Doctor of Education

Summary

Become a leader and create new thinking in the education sector with a high-level professional doctorate that combines coursework and research.

Not open to new applicants in 2026

In 2026, we won’t be accepting any new students into Part 1 of the Doctor of Education programme.

Warning

This programme may not be suitable for you as an international student, due to one or more of the following reasons:

• The qualification is only available as part-time study.
• The qualification is delivered by distance or online modes.
• The content is mostly specific to the New Zealand context.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest, contact the International Office.

Become a leader in educational theory, practice, and policy. Make a difference in educational settings in New Zealand and globally with original applied research.

The Doctor of Education is an opportunity for educators, policy-makers, and those in the wider educational field to gain the highest level of professional qualification. Benefit from the research and teaching strengths of the School of Education to create new thinking and make your own impact on the field of education.

You’ll move through the programme with a cohort of other education practitioners, so you can share knowledge and strengthen relationships in the educational community.

What to expect

Part 1 of the programme is designed to be undertaken over two years of part-time study. You will complete four courses that lay the foundation for your thesis, including how to do research in a professional context and the preparation of your research proposal.

You will meet with your cohort in person during evening sessions consisting of seminars, workshops, and guest lectures, and you’ll stay connected through online forums.

You’ll need to complete Part 1 and gain approval from the Associate Dean (Research) before you can enrol in Part 2.

In Part 2 you’ll undertake a substantial professional research enquiry and complete a 70,000-word thesis. You’ll already know your supervisor, having worked closely with them throughout Part 1.

Globally ranked

This programme is ranked in the top 250 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.

Pathway to the Doctor of Education

To gain entry to the Doctor of Education programme, you must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with Honours, or a Master’s degree with First or Second Class Honours or equivalent, and have a minimum of five years’ experience in a relevant professional role.

You’ll also need to be approved for entry by the School of Education Research Committee.

This doctorate is only available to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

Workload and duration

Candidates are expected to complete the Doctor of Education part time, allowing two years for the coursework and up to four years for the thesis—a maximum of six years in total.

As the on-campus teaching is limited to evenings, you can continue to work while you study.

You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you’ll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10–12 hours work.

Scholarships

You can apply for a postgraduate scholarship offered by Victoria University of Wellington to help fund your studies.