Overview

Take the next step in your career and become a leader in the field of Education. The Education (Research) degree at James Cook University is designed for professionals currently working in Education or who hold formal Education qualifications and wish to contribute to their field through research and discovery.

To complete this doctorate, you will identify a research topic (a theoretical or practical issue of educational significance) and design and carry out a research project to investigate that issue. You will then write a substantial thesis that discusses relevant literature, the perspective and methodology adopted in the research, and the findings and significance of your research.

Study flexibly with the option to undertake the Doctor of Education online while still being able to access support on-campus if you choose to visit.

Pursue your passion for Education and contribute to the advancement of your industry through JCU’s Doctor of Education. Upon graduation, you can pursue further research, academic teaching and research positions, and leadership roles within Education.

Career Opportunities

A Doctor of Education (Research) from JCU will empower you to contribute your original ideas to the ever-developing field of Education. The advanced research skills and knowledge base that you accumulate will enhance your career as an educator.

With a Doctor of Education (Research), you might find a passion for educational research. Those who continue on as research and teaching academics contribute to an expanding body of research on educational strategies and pedagogy. You may find yourself presenting findings at conferences, both in Australia and internationally, and examining student data to identify and explore trends.

A Doctor of Education (Research) from JCU will also provide you with the knowledge and skills to progress your career within schools. You may return to the classroom and use the insights you have gained to further develop your teaching. You could explore opportunities within school leadership, as a Principal or Deputy Principal. Your high-level communication skills and experience managing workloads will assist you greatly in this pathway.

Programme Structure

Skills:

Cognitive skills to demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and practice

Cognitive skills and use of intellectual independence to think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge

Expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work or learning

Communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions

Communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers and the community

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-28 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-02-24 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

56

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

46

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

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Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Townsville, Australia
Cairns, Australia

Disciplines

Education Educational Research View 5 other PhDs in Educational Research in Australia

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

56

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

46

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

CRICOS Code: 081375J

To be eligible for entry, applicants must have attained at least one of the following:

a Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class, Division A (Honours) in a degree program that included a total of at least a semester of supervised project work, the results of which contributed to the Honours grade;
a postgraduate qualification which included: (a) supervised research component(s) of at least one semester or equivalent and resulted in the production of output(s) graded at the equivalent of Distinction or better, and (b) at least one research methods subject;
a Research Masters degree, where at least two thirds of the degree consisted of a supervised research component and resulted in the production of a thesis or equivalent;

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34120 AUD / year

≈ 34120 AUD / year

Additional Details

Course fees are not applicable for Domestic students

Living costs

Townsville

Australia

1500 - 2800 AUD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Education (Research).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Career Opportunities

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Townsville

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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