The only Doctor of Education program in Switzerland aligned with the National Occupational Standard
The Doctor of Education (EdD) is a prestigious qualification in education. Unlike the PhD in Education Management and Innovation Pedagogy, this program emphasizes applied, specialized research within the candidate’s area of interest. Students gain applied research skills and expand their networks, enhancing their knowledge through workshops with SIMI Swiss and partner universities.
The EdD program at SIMI Swiss, developed by the Swiss EduSchool (a member of SIMI Swiss), offers a unique and world-class educational experience in Switzerland. It is the first EdD program to align with the European National Occupational Standard, ensuring that graduates not only earn a distinguished EdD degree from SIMI Swiss but also gain 30 professional certifications (Pro Recognize) to enhance their expertise.
This innovative program ensures students are well-versed in the latest business trends through the Swiss Colloquium, offering numerous opportunities for networking and professional development. Tailored for busy professionals, the EdD program provides academic support and English language assistance through SIMI Swiss and its trusted local academic partners, ensuring that students can balance their professional and academic pursuits successfully.
Things that Doctorate students truly need and how SIMI adapted:
- Fully Accredited & Recognized
- The Swiss Student Card confirms official Swiss student status and eligibility with SIMI Swiss.
- Certified & Micro-Credentials Included
- Multiple Degrees from SIMI & Prestigious Universities
- Stay updated with the latest trends
- Learn in a flexible way
- Expand your business network
- Academic Support during Study
Dual Qualifications within a Doctorate Program:
- Doctor of Education Management and Innovation Pedagogy from Swiss Information and Management Institute
- Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice from the Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body, OTHM (603/6996/6)
International Accreditation
SIMI is accredited at both the institutional and programmatic levels by ASIC, HEAD, ISO 21001:2018, OTHM, and Qualifi, which is recognized by Ofqual.
Dual Qualification with OTHM
The program is widely recognized by the business community and partners, helping to optimize the use of the diploma after graduation.
30 Pro Recognize credentials
Learners earn 30 professional recognized certifications aligned with the European occupational framework, optimizing their skills upon graduation.
Academic & Research Support
The academic, research and language support system helps students overcome challenges so they can focus solely on excelling in their studies.
Courses & Learning Outcomes
1. Developing Research Capability (R/618/5992)
Overview
This unit focuses on the role of research in solving business problems. It emphasizes critically evaluating existing literature and establishing the need for further research in business contexts.
Unit Aims
- Understand the importance of business research in addressing organizational challenges.
- Evaluate existing literature and identify gaps for further investigation.
- Develop theoretical solutions to business problems and justify the need for research.
- Examine the philosophical, ontological, and epistemological perspectives of research.
Course Details
This course is accredited and mapped to National Occupational Standards. It can also be accumulated towards earning a Doctoral Award from SIMI Swiss if taken independently.
- View details on Learning Outcomes, Topics, and Suggested Readings HERE.
2. Advanced Research Design and Methodologies (L/618/5991)
Overview
This module builds on existing knowledge of research methods, focusing on advanced research designs and methodologies. It emphasizes the application of both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques for business research.
Unit Aims
- Analyze various research approaches and propose appropriate methodologies.
- Evaluate and apply advanced data collection techniques.
- Conduct comprehensive data analysis using advanced statistical tools and qualitative techniques.
- Understand the ethical considerations in research.
Course Details
This course is accredited and mapped to National Occupational Standards. It can also be accumulated towards earning a Doctoral Award from SIMI Swiss if taken independently.
- View details on Learning Outcomes, Topics, and Suggested Readings HERE.
Doctorate Thesis Stage
Doctoral Thesis
A Doctoral Thesis is a comprehensive, final assignment that EdD students complete at the end of their program. It is designed to encapsulate the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their studies. Unlike traditional exams, a Doctoral Thesis requires students to apply what they've learned to a real-world problem or challenge in their field.
Key Features of a Doctoral Thesis:
- Practical Application: The project usually involves solving a real-world problem in the field of education, conducting research, or developing teaching, management, educational improvement strategies.
- Integration of Knowledge: Students must integrate and apply concepts from multiple courses, demonstrating their ability to synthesize information and use it effectively in a professional context.
- Research Component: Often, a Doctoral Thesis includes a significant research element, requiring students to gather, analyze, and interpret data to support their conclusions and recommendations.
- Presentation and Defense: Upon completion, students typically present their project to a panel of faculty members or industry professionals, and defend their methodology, findings, and recommendations.
Benefits of a Doctoral Thesis:
- Real-World Experience: Students gain hands-on experience by facing and solving real-world educational problems, from classroom management to curriculum improvement.
- Skill Development: The project hones critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and communication skills.
- Portfolio Piece: The completed project can serve as a showcase of the student's capabilities, useful for job interviews or career advancement.
- Networking: Projects often involve collaboration with industry professionals, providing valuable networking opportunities.
