Ph.D. in Education (Administration and Leadership) - Joseph Education College

Award Options

To equip senior education practitioners and high-potential individuals with the knowledge, applied, and research skills needed to become executive-level organizational leaders, industry innovators, consultants, and policy makers.
To enable students to plan and conduct research and evaluation studies with a clear purpose to improve educational lives of others and make recommendations to improve future educational practices.

On completion of this programme, students will be able to:

Apply educational organizational theories, management skills, leadership strategies, and data research to transform organizations.
Use self-evaluation, reflection, feedback, and developments in theories and evidence-based practices to improve their ethical practice.
Communicate key education issues effectively and creatively using numerical, graphical, oral, and written skills.
Select, interpret, and apply theories, models, and research to address complex issues in education.
Demonstrate proficiency in applying systematic, vigorous research methodologies, design, and processes when undertaking original research and presenting the thesis in a scholarly manner.

The Mixed Mode consists of 5 taught modules (each 10 ECTS) and a Thesis (70 ECTS), totalling 120 ECTS.

Taught Modules/Thesis	ECTS Equivalent Credits
Understanding Learning and Learners	10
Creating a Conducive Learning Environment	10
Managing and Leading Digital Education	10
Leadership and Organisation Transformation	10
Education Research Methodology	10
Thesis	70

Taught Modules: Five core modules are completed before or alongside the thesis.
Thesis: Following the taught modules, students undertake a thesis of between 20,000 to 30,000 words.
Oral Defence: A mandatory Viva Voce (oral defence) of the Thesis is required.

Assessment will be based on the candidate successfully demonstrating achievement of Doctoral-level criteria, including systematic understanding of knowledge, originality in application, and the ability to communicate results in a scholarly manner.
Taught Modules: Each module is assessed 100% by coursework, typically in the form of a work-based report, working paper, or action plan of 4,000 – 4,500 words.
Thesis: The thesis (20,000 to 30,000 words) is assessed.
Oral Defence: A mandatory oral defence (Viva Voce) is required for the Thesis.

An applicant may be admitted on the basis of evidence to suggest that he/she will be able to fulfil and benefit from the objectives of the programme:

A Master’s degree in any field; or other qualifications recognised by IBES as equivalent.
Demonstrate English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS overall band of 6.0 or equivalent). This can also be met by having undertaken a qualification taught and assessed in English.
Advanced Standing/Exemptions may be granted for taught modules (including the Research Methodology module) through Accreditation of Prior Learning (APCL or APEL).

Blended Delivery: Combines face-to-face classes (15 hours per module), online discussions (10 hours per module), and independent study (225 hours per module). The thesis involves 50 hours of face-to-face supervision and 1,700 hours of independent research.
Fully Online: Delivered entirely online with virtual learning and supervision. The taught modules involve 10 hours of online discussions and 240 hours of independent study per module. The thesis involves 50 hours of online supervision and 1,700 hours of independent research.
Both modes provide a complete set of learning materials accessible via the Learning Portal.

Maximum Duration: 36 months.
Notional Hours (Total): Approximately 3000 hours.
- Taught Modules (per module): 250 hours (combination of face-to-face/online sessions, discussions, and independent study).
- Thesis: 1,700 hours of directed independent learning and research, plus 50 hours of face-to-face/online supervision.