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Doctor of Education Thesis (EDUC80002)

Doctorate time-based researchOn Campus (Parkville)

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Graduate research candidates undertaking the Doctor of Education degree will undertake an independent research investigation. It is expected that Doctor of Education candidates will complete a 55,000 word thesis for external examination.

  • Full time Doctor of Education candidates complete their thesis over the second to fourth year of candidature, part time Doctor of Education candidates over years three to eight.
  • In the six months prior to submission of their thesis, Doctor of Education candidates must present their research findings at a public completion seminar attended by their Advisory Committee.
  • Doctor of Education candidates will be examined on the basis of their thesis which is examined externally. The thesis should normally be 55,000 words, excluding tables, illustrations and bibliography.
  • Refer to the University policy library and the Graduate Research Hub for further information regarding candidature, academic progress, ethics, thesis preparation and examination.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the thesis, Doctor of Education candidates should be able to:

  • Demonstrate mastery of a substantial body of specialised knowledge at the frontier of a field of research in education.
  • Design and execute a rigorous, systematic, and defensible research study that makes a significant contribution to new knowledge in the educational research field, demonstrating originality of approach and/or interpretation of the findings, and in some cases, the discovery of new facts.
  • Critically analyse and evaluate existing theories, knowledge, ideas, research principles and methods associated with a relevant field of research in education.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to research ethics and integrity with full accountability for personal research outputs.
  • Defend and disseminate the research findings to the international academic community as well as professional audiences.

Generic skills

Through completion of the thesis, Doctor of Education candidates will develop the following set of key transferable skills:

  • Critical reasoning and thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Communication
  • Evidence-based decision making
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Project management
  • Self-reflection, career awareness and lifelong learning
  • Ethical Skills 

Last updated: 4 March 2025