In essence, a Doctoral Thesis is the culmination of a EdD program, allowing students to demonstrate their expertise and readiness for professional challenges.
Entry requirements & Learning methods
1. Entry Requirements
In addition to the entry requirements, candidates applying to the program are also assessed for their suitability by the admissions committee before joining the program to ensure that they can acquire and benefit from the program.
Entry requirements:
To enroll in this program, learners must be over 24 years old and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- A Master’s qualification in Majors from accredited universities; or
- A Level 7 EQF diploma or equivalent. Level 7 Diploma must be from organizations that are authorized to issue qualifications and have been accredited
English requirements:
If a learner is not from a predominantly English-speaking country, proof of English language proficiency must be provided.
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2 or equivalent;
- Or A minimum TOEFL score of 101 or IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent.
Please note:
- SIMI Swiss does not accept entry qualifications from counterfeit universities, Diploma Mills, or universities accredited by unreliable accreditation agencies.
- SIMI reserves the right to make admissions decisions based on the requirements of recognized agencies and the global quotas of the program.
2. Learning methods
The qualification is designed to be delivered over 2,5 academic years for full-time study, but it also offers a flexible model to accommodate part-time and distance learning options.
The qualification is delivered in the following modes:
1. On-campus Mode in Switzerland
- Blended Learning: Combines the benefits of traditional classroom instruction with the flexibility of online learning, allowing students to participate in in-person sessions on campus while also benefiting from digital resources such as online lectures, discussion forums, and virtual collaborative tools.
- Full-time Learning: Involves attending campus-based classes on a set schedule, allowing for closer interaction with professors, peers, and industry professionals. Students also have the opportunity to participate in various extracurricular activities, internships, and on-campus events, providing them with a well-rounded experience.
Learn more about SIMI Campuses [HERE]
2. Off-campus Mode:
The program combines Live Classes with lecturers and local tutors (where applicable) for a hybrid learning experience.
- Offering interactive, real-time engagement with instructors.
- Local tutors provide additional guidance to help learners apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios (please note that local tutors only apply where SIMI has a scientific partner).
- Ideal for busy professionals seeking flexibility with personalized support.
Learn more about the overview of enrolling in online classes at SIMI Swiss [Video HERE]
Learn more about the effectiveness of SIMI Pedagogy [Video HERE]
3. Fully Online Mode:
The program is implemented using a combined automated training model that includes:
- Optimized Online Learning System: Designed to enhance the self-study process.
- Bite-Sized Lectures: Lessons are structured in short, manageable modules, enabling students to grasp the content immediately after completing each module.
- Comprehensive Support System: Provides students with the necessary tools and support to efficiently fulfil course requirements.
Learn more about how to use the automated training model at SIMI Swiss [Video HERE]
3. Academic Support
We understand that pursuing an accredited postgraduate program can be both exciting and challenging, especially for busy adult learners. To help you overcome these challenges, we’ve created the SIMI Swiss Supporting Systems, designed to guide you through any difficulties during your studies.
For a full overview of the support available, be sure to watch our informative videos, offering help at every stage of your academic journey.
Supplemental resources and Pro Certified
1. Supply 4 courses at the Doctoral level in Education Management and Pedagogy provides the necessary knowledge for developing a thesis
We understand that foundational knowledge at the Doctoral and Master's levels in education and pedagogy is crucial for EdD program students, as it fulfills two key objectives: providing fundamental knowledge for use in the workplace and utilizing this knowledge to conduct doctoral dissertation research.
EdD is the only Doctoral Education program in Switzerland that offers courses compatible with the national competency framework at the Doctoral and Master's levels. These courses are integrated into the program to provide learners with a rich source of reference materials, which can also be used for teaching after graduation.
The 4 courses include complete syllabus, lectures, study materials, exams, and doctoral-level reviews, including:
1. DoctorEdu 1 - Understanding Learning and Learners
This material is useful for EdD students who want to study behavioral and cognitive psychology in teaching and learning.
See Micro Credential details HERE.
2. DoctorEdu 2 - Creating a Conducive Learning Environment
This material is useful for EdD students who want to develop research topics on building effective learning environments and the factors influencing pedagogical effectiveness.
See Micro Credential details HERE.
3. DoctorEdu 3 - Managing and Leading Digital Education
This material is useful for EdD students who want to research topics on online education and the application of technology in training.
See Micro Credential details HERE.
4. DoctorEdu 4 - Leadership and Organization Transformation
This material is useful for students researching management and leadership in the educational environment.
See Micro Credential details HERE.
2. Supply 5 mandatory courses in Education Management and Pedagogy at the Master's level helps review core knowledge
Core knowledge is a particularly important aspect for research-based doctoral programs like EdD, but it is often not provided by universities under the assumption that candidates have already acquired this knowledge during their Master's studies. However, according to SIMI Swiss's internal research, 72.4% of Doctoral candidates in education transition from other disciplines (only 28.6% are from the correct field), and among the 28.6% who are from the correct field, 82.6% pursue their Doctorate after 5 years. Typically, after 5 years, foundational knowledge may have been forgotten or become outdated.
