The impact of doctoral studies on personal and professional lives

This research explores the impact of studying for the Doctorate of Education, (EdD) on the professional and personal lives of people undertaking this level of study. It builds on previous research in this area that identified tensions in the impact of professional doctorates (Burgess et al., 2011, Wellington and Sikes, 2006). A small case study approach was taken, using questionnaires and detailed semi-structured interviews to ascertain the views of the doctoral students. A unique approach to data analysis was taken using a modified version of Guskey’s model for teacher development, which provided a lens through which to focus the data. Findings indicate a significant impact on both professional and personal lives of the participants, evidenced in a variety of ways, and that the boundaries between professional and personal impact are often blurred. The findings contribute to a largely under-developed area of research, and indicate that further work is required to better prepare students for study at this level.