Programme Specification (Postgraduate) Date amended: 1. Programme Title (EdD) 2. Awarding body or institution University of Leicester 3. a) Mode of Study part time b) Type of Study postgraduate research 4. Registration periods: The maximum period of registration is 6 years 5. Typical entry requirements Candidates are required normally to hold an appropriate master s degree of a British University or an equivalent qualification from another recognised institution and to have at least three years professional experience. All students recruited to the Doctor of Education Programme must have an appropriate background in research, or be deemed capable of following the Programme on the basis of their current academic background and/or professional experience. Students without the required entry qualifications may be advised to follow an appropriate Masters degree programme, typically a relevant University of Leicester School of Education distance-learning programme, before registering for the Doctor of Education. Students whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency: Either: British Council IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.5 or above for most courses. Or: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 600 for most courses. The Test of Written English (TWE) can be taken at the same time as TOEFL, a score in TWE of 5 or above is preferred. Or: an equivalent qualification. Exceptionally an applicant with only a first degree or recognised equivalent may be admitted to the Doctor of Education Programme but each case for entry (candidate) without a Masters degree must go to the Doctor of Education Programme Board, and a case has to be made for this candidate by a relevant tutor;
such a candidate must show evidence of academic achievement, usually through publications and/or research reports equivalent to work at Masters level or beyond and in a relevant field to their proposed studies; each such candidate must be interviewed. 6. Accreditation of Prior Learning: None 7. Programme aims The programme aims to enable professional practitioners to develop research skills and complete a doctoral thesis. will be awarded to students who can show they meet the following criteria: the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to extend the forefront of the discipline, satisfy peer review and merit publication; a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice; the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications for understanding at the forefront of the discipline and to adjust the project in the light of unforeseen problems; a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry. 8. Reference points used to inform the programme specification: Fell, T., Flint, K. and Haines, I. (2011) Professional Doctorates in the UK 2011. Lichfield: UKCGE Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) (2004) Code of Practice for the Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards in Higher Education, Section 1: Research degree programmes. QAA. Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) (2008) The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. QAA. Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) (2011) Doctoral Degree Characteristics. QAA. (draft). Vitae (2010) Researcher Development Framework. VITAE. 9. Programme Outcomes Intended Learning Outcomes Students who successfully complete the Doctorate of Education will be able to: Make informed judgments on complex issues Be able to undertake pure Teaching and Learning Methods Workshops Lectures 1 How Demonstrated? Presentations
Intended Learning Outcomes and/or applied research and development at an advanced level. Contribute substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas or approaches. Communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and nonspecialist audiences. Evaluate critically evidence, whether from empirical research or theoretical enquiry, that is put forward to support or contradict particular arguments Display the qualities and skills of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations Teaching and Learning Methods Presentations Example sheets How Demonstrated? Individual research projects Theses Research papers Oral Examinations Participation Knowledge (a) Subject and Professional Skills Make informed judgments on complex issues Concepts and techniques Be able to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an advanced level. Lectures Example sheets Example sheets Discussions Presentations Individual research projects Theses Research papers Oral Examinations Presentations Individual research projects Theses Research papers Oral Examinations Critical analysis Contribute substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas or approaches. Presentation Example sheets Individual research projects Theses Research papers Oral Examinations Communicate their ideas and Presentations 2
conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and nonspecialist audiences. Example sheets Thesis Appraisal of evidence Evaluate critically evidence, whether from empirical research or theoretical enquiry, that is put forward to support or contradict particular arguments Example sheets Individual research projects Theses Research papers Oral Examinations Other discipline specific competencies Display the qualities and skills of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations Individual research projects Theses Research papers Oral Examinations (b) Transferable skills Research skills Use qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect data Analyse educational data using statistical and graphical techniques. Analyse educational data using thematic and grounded theory approaches Gather and deploy evidence and data to find, retrieve, sort and exchange new information. Data presentation Develop and sustain educational arguments in a variety of literary forms. Demonstrate clarity, fluency and coherence in written expression of educational issues. Information technology Use ICT and the e-environment and use ICT for bibliographic, tutorials, study schools, e-seminars, draft work, e-seminars, tutorials, draft work, tutorials, independent research Use of the e-environment Individual research project, assignments, Progress Reports, Probation Report, thesis, individual research projects, contributions to discussions, individual research projects, theses 3
