the taught element of the EdD - Part 1


taught part 1


I talked a little about the Doctor of Education (EdD) in my previous post but I wanted to go into a bit more detail as to why I have found this method of studying for a doctorate part-time to be something that I have enjoyed and also found manageable. 

As someone who had been away from studying for a significant amount of time, I felt both excited and apprehensive about signing up to a major research project that I would design carry out and then write up.

Would I be able to do it?

Do I have the personal drive to complete?

Is my area of research fitting for such a huge study?

Did I and could I master the skills required to complete?

Just some of the questions that went round in my head and sometimes still go round in my head.

I felt comfortable that the first part of the EdD is taught for various reasons. Firstly, rather than simply being told to get on with researching, you are in a class where there is a structure to what is being taught and that provides a great basis for easing back into being a student.

Over two years there are 4 modules, each comprising of a subject area and skillset that will be useful in part 2 of the programme.

I also liked being in a class as it meant that I would meet people through my studies as the course had twelve people on it, although we are now done to just seven. People have left the course for a variety of reasons, not all down to the challenge of the course.

I have completed modules on the aspect of ethics in conducting research, Educational policies and professional identities, Action research and Evaluation, and I am currently working on my written assignment for the module Theoretical Perspectives on Teaching and Learning. The last module will take place from May to October and it will be Advanced Preparation for Research.

Assessments so far have included a group presentation, individual presentations and written assignments.

When I started the course I couldn’t stop thinking about how long four to six years would take to complete, but to think that I’m more than one and a half years in already the time has flown by. It’s quite scary to think that come October I will be submitting paperwork in order to progress to part 2 where I will research independently and guided by 2 supervisors.

For me, the benefit to having the taught element has been in classes where academics are delivering seminars/ lectures on specific topics and using their own research experiences and projects to bring these subject areas to life and help me grasp how the concepts have been employed.  Having the chance to learn about other peoples research focus has also been fascinating and eye-opening as it allows me to see how they have come to the idea for their research and to see whether there are similar ways for me to shape my research. Working in the same place that I study has also been great as a number of the academics that I have had contact with via class have also been in touch from a work perspective and conversations have often spilt over to asking about my studies and research.

The other really huge benefit to having the taught element is the social aspect with the other classmates. Its been really useful to be surrounded by others who are in the same boat, bounce ideas off of, have a whinge when things aren’t quite going right and to simply socialise with in between classes. The course has really connected me with people who I otherwise probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with.

I am looking forward to the second part of the course and getting my teeth into a project that I have designed but I am also aware that over the next 6-12 months there is a tonne of changes happening in my life that could have a slight knock-on effect with my studies. My aim is to minimize any issues and my goal is still to finish my entire EdD within the 4-year time frame. Ambitious but so far not impossible.

I’ve tried as much as possible through the first part of the EdD to work to a timetable where I am regularly chipping away at the huge project whilst simultaneously improving study skills, note-taking and learning how to be more organised with files etc. I wouldn’t say I am perfect but I am doing ok at it all and some of the skills I am finding drift into my work life.
Location: Bristol, UK

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