Education - Research

The Doctor of Education is a four-year programme offered by the Department of Education in Maynooth University. It is designed for those who wish to undertake doctoral studies specifically related to their work in the field of education. This programme will appeal to students whose learning is best supported in a group. Years 1 and 2 of the programme give students the opportunity to participate in modules in their chosen specialism areas. These modules will assist them in refining the research proposal for their independent research in years 3 and 4. These modules will also facilitate the development of the cohort's identity as a class group. The specialism and thesis topic will strongly correlate with their work as practitioners in the field of education.



Course Structure

In year 1, we hold a one-day induction in September for the incoming cohort of students.

Year 1 Modules:

Knowledge and Policy in Educational Practice, Specialism Module, Educational Research: Philosophy and Practice, Academic Writing 1: Communicating your research, Developing Professional & Practitioner Knowledge 1.



The first module on the programme is designed to develop the students' capacity to engage critically with educational theories, particularly in areas such as policy, knowledge development and epistemology, while the second module focuses explicitly on the specialism strand chosen by the student.



In year 1, we hold a one-day induction in September for the incoming cohort of students.



The programme schedule for Year One, Semester One requires students to be in attendance in person for two full days (Friday and Saturday) in October, November and December. In Semester Two, students attend six Friday afternoons (online from 2pm to 6pm) and six Saturdays (in person from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm). Please follow this link to find detailed information on the programme structure and modules.



Year 2 of the programme builds on the work of the first year, beginning with a strand specific module in semester 1. In semester 2, students attend a series of research support seminars, designed to assist them with the development of their thesis proposal. By the end of year 2, the student will have developed the research dimension of the thesis, including application for ethical approval, and will be ready to begin his/her research in Year 3. Year-long modules on academic writing and developing professional and practitioner knowledge are again available to build on Year 1 development in these areas.



Years 3 & 4 Modules:

Developing Professional & Practitioner Knowledge 3, Analysing Research Data (Easter School), Developing Professional & Practitioner Knowledge 4.



Years 3 and 4 are spent on the execution and completion of the 50,000-word thesis. During those two years, a team of supervisors provide support to the student as s/he works on designing, implementing and writing up the research project. Seminars, workshops and an Easter School on Data Analysis also provide structure and support to the student. In consultation with his/her supervisor, the student will also undertake at least 3 modules designed to develop his/her academic and professional skills.

Applications for the EdD programme are accepted biennially and our next intake of students will be in September 2027.



Applicants should hold a H2.1 (or higher) Masters Degree in Education or in a cognate discipline and experience as a practitioner in Education. A high level of ability in academic writing will be required, as evidenced by the submission of a sample of recent writing (e.g. chapter of Masters thesis, report, article or 3,000-word essay) as part of the application process.



Applicants who meet the criteria will be invited to attend for interview.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.



For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see

https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Closing Date : 30 April 2025

To help you to prepare your application, we will hold an online information evening and proposal writing workshop (time and date to be decided).



To register your interest in the programme, please go to this link

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=zPVUFDW7hUa72YYh_YBVycLPbyaH2GlGi-mJb2PUuBlURFBVVzZGSERHWVNUQTBaMzlLM04ySVRZTyQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl



After attending the workshop, you can send in a draft proposal which will be reviewed by the EdD Team. We will then provide you with feedback on your draft proposal before you submit a formal application. The application system will open in early 2027 and the closing date will be confirmed at that time. Formal applications can be made through MU Apply.



In advance of the proposal writing workshop, it would be helpful to try to develop a provisional research question and to locate a topic for research. It should address a gap in our knowledge of that area so this should be born in mind when reflecting on a topic.



In terms of the parameters of an EdD research project, it is expected to make an original contribution to a field of research. We recognise that your thinking will be tentative at this stage.



Documentation required for application.

Please note you will be asked to submit the following documentation when making your application:



(a) Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for non-Maynooth University primary degree and post-graduate qualifications. Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



(b) Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide a copy of a valid passport.



(c) A short proposal (one-page/1000 words) outlining your proposed research topic. We recognise that your thinking will be tentative at this stage.



(d) The names and contact details of 2 referees.



(f) A 3,000 word-writing sample, the sample of recent writing that demonstrates your capacity to write in an academic manner, including an ability to organise, analyse and present arguments fluently and lucidly with a high level of critical analysis and with appropriate academic referencing e.g. chapter of Masters thesis, report, article, 3,000 word essay on an educational issue.



Applicants who meet the criteria will be invited to attend for interview as part of the admissions process.



Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/postgraduate-applicants.



The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

4 years part-time.

Next intake: September 2027

Ed D students are already practitioners in the field of Education upon entry to the programme. Their doctoral studies enable them to develop their academic and professional careers, and to contribute further to the development of the profession.