and archive searches, and data analysis Working relationships Address the research problems and needs of other group members, using own knowledge and experience. Problem solving Address research problems in depth using contemporary sources and advanced secondary literature., e-seminars, e-seminars, draft work Contributions of a collaborative, cooperative nature to aid the learning of fellow students, individual research projects, theses Managing learning and Career Management Demonstrate intellectual independence through the setting of research tasks and the addressing of educational problems. All of the above, particularly independent research All of the above, particularly the thesis Reflect upon own learning and achievements and plan for personal and educational development. Oral examination 10. Special features To address the needs of leading professionals in education, the Doctorate of Education is structured around the study and investigation of contemporary issues within areas where the School of Education has a strong research reputation of international standing. An important feature of the programme is the e-environment, which will provide structured support for students throughout their study. Applicants will be encouraged to apply for a topic linked to the current School of Education Special Interest Groups (SIGS) to focus research topics on the interests of staff. The Doctorate in Education is a part-time programme. All students are expected to attend a UK Residential Weekend School near the beginning of the programme and will also be invited to attend the Doctoral Summer Schools once a year. Students are required to take part in all the taught sessions, some of which will take place through the electronic forum, during the period of their registration for the degree and to have regular supervision meetings with their supervisor Teaching and tutoring during the Summer Schools normally takes place at weekends and/or evenings to cope with the needs and time constraints of students who are working full-time; Part-time Doctorate students are expected to complete their studies within three to five years; 4
11. Indications of programme quality All assignments and the Probation Report are double marked by supervisors who work on the programme. The external examiner for the programme receives a selection of assignments and Probation Reports, normally every six months, and writes an annual report. These reports are copied to the Doctorate of Education Programme Board and are acted on as appropriate. An internal and external examiner will be appointed for each student who submits a thesis for examination. The internal examiner will be a member of the academic staff of the University of Leicester. The external examiner will normally be an expert in the relevant field appointed by the University of Leicester from another higher education institution. All students who submit a thesis for examination will be expected to attend for viva at the University of Leicester. and Probation Reports from the Doctorate of Education can be made available to both internal and external examiners of theses, as further evidence of a student s work, should the examiners so require. 12. Scheme of Assessment The Doctor of Education is assessed through 4 assignments in the first year of the programme. The assignments cover identifying a research issue, acquiring relevant research skills, developing a conceptual framework for the enquiry, and writing a proposal for the thesis. In years 2-4/5 students work on the thesis and are required to submit Progress Reports (nonassessed drafts of thesis chapters) at regular intervals. The internal review point (Probation Report) takes place at the end of Year 2. The 55,000 word research thesis is submitted at the end of Year 4/5. 13. Progression Points In cases where a student has failed to meet a requirement to progress he or she will be required to withdraw from the course and a recommendation will be made to the Board of Examiners for an intermediate award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Education Research or a Masters in Educational Research Inquiry. Outline of Progression Points Year 1: A series of 4 assignments to develop the research proposal. There will be a residential weekend at the start of the programme which all students and their supervisors will be expected to attend. Assignment 1 length: 2-3,000 words. 2-3 length: 4-5,000 words, Assignment 4 5-6,000 words. Students who successfully complete all four assignments but who do not progress to the thesis may be recommended for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Research. Year 2: Thesis. During this year students will be expected to work with their supervisor to revise and develop their chosen area of research, develop a literature review and conduct a piece of small scale pilot research. There will be two Progress Reports (drafts of developing work) to be submitted across the year followed by an internal review point, the Probation Report (12000 words). This report will serve as confirmation of acceptable standard of work for students who wish to continue in the programme or an exit point with a Masters in Education 5
Research Inquiry for those who do not wish to continue or are not judged to have performed well enough to be able to do so. Years 3 and 4/5: Thesis Students will continue to work with their supervisor on the development of their thesis. They will be expected to submit three Progress Reports (drafts of developing work) each year. In Year 3 there will a second specific residential training weekend for students expecting to submit in Year 4. Internal Review Point: Probation Report The internal review point comes at the end of Year 2. During Year 2 students undertake a pilot study, complete two non-assessed Progress Reports (drafts of work in preparation 4-5,000 words each) and present a Probation Report. The Pilot Study The pilot study is intended to help clarify and consolidate the focus of the student s research project and should include a trial of at least one method of research, which will be used in the main study. This may involve designing a questionnaire or interview or observation schedule and trialling the research tool with a small number of participants. Or it may involve carrying out a documentary analysis of material essential to the research thesis. Whatever the chosen focus of the pilot study the student will be expected to analyse the data collected and reflect upon the strengths and weaknesses revealed and the implications for their research design and research method in their main thesis. The pilot study is an important part of the Probation Report and students will be assessed