Professional Doctorate in EdD - The Sheffield EdD

I had always wanted to obtain a higher education degree, and early childhood was my passion; even before I completed my MA degree, I was certain that I wanted to continue with the EdD. Dr. Rachael Levy was an amazing mentor who guided my doctoral studies. Her continuous support helped to raise the standards of my assignment papers to a very high level. My doctoral thesis explored the elusiveness of equity and quality in Early Childhood Education policies, and compared polices of two diverse countries (Nepal and USA). The excellent support and encouragement I received from my thesis supervisor, Professor Elizabeth Wood, helped me overcome many constraints and barriers and led me to complete my thesis within four years, despite the devastation that followed after the massive earthquakes in my home country, Nepal.

The thesis was recently selected as the “Rhedding-Jones Outstanding Dissertation 2016” by the Re-conceptualizing Early Childhood Education (RECE) organization. The award was presented during the RECE conference in New Zealand. The EdD degree has opened many doors and I am currently working as a full-time tenure track faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. I am grateful to have had such an amazing group of people as my mentors. They continue to inspire me to question the status quo, to reflect, and to be passionate about research and teaching.

I embarked on the Education Doctorate with Sheffield University as I was very keen to pursue my professional and academic interest in curriculum studies. Whilst I looked at a number of possible institutions I had a colleague who had recently completed the Sheffield EdD and spoke very highly of the course and the support provided.

From the date of application I have been very impressed with the individual contact and support provided by the tutors within the School of Education. The Educational Studies named route director contacted me to discuss my application, to explain the course and to explore my initial thoughts for my research. I felt very confident embarking on the course that it would be well planned, organised and delivered allowing me to concentrate on my full time job as well as my research. The structure of the two year taught component was an excellent foundation for my research and allowed me to develop doctoral level skills of literature review, analysis, synthesis and academic writing. Part Two (dissertation phase) allowed me to put into practice these skills whilst pursing my research into social justice issues surrounding the English Baccalaureate in English secondary schools.

I cannot praise highly enough the tutor support provided throughout the whole course. My tutor was always available via email, phone or Skype but allowed me the freedom and space to find my own working style and pace to develop as a researcher. I was also encouraged to present my research at the EdD weekends and also at academic conferences, all of which enhanced my skills and confidence as both a researcher and a practitioner. My goals when embarking on the EdD were to contribute as a practitioner to the body of educational research, whilst ensuring that my school leadership decisions were informed by academic research. My career ambitions also continued, as at the point I was ready to submit my thesis I was also appointed to Headship of the David Nieper Academy, an 11-18 sponsored academy in Derbyshire. My participation in the EdD programme was commented on very favourably at my headship interview and allowed me to demonstrate ably my awareness and engagement in educational debate and research.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Sheffield University EdD and recommend this course to all school leaders wishing to develop their academic and research knowledge, understanding and practice alongside their practitioner role.