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D.Ed, D.S.W. and DCLD

• Levels
• Time
• Cost
• Funding
• Nature of the Degree
• Learning Objectives
• Frequently Asked Questions

Education (D.Ed.), Social Work (D.S.W.) and Community Education (DCLD)

Learning Objectives

The Doctorate develops skills in: knowledge and understanding, knowledge and understanding applied to the practice setting, generic cognitive areas, communication ICT and numeracy areas, and autonomy accountability and working as a member of a team. The Learning Objectives within each of these areas follow, with an indication of which modules are most relevant to each.

Knowledge and Understanding

Demonstrate and/or work with:

• A critical overview of a subject or discipline, including critical understanding of the principal theories, principles and constructs (Module 1).
• A critical, detailed and often leading knowledge and understanding at the forefront of one or more specialisms (Module 1).
• Knowledge and understanding that is generated through personal research or equivalent work that makes a significant contribution to the development of the subject/discipline (Modules 2-5).

Knowledge and Understanding Applied to the Practice Setting

• Use a significant range of the principal skills, techniques, practices and materials associated with the subject discipline (Modules 2-5).
• Use and enhance a range of complex skills, techniques, practices and materials at the forefront of one or more specialisms (Modules 2-5).
• Apply a range of standard and specialised research/equivalent instruments and techniques of enquiry (Modules 2-5).
• Design and execute research, investigative or development projects to deal with new problems and issues (Modules 2-5).
• Demonstrate originality and creativity in the development and application of new knowledge, understanding and practices (Modules 1-5).
• Practice in the context of new knowledge and circumstances (Modules 1-5).

Generic Cognitive Areas

• Apply a constant and integrated approach to critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas, information and issues (Modules 1-5).
• Identify, conceptualise and offer original and creative insights into new, complex and abstract ideas, information and issues (Modules 1-5).
• Develop creative and original responses to problems and issues (Modules 2-5).
• Deal with very complex and/or new issues and make informed judgements in the absence of complete or consistent data/information (Modules 1-5).

Communication ICT and numeracy areas

• Use a significant range of advanced and specialised skills as appropriate to a subject / discipline (Modules 1-5).
• Communicate at an appropriate level to a range of audiences and adapt communication to the context and purpose (Modules 1-5).
• Communicate at the standard of published academic work and/or critical dialogue and review with peers and experts in other specialisms (Modules 1-5).
• Use a range of software to support and enhance work at this level and specify software requirements to enhance work (Modules 1-5).
• Critically evaluate numerical and graphical data (Modules 1-5).

Autonomy, Accountability and Working as a Member of a Team.

• Exercise a high level of autonomy and initiative in professional and equivalent activities (Modules 2-5).
• Take full responsibility for own work and/or significant responsibility for the work of others (Modules 1-5).
• Demonstrate leadership and/or originality in tackling and solving problems and issues (Modules 2-5).
• Work in ways that are reflective, self-critical and based on research evidence (Modules 1-5).
• Deal with complex ethical and professional issues (Modules 2-5).
• Make informed judgements on new and emerging issues not addressed by current professional and/or ethical codes and practices (Modules 2-5).