What is a Professional Doctorate (Ed Tech)
The Professional Doctorate (EdTech) is a higher degree by research designed for masters graduands who are focussed on becoming experienced educators, learning designers, educational leaders and industry professionals seeking to shape the future of learning through technology, innovation and research. Built around the EdTech design and adoption, the program combines advanced research with professional practice to explore how digital technologies are transforming education, workforce capability and lifelong learning. From learning experience design and digital pedagogy to artificial intelligence, immersive technologies and online learning environments, you will investigate how technology can create more engaging, accessible and impactful learning experiences across education and industry.Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding in the profession by planning and generating a substantial and original contribution that advances scholarship for professional practice.
- Synthesise, apply, and analyse existing and new knowledge using critical thinking, digital literacy and problem solving to develop new concepts for advanced professional practice.
- Critically evaluate wide variety of research approaches and methodologies and select an appropriate research methodology and method(s) to conduct your research project.
- Plan and execute ethical research that demonstrate the capacity to scope, design, and conduct research projects independently.
- Use appropriate and coherent communication skills to report, present, publish and disseminate research data and findings to peers and the community.
- Exhibit autonomy, authoritative judgement and leadership in workplace research and advanced professional practice.
This course is delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd, ABN 99 154 937 005, RTO 41343, CRICOS 03389E.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Professional Doctorate (EdTech) are equipped to lead innovation across education, learning design and workforce capability through research-informed practice and technology-enabled solutions. By combining doctoral-level research with professional experience, graduates develop the expertise to influence educational strategy, digital transformation and the design of future-focused learning environments. The qualification is ideal for professionals seeking to lead educational innovation, strengthen workforce capability and shape the future of learning across schools, higher education, vocational education, government and industry. As organisations increasingly embrace digital learning and emerging technologies, graduates will be well positioned to influence policy, drive innovation and create meaningful educational impact.
Subjects and units
Delivered both on campus and online, the Professional Doctorate (EdTech) comprises five core subjects, three electives and 16 thesis units, totalling 240 credit points. The course combines advanced research training with specialised study in EdTech and the completion of an independent research thesis. The course involves 20–30 hours of study per week, comprising 2–3 hours of facilitated study, 2–3 hours of independent research and 16–24 hours of self-directed study.
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Critical Literature Review | RES611
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Developing the Research Proposal | RES612
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Methodology and Research Design | RES613
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Preliminary Research Thesis | RES614
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Contemporary topics in EdTech | RES623
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Business Decision Analytics | MGT602
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Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship | MGT607
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Technology Strategy | MGT614
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Design and Business Strategy | DSG404
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Service Design | DSG405
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Design Studio | DSG406
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User Research | DSG407
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Design for Social Innovation | DSG501
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Open Studio | DSG502
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Design Leadership | DSG503
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Advanced Design Studio | DSG504
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User Experience Design | DID602A
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Multi-Platform Experience Design | DID603A
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Technology and Education | TED403
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Design Thinking | EEDUSD402
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Digital Health and Informatics | DHI401
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Digital Health Management | DHI402
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Advanced Health Informatics | DHI502
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Advanced Therapeutic Communication | ATC401
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Generative AI in Practice | BAN403
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Statistics and Applied Analytics | STA601
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Data Modelling and Database Design | MIS602
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Foundations in Business Analysis | BANASD600
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Data Analytics in Business | BANASD601
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Visual Analytics and Storytelling | BANASD602
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Distributed Development | DDE602
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Deep Learning | DLE602
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Machine Principles | MLN601
Thesis subjects
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Thesis Unit | THE601 to THE616
Research project
Through independent research supported by expert supervision, you will develop advanced research capability while examining significant questions relating to educational technology, learner engagement, curriculum innovation, workforce development and the future of education. Your research will contribute original knowledge that supports evidence-based educational practice, informs policy and drives innovation across schools, higher education, vocational education and corporate learning environments. To be awarded the Professional Doctorate (EdTech) you will require a satisfactory examination of your final thesis and portfolio, and award recommendation from two examiners.
Entry details
Fees
Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.
FEE-HELP
Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.
Scholarships
We're serious about supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer partial scholarships for both international and domestic students undertaking HDR. Please discuss these options with international and domestic admissions on application. For more information, please email HDR@torrens.edu.au
Admission criteria
Before you get started with your course application, check you meet all the requirements listed below.
Applicants with formal study: Direct Entry
A person may be considered for direct entry admission to study for the degree of Professional Doctorate (EdTech) if they have been awarded from the University or other approved institution, based on prior cognate learning in the discipline of choice:
a) a relevant three or four-year Bachelor’s degree with a distinction average GPA; or
b) a relevant Honours degree; or
c) a relevant Master’s degree by coursework with a credit average GPA.
AND
Seven years’ practice at an advanced level in a position of responsibility or five years’ practice at an executive level and currently in a position of influence in the chosen profession,
OR
An extensive track record of executive achievement in the workplace or in professional practice.
Applicants with work and life experience
Students without a Master's degree may pathway to the Professional Doctorate (EdTech) with RPL based on:
Seven years' practice at an advanced level in a position of responsibility or five years' practice at an executive level and currently in a position of influence in the chosen profession in the area of cognate learning discipline;
OR
An extensive track record of executive achievement in the workplace or in professional practice in the cognate learning discipline;
AND
A discipline-specific portfolio based on competency-based learning and non-formal learning;
AND
A letter of recommendation from two most recent employers.
Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.How to apply
Get started
Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.
Apply
It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 575 803.
Offer
We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.
Frequently asked questions
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