Teaching
The EdD is taught through a series of long-weekend seminars, at least 3 each academic year, scheduled throughout the year. Hosted in one of the Colleges, the seminars run from Thursday night through to Saturday night and will typically involve some time in social events (including a College Formal Hall), as well as taught sessions on research methodology and real-world examples of change-orientated research. Seminars will feature Faculty-based researchers as well as a range of EdD Alumni and partners who have successfully researched change. Researching change requires a range of skills: students will be introduced to ways of working with data, evaluating impact and change through careful analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, as well as skills associated with leadership and interpersonal communication required to make change and innovation happen. Working with fellow EdD students and alumni, participants will contribute to a community of like-minded researchers in a range of fields and will gain a range of experiences that will support them on their research journey.
At the start of their EdD, students plan out an individual programme of researcher development with the support of their Supervisor.
Students are expected to attend the University in person for approximately 45 days each academic year, to receive supervision, attend the weekend seminars, and take part in other relevant activities.
| One to one supervision |
The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. Students are expected to meet with their supervisors at regular intervals throughout their EdD, which they determine together. Students are also assigned an Academic Adviser as a second point of contact for more general academic advice. |
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| Taught/Research Balance |
Predominantly Research
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Feedback
In the first two years, students are encouraged to submit draft pieces of writing for formative written feedback from their supervisor.
Following their progress viva, (at the end of the second year), students receive written feedback from their adviser and a second independent assessor.
Throughout the EdD, formative feedback is provided through supervisions. At the end of each term, supervisors write an online report which can be viewed by the student via the Postgraduate Feedback and Reporting System.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The EdD is examined by a written thesis and a viva (oral examination), which all students must attend following the submission of an EdD thesis. The word limit for the EdD thesis is 80,000 words, excluding appendices, footnotes, reference list and bibliography.
Other
Towards the end of the second year of study, EdD students are required to undertake a formal assessment of progress. Students submit a written progress report that covers research work already completed, a review of relevant literature and a clear indication of how the EdD will develop (i.e., an extended proposal for the rest of the EdD). The written progress report is examined by two independent assessors as part of an oral examination (the progress viva). Successful completion of the formal assessment is necessary in order for students to continue their doctoral studies.