PhD / Doctorate Curriculum & Instruction Full Time

Doctor of Education

at Flinders University · Adelaide, South Australia

CRICOS course code

024773A

CRICOS provider code

00114A

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

3 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$97,200 total

Per year

A$32,400/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Doctor of Education (EdD) at Flinders University is a research-focused doctoral programme designed for experienced educators and leaders in the field of Curriculum & Instruction. This advanced degree enables candidates to critically engage with pressing educational issues, develop new insights into teaching and learning, and contribute original research relevant to Australian and global educational contexts. The programme is well suited for those aiming to enhance their expertise and authority, whether in school leadership, educational policy, curriculum design, or higher education.

Structured over three years of full-time study, the EdD consists of coursework units that build foundational research skills, followed by a substantial original research thesis. Candidates accumulate credit points through advanced units of study tailored to the individual’s research interests, concluding with a capstone research project that addresses a significant challenge or innovation within Curriculum & Instruction. Flinders University provides access to research supervisors with expertise across a broad range of educational specialisations, as well as opportunities for professional networking and work-integrated learning through connections with Australian schools and education sector bodies.

The skills developed throughout the EdD include advanced methods in qualitative and quantitative educational research, critical analysis and evaluation of curriculum practices, leadership in educational change, and scholarly communication. Graduates are equipped to design, implement and assess innovative curricula, influence educational policy, and make meaningful contributions to both academic research and practical improvements in diverse learning environments.

This programme is ideal for teachers, education administrators, instructional coordinators, policy professionals, and others seeking to deepen their impact on education practice and policy. International students are welcomed, with English proficiency requirements that reflect the academic rigour of the field. As a Flinders University doctoral candidate in Adelaide, students benefit from the university’s industry partnerships and may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their studies. Those completing the doctorate may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, providing a pathway to further Australian experience in education and research roles.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

University academic or lecturer in education faculties
Educational consultant in curriculum and instruction
Policy analyst or advisor in government education departments
School leader or principal in secondary and primary education
Education researcher for think tanks or not-for-profits
Professional development coordinator in TAFE or private sector education

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Doctor of Education at Flinders University?

It typically takes 3 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$97,200 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

University academic or lecturer in education facultiesEducational consultant in curriculum and instructionPolicy analyst or advisor in government education departmentsSchool leader or principal in secondary and primary educationEducation researcher for think tanks or not-for-prof...

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