The University of New England now requires all doctoral candidates who commenced candidature from 1 January 2007 onwards to undertake a Confirmation of Candidature process. The Confirmation of Candidature policy has been approved by the University Council on the recommendation of the Academic Board. The policy can be readily accessed from the website, http://www.une.edu.au/research-services/forms/ under ‘Relevant Forms and Policies’.
For EdD students the confirmation process will take place approximately 6 months after successful completion of the coursework component of their degree, and will involve the presentation of their proposed portfolio or dissertation. Ideally the presentation of their proposal will be undertaken at the annual Faculty of the Professions postgraduate conference that takes place at UNE each July.