on their reflection and evaluation of what they have done. It is recommended that students use one of their non-assessed Progress Reports to reflect on and gain feedback from their supervisor on the outcomes of their Pilot Study. The Pilot Study should: Contribute to some or all of the research questions identified in the thesis proposal, Assignment 4. Describe clearly research methods that are suitable for the purposes for which they are used. Report clearly and fully on the findings and relate these to the research questions. Reflect on the implications for future data collection and analysis in their thesis. The Probation Report Students should use the feedback from their supervisors on the non-assessed Progress Reports to help shape the content and structure of the Probation Report. The Probation Report should: Offer a clearly structured conceptual framework for the whole research study. Demonstrate an ability to relate the literature to the research questions being addressed Through the Pilot Study, provide evidence of an ability to investigate research questions in an ethical way using appropriate methods of investigation and analysis Provide evidence of an ability to analyse data and reflect on the implications of the findings for the research being undertaken. The major element within the Probation Report should be the presentation of the Pilot Study and the implications of the analysis and findings. 6
The Thesis The thesis is the major element in the Doctorate of Education degree by which a candidate s work is assessed. The thesis must not be longer than 55,000 words, including footnotes but excluding appendices. The assessment criteria for the thesis are the same as those applying to any study at doctoral level. The thesis must be methodologically rigorous and contain work of publishable quality that makes an original contribution to knowledge in its field. The final examination for the Doctorate of Education is by viva. Students have to submit a 55,000 word thesis according to the Regulations of the University of Leicester. Thesis length is 55,000 words including references but excluding appendices. 14. Rules relating to re-sits or re-submissions Exemptions No exemptions are granted from any part of the programme. Failing assessed work Failing assignments and/or Probation Report Students failing an assignment on the first formal submission may resubmit their assignment Students failing an assignment on a second formal submission will be asked to withdraw from the programme, but may be able to transfer to a Master s programme. Students cannot carry a failed assignment. One resubmission of a failed Probation Report is allowed. Failing the thesis Students failing to write a thesis of an appropriate level for the award of Doctor of Education, having already completed successfully the four pre-thesis stage assignments and the Probation Report, may be granted an MPhil. All work assessed on the Doctor of Education must pass at doctoral level. The final researchbased thesis of 55,000 words is examined by internal and external examiners and a viva voce (oral defence) examination. The award of Doctor of Education is equivalent to that of a PhD in the University of Leicester. Subsidiary awards Students who successfully complete the four pre-thesis stage assignments may be recommended for a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Research. Students who successfully pass all assignments and the Probation Report but choose or are counselled not to proceed may be recommended for the award of Master in Education Research Inquiry. 7
15. Additional Information Entry to the programme is once a year in October. Appendices Appendix 1: Programme Structure Pre-thesis stage Students are required to complete 4 assignments (totalling between 16,000-19,000 words) within their first 12 months of study. Year 1 Weekend Residential: An introduction to the EdD Programme Year 1 will enable students to refine their research question, consider an appropriate research design for their study and develop a conceptual framework within their chosen topic by exploring and critically evaluate the relevant literature. Alongside this they will be introduced to different research paradigms and methods. Year 1 will consist of four assignments: Assignment 1: Identifying your Research Agenda as a Contemporary Issue: 2,500 3,000 words. Assignment 2: Forming Appropriate Conceptual Frameworks: 4,000 5,000 words. Assignment 3: Designing Your Research Study: 4,000 5,000 words. Assignment 4: Thesis Proposal: 5,000 6,000 words. Year 2 Thesis Students will work with their supervisor to develop their chosen areas of research, develop a literature review and conduct a small scale pilot research project which will allow them to test out their chosen method of data collection. They will produce two progress reports over the year, and a Probation Report of 12,000 words. Your report will serve as the internal review point, which students need to pass in order to proceed with their thesis. There will also be opportunities to attend doctoral training days. 8
Year 3 and 4/5 Thesis Students will continue to work with their supervisor on the development of their thesis, submitting three progress reports over the course of the year. There will be a second residential training weekend for students expecting to submit the following year. The final thesis should be 55,000 words long, be methodologically rigorous and comprise work of publishable quality that makes an original contribution to knowledge in its field. Final Assessment Theses will be assessed by internal and external examiners and students will undertake an oral examination (viva). Successful examination will lead to the award of the Doctorate of Education. Appendix 2: Module Specifications See attached documents Appendix 3: Criteria for Marking General Criteria: should contain the following: Clarity about the purpose of the assignment An abstract summarising the aims, structure and conclusions of the assignment An appropriate and coherent structure An appropriate, coherent and relevant theoretical and conceptual framework showing an understanding of key ideas A well-researched, comprehensive literature base of sufficient depth to support the purpose of the assignment Clear writing, in English, in an appropriate academic style, using non-discriminatory language Critical analysis and discussion, and description used appropriately A conclusion which draws implications from the foregoing, and summarises the main purposes and achievements of the assignment Appropriate referencing Empirical assignments must report the following: 9
