The Doctor of Education program at The University of Notre Dame Australia is designed for leaders in education, and aspiring leaders in the school, university and TAFE sectors. You will be admitted to the program only if you can demonstrate the potential to complete doctoral coursework and research, possess professional educational experience and have satisfactory research experience as determined by the Dean of the School of Education, Sydney.

Over your studies, you will work collaboratively in groups of 10 to collect, analyse and interpret data to answer questions in an area of education of interest. Each group will be supervised by a group of five School of Education, Sydney lecturers. As a thesis by publication program, the degree is awarded on the basis of four coursework units relating to research methodology and scholarly writing, and a portfolio of a minimum of four peer-reviewed papers.

At the discretion of the students and supervisors, your cohort will meet once a fortnight to participate in organised workshops, attend seminars and discuss progress throughout all stages of candidature.

Applicants to the Doctor of Education Award are expected to satisfy the following criteria:

• Possession of a research Masters degree by thesis or dissertation appropriate to the professional field of the applicant; or
• Possession of a research Masters degree by thesis or dissertation appropriate to the professional field of the applicant; or
• Possession of a Masters degree by coursework appropriate to the professional field of the applicant completed at a superior standard; or
• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree with Honours (typically 1st Class or Class 2A Honours level or equivalent); or
• Possession of a Master of Philosophy; or
• In exceptional circumstances, an equivalent academic or professional background that is considered by the Dean of the School to be an appropriate preparation for independent study and research work at Doctoral level.

An applicant may be required to satisfy the Dean of the School of the ability to understand and communicate in both written and spoken English at a level adequate for the purpose of pursuing the program of study.

In addition to the academic criteria listed above, applicants are normally expected to satisfy the following:

• have a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional practice;
• have the support of an industry or professional mentor.