Course Summary
The Professional Doctorate is designed for those who would like to extend their professional learning through research with a view to transformation of practice, a contribution to the field and enhanced understanding of the discipline, whilst meeting the requirements of rigour and originality expected of a doctorate. It aims to enhance students’ professional learning through supporting students to use research and scholarship to address identified gaps, issues, problems of practice, policy and /or context and to become leaders in their field and discipline.
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
The minimum entry requirements for the programme is a second class or higher Master's degree (or equivalent) in education or a specific discipline area appropriate for one of the Areas of Professional Focus.
All candidates are typically required to have a minimum of five years professional experience or hold a position of responsibility for at least five years related to the chosen Area of Professional Focus.
In exceptional circumstances only, candidates for a Professional Doctorate degree who do not meet the stipulated entry requirements based on their cognate degree but who can demonstrate exceptional ability or aptitude for academic research may apply to pursue studies for a research degree. They may base their application on recognition of their accredited or experiential prior learning, in line with University policies in this regard.
For further information on this please contact [email protected]
Application Details
Applications for this programme open on November 1st 2025. Please contact [email protected] for an application form. Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is March 29th, 2025.
How to Apply:
Please contact [email protected] to express an interest in the programme. When the application process for the 2025 intake of the programme opens you will automatically be sent an application form.
Following receipt of completed pre-applications, suitable applicants will be invited for an interview in April - May 2025. Successful applicants will then apply through the Student Application Portal.
All applicants must submit the following documentation:
Certified academic transcripts for all years of study at college or university in original language, with certified English translations;
Letter of approval from the Institute of Education.
Draft Research Proposal
Academic Letter of reference
Applicants are advised to make your application as early as possible to ensure documentation validation is complete.
If you need a study visa and are a Non EU student, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
Fees
Part time
EU Status Fee Part-time
In years one and two the fee is €5,800 per annum, in subsequent years the fee reduces to €2,942 per annum, consistent with the postgraduate research student fee structure.
Non EU Fee Part time
In years one and two the fee is €10,900 per annum, in subsequent years the fee reduces to €6,000 per annum, consistent with the postgraduate research student fee structure.
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.
Career Progression
Consultancy
Education
Government Agencies
Health Sector
Human Resource Management
Industry
Non Governmental Organisation
The Doctor of Education is intended for experienced professionals who wish to take on leadership roles and make a significant contribution to the enhancement of professional practice in education and related fields.