1. An appropriate and relevant research design that shows how methods and methodology fit the purpose of the research focus 2. An understanding of methodology (especially in relation to issues of validity and reliability) 3. An understanding of ethical considerations Fail: An assignment that fails to meet the pass criteria. Any assignment which exhibits evidence of plagiarism or academic dishonesty will be awarded a fail grade. An assignment may be awarded a fail grade for one or more of the following reasons: Lack of clarity about the purpose of the assignment. Inappropriate, incoherent and or disjointed structure. A literature base which is seriously inadequate, inappropriate, lacking in sufficient depth and/or represented with major inaccuracies, serious errors of understanding and/or serious omissions (including use of a predominantly out of date literature that is not set in an up-to-date context). The theoretical and conceptual framework is lacking in coherence, or reflecting misrepresentations of existing theory. There is a lack of critical analysis and discussion, and over reliance on description. An assignment which is the report of an empirical study carried out by the student may fail if there are serious flaws with any one of the following or a combination of these: o the research design; o understanding of methodology (especially in relation to issues of validity and reliability); o and/or ethical considerations. Appendix 4: Criteria for assessing the Probation Report Criteria for Grading the Probation Report What the Grade Descriptors mean The following descriptors offer guidance to Probation Report Assessors for grading a Probation report. Grade A Making an original contribution to knowledge; of publishable quality, with minor and/or superficial amendments required. It will have the following qualities: A well-argued and critical approach that evaluates relevant issues and provides adequate evidence to support its arguments It will use a suitable research methodology and discuss why that methodology has been chosen The Pilot Study will demonstrate reflection on the methodological approach, data collection, analysis and findings. It will synthesise knowledge from a wide range of sources, taking account of different perspectives. The author will support or refute the importance of aspects of the topic by reflecting on the personal and professional relevance of these Conclusions will be clearly related to the purposes of the study 10
It will be accurately referenced and clearly presented Grade B (A Probation Report must achieve this standard at least for a Doctoral candidate to be allowed to proceed to Year 3) A well organised assignment with the potential to make an original contribution to knowledge; potentially of publishable quality, subject to substantial amendments and/or additions. Key questions are clearly stated and related to the objectives of the assignment While the discussion is likely to have a clear overall progression, there may be minor discrepancies. The Pilot Study will demonstrate reflection on the methodological approach, data collection, analysis and findings. While ideas and evidence are likely to be relevant and sufficient they may not always be analysed in the depth expected at this level of work. The candidate is likely to display a quality of work which is sound and acceptable rather than brilliant and containing exciting (new) perspectives. It may show analysis of a topic but not a synthesis of ideas (and research data) within that topic. It will show a sound grasp of the relevance of the candidate s work to their professional or personal work. Conclusions will be clearly related to the purposes of the study. It will be accurately referenced and clearly presented. Grade C (Candidates achieving this grade in their Probation report will be advised to revise it with support from their Supervisor and re-submit it in a short period of time in order for it to achieve at least a Grade B) Competent and coherent but containing work unlikely to be of publishable standard, and if submitted to an academic journal is likely to be rejected on grounds of content. It may contain material that is extraneous to the topic or the relevance of which is not clearly explained It is likely to support its arguments with only a partial selection of a relevant literature, some of which may be out of date and not foundational The Pilot Study will describe the methodological approach, data collection, analysis and findings. It might be a predominantly descriptive assignment, lacking or only making a limited attempt to create a lively critique / debate of the topic under discussion Although the assignment will demonstrate a generally adequate level of understanding of the topic, and may indicate some sense of the relevance of the assignment to the author s professional or personal work, this is likely to be only in the most general of terms The conclusion will show to some extent how the purposes of the assignment have been achieved The referencing and bibliography will be present but may contain errors Note: The A-C grade is based on a judgement as to the quality of the Probation report, and should not be taken as a guarantee that the work will be accepted for publication by an academic journal if submitted. 11
A Probation Report that fails to meet grade C criteria, or exhibits evidence of plagiarism or academic dishonesty will be awarded a fail grade. A fail grade is likely to be awarded for one or more of the following reasons: Lack of clarity about the purpose of the assignment Inappropriate, incoherent and or disjointed structure A literature base which is seriously inadequate, inappropriate, lacking in sufficient depth and/or represented with major inaccuracies, serious errors of understanding and/or serious omissions (including use of a predominantly out of date literature that is not set in an up-to-date context) The theoretical and conceptual framework is lacking in coherence, or reflecting misrepresentations of existing theory There is a lack of critical analysis and discussion, and over reliance on description The Pilot Study carried out by the student may fail if there are serious flaws with any one of the following or a combination of these: o the research design; o understanding of methodology (especially in relation to issues of validity and reliability); o and/or ethical considerations. One resubmission of a failed Probation Report is allowed to be submitted the following year. 12