Course Summary
The Doctor of Education is a four-year programme offered by the Department of Education in Maynooth University. It is designed for those who wish to undertake doctoral studies specifically related to their work in the field of education.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applications for the EdD programme are accepted biennially and our next intake of students will be in September 2027.
Applicants should hold a H2.1 (or higher) Masters Degree in Education or in a cognate discipline and experience as a practitioner in Education. A high level of ability in academic writing will be required, as evidenced by the submission of a sample of recent writing (e.g. chapter of Masters thesis, report, article or 3,000-word essay) as part of the application process.
Applicants who meet the criteria will be invited to attend for interview.
Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
Application Details
Closing Date : 30 April 2025
To help you to prepare your application, we will hold an online information evening and proposal writing workshop (time and date to be decided).
To register your interest in the programme, please go to this link
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=zPVUFDW7hUa72YYh_YBVycLPbyaH2GlGi-mJb2PUuBlURFBVVzZGSERHWVNUQTBaMzlLM04ySVRZTyQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl
After attending the workshop, you can send in a draft proposal which will be reviewed by the EdD Team. We will then provide you with feedback on your draft proposal before you submit a formal application. The application system will open in early 2027 and the closing date will be confirmed at that time. Formal applications can be made through MU Apply.
In advance of the proposal writing workshop, it would be helpful to try to develop a provisional research question and to locate a topic for research. It should address a gap in our knowledge of that area so this should be born in mind when reflecting on a topic.
In terms of the parameters of an EdD research project, it is expected to make an original contribution to a field of research. We recognise that your thinking will be tentative at this stage.
Documentation required for application.
Please note you will be asked to submit the following documentation when making your application:
(a) Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for non-Maynooth University primary degree and post-graduate qualifications. Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.
(b) Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide a copy of a valid passport.
(c) A short proposal (one-page/1000 words) outlining your proposed research topic. We recognise that your thinking will be tentative at this stage.
(d) The names and contact details of 2 referees.
(f) A 3,000 word-writing sample, the sample of recent writing that demonstrates your capacity to write in an academic manner, including an ability to organise, analyse and present arguments fluently and lucidly with a high level of critical analysis and with appropriate academic referencing e.g. chapter of Masters thesis, report, article, 3,000 word essay on an educational issue.
Applicants who meet the criteria will be invited to attend for interview as part of the admissions process.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/postgraduate-applicants.
The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
Next intake: September 2027
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.