The Doctor of Education (EdD) at the British University in Dubai (BUiD) is designed for professionals aiming to enhance their educational leadership skills. This degree combines research with practical application, making it relevant to a wide range of industries, both within and outside the education sector. The EdD programme prepares scholars to address critical issues in education, improve teaching and learning in diverse contexts, and achieve better outcomes for all learners. While EdD concentrates on real-world problems, the PhD in Education focuses on producing distinct original research that contributes significantly to the field of knowledge.

The programme enhances professional development, foster lifelong learning, and build leadership skills in specialized areas, preparing graduates for a variety of career opportunities in the educational sector.

In line with international academic standards, the new structure of the PhD programme is based on the British model, where students are mainly trained in the first year on research skills before they begin work on their thesis from the second year onwards. This model ensures a strong foundation in research methodology, enabling students to undertake impactful doctoral research with confidence and clarity.

By pursuing an EdD or PhD in Education at BUiD, you will join a community of professionals dedicated to advancing educational practices and achieving excellence in leadership and research.

Graduates of the Doctor of Education (EdD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education at BUiD can advance their careers, secure leading positions in their current roles, or transition to academia. The programmes equip students with the skills to investigate educational issues and engage with the latest research and trends. Our alumni hold prestigious positions as Deans, directors, school leaders, top advisors, and prominent academics across the region and beyond.

• A recognised Master’s degree in a subject related to the programme with a cumulative grade point average of greater than 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale, or its equivalent.
• A recognised Bachelor’s degree in a subject related to the programme.
• For Applicants of PhD in Education must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a field related to Education. Those without sufficient background in Education will need to complete additional master’s-level courses to build their foundation. These courses must be passed but will not incur extra tuition fees.
• A minimum TOEFL score of 580 (237 CBT, 92 iBT), IELTS academic score of 6.5 (6.0 on writing section), or their equivalents on another standardised nationally, or internationally, recognised test that is approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research UAE (MOHESR).
• A minimum of 3 years teaching or equivalent experience in an educational/training organisation.
• Applicants must also submit a 500-word statement of educational philosophy or rationale for wishing to study for the doctorate which will be discussed during an interview.
• Applicants must submit a 300-500 word outline of their intended subject area/topic/theme for doctoral study.
• Submission of a certificate of equivalency issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research UAE (MOHESR) for all previous degree certificates awarded by institutions outside the UAE.
• A copy of the passport along with a copy of the Emirates ID (If available).
• Al Ethbara Number (for UAE nationals only).

Selection criteria:

• Satisfactory admissions interview will be mandatory.
• Satisfactory supporting references will be required.

English Exam Registration

• Students are encouraged to register for their IELTS or TOEFL at The British University in Dubai
• Paper-based ITP TOEFL are accepted by the administering institution only. Only those administered by AMIDEAST Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah will be accepted if it is sent by Amideast to BUiD directly.
• While registering with ETS for iBT or with Amideast for ITP TOEFL, please quote BUiD’s TOEFL code 0168.
• Internet (iBT) – test scores should be sent to BUiD directly by ETS.

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of literature and a comprehensive understanding of research methods and techniques in the field of Education.
• Analyse and synthesize a substantial body of knowledge, particularly in philosophical and theoretical foundations and implications, at the forefront of the academic discipline or area of professional practice in Education.
• Formulate and interpret research that contributes increased understanding and awareness in theory building and interdisciplinarity in the field of education.
• Critically evaluate current issues, research and advanced scholarship in the discipline of Education (PhD only)

Apply theoretical perspectives to generate practical outcomes relevant to the UAE and the wider Gulf region, as well as internationally (EdD only)

Programme structure for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education

Stage 1

• Qualitative Research Methods and Paradigms
• Quantitative Methods

Stage 2

• Research Design and Planning 
• Proposal Defence 

Stage 3

• Thesis

Programme structure for Doctor of Education (EdD)

Taught Part

Research Part

• Research Methods

Core Modules

• Advanced Foundations of Education Paradigms and Approaches
• Assessment and Learning
• Educational Policy: Theory and Practice
• Curriculum Innovation: History, Theory and Development
• Latest Trends and Issues in Education
• Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Educational Studies
• Applied Investigative Techniques in Education

Elective module

• Current Issues in Psycholinguistics and Language Learning and Teaching
• Theory and Practice of Leadership in Education
• Reading STEM Education
• Managing Technology in Education
• Education of Children with Exceptional Learning Needs

Thesis

• Conducted a PhD/EdD level research