DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (EdD)

Programme Overview

The Doctor of Education programme equips senior education practitioners and high-potential individuals with both knowledge as well as the applied and research skills needed to become executive-level organisational leaders, industry innovators, consultants, and policymakers. Students ethically address complex and practical education-related challenges and learn how to transform education management practices to create organisational relevance, advancement, growth, and sustainability.

This holistic programme aligns applied scholarly research with professional practices and provides the opportunity to theoretically learn and reflect on activities and practices to be applied in a professional context.

Aims

Ability to plan and conduct research and evaluation studies with a clear purpose to improve the educational lives of others and based on findings, make recommendations to improve future educational practices.

Entry Requirements

A Master’s degree qualification in any subject from a recognised institution; or
A professional qualification equivalent to a Master degree; and
English language proficiency in order to participate in the programme taught in English
Students who hold the SCBM Doctoral Diploma in International Management and Leadership can progress directly to the thesis stage of the programme.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this programme, students will be able to demonstrate the:

Knowledge and skills to apply educational organisational theories, management skills, leadership strategies, and data research to transform organisations.
Use self-evaluation, reflection, feedback and developments in theories and evidence-based practices to improve their ethical business practice in a variety of contexts.
Communicate key education issues effectively and creatively using numerical, graphical, oral and written skills.
Ability to select, interpret, and apply theories, models and research to address a variety of compelling and complex issues in education.
Demonstrate proficiency in applying a systematic, vigorous research methodologies, design and process when undertaking original research and presenting the thesis in a scholarly manner.

Programme Structure

Route 1 - Mixed Mode

Stage 1: Taught Modules
*Master's degree holders who complete the SCBM Doctoral Diploma in International Management and Leadership are exempted from this stage.

Understanding Learning and Learners
Creating A Conducive Learning Environment
Managing and Leading Digital Education
Leadership and Organisation Transformation
Education Research and Methodology

Stage 2: Thesis

20,000 - 30,000 word Thesis (70 ECT credits)

Stage 3: Oral Defence

Route 2 - Research Mode

There is a more extensive ‘Thesis only’ route as set out below.

Stage 1: Thesis Proposal

Student must undertake a Research Methodology module prior to commencing their thesis research or be exempted from it should students have already undertaken a similar or equivalent Research Methodology module prior to enrolling on to the programme.

Following the Research Methodology module students have up to three months to submit a Thesis Proposal (4500 - 5000 words) for grading and approval before progressing to Stage 2.

A supervisor will be assigned to a student who, under the guidance of the supervisor, shall continue to work towards completing the Final Thesis. Stage 1 carries 25% of the overall marks and should be completed in 3 months.

Stage 2: Thesis Proposal Approval, Research and Documentation

Stage 2 commences once the Thesis Proposal has been approved and graded and should be completed within 24 months.

Stage 3: Oral Defence

Once the supervisor has vetted the Thesis submitted by the student, the student must contact the Thesis Oral Defense Committee to arrange for the oral defence

Duration

Each ECTS credit requires on average 20 notional hours of a learner’s time. This Level 8 Programme accrues 120 ECTS credits spread over 5 taught modules plus a doctoral thesis requiring 2400 notional hours. The programme is normally completed in 27 months but may be completed within a slightly shorter period as an intensive programme.

Notional hours are defined in terms of the amount of time it should take a learner to achieve the learning outcomes.

Delivery

Students are given a complete set of learning materials to facilitate independent study which can be downloaded from the designated Learning Portal. Face-to-Face classes conducted at a learning centre at 12 hours per module. Learners are encouraged to participate in online discussions with other learners and their tutors for at least 18 hours per module.

Assessment

The EdD taught modules are assessed through coursework, assignments and/or work based reports.

The Thesis shall be between 20,000 and 30,000 words or between 40,000 and 45,000 depending on the route taken

There is also a mandatory Oral defence

Awarding by: VERN' University, Zagreb Croatia

VERN' University is an international, open, creative, entrepreneurial university from Zagreb, Croatia. For the last 20 years, VERN' University has been a leading private university in Croatia and the region. VERN' is a host to a number of students from around Europe and the globe. As members of United Nations Global Compact initiative, VERN' develops professional, academic and research competencies, as well as innovative, entrepreneurial, and business capabilities with strong focus on our social responsibility The University is easy to find thanks to its attractive location in the center of Zagreb.

VERN' Alumni Club counts more than 5000 members who gained their academic qualification and professional knowledge and skills through it's academic system. Many of VERN's graduated students are today’s successful business experts who operate in the corporate and public sectors, family enterprises and the entrepreneurship community.

With the the aim of strengthening academic performance and quality in higher education, VERN' University has established cooperation with several academic partners to contribute to the development of the entire society. VERN' University collaborates with Brittany Université, France, to manage and deliver the VERN' University awarded DBA degree

DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (EdD)

​