The Doctor of Education offers professionals the opportunity to undertake advanced research into the teaching profession and the field of education. Candidates will undertake practice-based independent research that informs research-led practice at the highest level of originality and quality.
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Research
Globally recognised for our research strengths and innovations in teaching, our impact-driven research transforms lives and shapes the future.
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Duration
Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*
Next Start Date
05 January 2026
30 March 2026
22 June 2026
14 September 2026
End of Session
Campuses^
Parramatta City
Parramatta South
Penrith
Bankstown City
Hawkesbury
Campbelltown
Domestic Student Fees
Indicative annual fee from $11,885
Additional Information
Program Code: 8013
CRICOS Code: 050306A
Education Research at Western
Candidates will uncover new knowledge and add to the field of education research through the discovery of new information, the formulation of theories, the innovative re-interpretation of established ideas or the application of established research in new contexts.
Five areas form the basis of study available under the Doctor of Education:
- Policy studies in education
- Curriculum studies
- Learning and teaching
- Socio-cultural studies
- Educational leadership and change
The degree requires you to produce an examinable portfolio of work that is text based, and may include other communication mediums such as video or online resources.
You will be expected to participate in research training and development activities, contribute to the research culture at Western, and maintain a professional profile of high standard during your candidature.
As part of your research training, you will also be encouraged to publish or present your work to the public and contribute to policy and planning debates in your area of expertise.
Note: Applications for research programs are accepted at any time with successful candidates commencing on a quarterly intake basis.
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What you can expect to study
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
Career Opportunities
As a Doctor of Education graduate, you will develop a range of skills and experience that can be applied to career paths in:
- Academia
- Tertiary education
- Early-childhood and primary education
- Policy analysis, research and development
Entry requirements for domestic students
Western Sydney University must be satisfied that you have the skills and experience to commence independent study at a suitable level for entry into a doctoral program.
To be eligible for admission, you must have previously completed at least one of the following degrees:
- A first or upper-second class Bachelor Honours (research) degree in education or cognate area; or
- A Master of Research or a Master of Philosophy with a thesis component; or
- A recognised degree in Education or cognate area (e.g., A Masters by coursework degree in education or Bachelor of Education) with evidence of capacity to undertake research (such evidence may be School Leadership roles, the completion of a research masters thesis, producing a sustained policy document, conference presentations, articles in professional or academic journals, etc) AND a minimum of 3 full-time equivalent years of professional or teaching experience in a field relevant to the proposed area of study; or
- 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.
If you do not meet the admission criteria, the approval of prior research experience or other degrees is at the discretion of the relevant School Dean or Institute Director.
If you do not meet the admission criteria and you are interested in a pathway program, we encourage you to consider our Master of Research (MRes).
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about special requirements here.
Entry requirements for international students
**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.
Indicative annual fee
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
Apply as a Domestic Student
You should refer to the Higher Degree Research Fees page for information about tuition fees for this program.
If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.
Domestic students are:
- Australian Citizens
- New Zealand Citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
Apply as an International Student
You should refer to the Higher Degree Research Fees page for information about tuition fees for this program.
FAQs
We have compiled a list of answers to some of the most common enquiries regarding Higher Degree Research, as well as information around fees.
Want to know more?
We're here to provide clarity.
If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.if you have any further questions or would like to know more, please submit your enquiry here.
For more information visit the Higher Degree Research Knowledge Directory.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.