Understanding this need, EdD is the only program in Switzerland that offers the entire specialized course material from the Master's in Education (MasterEdu) program, which is valued at over 12,750 CHF when delivered in the Micro Credential format. This set of study materials is not a book, nor is it publicly available; it is a fully-fledged course that includes a syllabus, learning outcomes, lectures, assignments, exams, and more.
EdD candidates can use these materials to review foundational knowledge or even utilize them for teaching at their own institutions.
The provided materials (complete courses) include:
- MasterEdu1: Contemporary Issues in Education: Theory, Policy and Practice. View details HERE
- MasterEdu2: The Management of Educational Change. View details HERE
- MasterEdu3: Managing Effective Intercultural Communication and Perspectives. View details HERE
- MasterEdu4: Pedagogy and Practice in Education. View details HERE
- MasterEdu5: Leading Reflective Practice in Education. View details HERE
3. Supply 30 courses mapped to National Occupational Standards
The National Occupational Standard is a crucial benchmark that ensures educational programs meet workplace demands. The EdD program is fully aligned with the Senior Leader position according to the national competency framework.
Beyond the comprehensive EdD curriculum, students gain access to an additional 30 professional modules covering a wide range of specializations. This expanded knowledge base enables students to build on their classroom learning and directly apply it to their specific job roles and needs, offering valuable tools for professional growth.
Unlike other study materials, this interactive and exclusive set of resources, developed by SIMI Swiss, is specifically designed for self-study. The knowledge system, aligned with the National Occupational Standard, is divided into 30 knowledge groups, each further broken down into bite-sized lessons. This approach allows students to absorb content quickly and effectively, even when away from their computer or phone.
- Learn more about the National Occupational Standard system [HERE].
- Learn more about the exclusive pedagogy for the supplemental interactive study materials [HERE].
- Learn more about the Master Professional Certified [HERE]
The 30 interactive courses that enhance knowledge and automatically accumulate 30 separate Pro Certifications Level 7 EQF include:
- Qualities of effective leadership: Learners will explore the making and developing of powerful leaders.
- Developing interpersonal skills: Connecting and bonding with people within the commercial sectors is extremely important for good business. This module trains learners in skills to improve and enhance communication techniques to create strong bonds.
- Motivating and influencing people: Inspiring people to create a unity of direction within business.
- Making decisions: Doing the right things in the right way at the right time. Learners will look at the process of making a good decision.
- Creativity and problem-solving: Do problems pose a threat or are they an opportunity to improve? Here, learners will figure out how to turn a problem into an advantage.
- Studying and using management theories: There are many theories concerned with management and the various models developed from these theories. This module looks over these theories with real-life examples.
- The external operating environment of business: Planning for influences on the business outside your control.
- Culture and ethics: The culture and ethics involved in the business world today.
- Governance and directorships: Structuring and controlling a business in a professional way.
- Analysing the competition: What are my competitors doing, how are they doing it, and why are they doing it? Reviewing and analysing competitors’ actions to enhance managerial roles.
- Marketing strategy: Creating an effective and successful market presence. Looking at the development of marketing strategies to create successful marketing campaigns.
- High performance sales: Learners will grasp the key elements of successful selling.
- E-Marketing communication: Understanding and using effective electronic messages to market.
- Customers and their needs: Ensuring that your customers are recognised and valued.
- Strategic human resource management: Human Resource Management must play a central role in the strategy of any organization. It is concerned with people as an asset of the business.
- Recruiting and CPD: Getting the best people. Developing the best people. Keeping the best people.
- Measuring and rewarding performance: Knowing and measuring how your people are performing.
- Interpreting business accounts: Using and understanding the litmus tests of business health.
- Tools of financial analysis: Resources, tools, and techniques to keep a finger on the pulse of the business.
- Managing cash and working capital: Cash, cash flow, and working capital. The lifeblood of business.
- Exercises in quantitative techniques: How to use and understand key figures.
- Impact of technology on business: Analyse and exploit the role of e-business within a business sector.
- Innovation and R&D: Creating commercial advantage from innovation and research.
- Implementing and managing quality systems: Right first time, right every time. The place of quality in business strategy.
- Strategic planning tools: Resources, tools, and ideas to help create an effective business strategy.
- Strategic and systems management: Options for strategic direction. Making the right choices for your business.
- The business plan: Creating a plan that targets the stated aims and objectives of a business.
- Developing high-performance teams: Cohesion and teamwork that enhances business performance.
- Managing projects: Getting things done. Using the right tools to run projects.
- Strategies for growth: This module explores the different ideas of growth and the various tools, measures, and controls at a manager’s disposal in planning for growth.
4. Supply 30 webinars mapped to National Occupational Standards
In addition to comprehensive lessons with built-in interactive activities and an exclusive self-study pedagogy, each knowledge module aligned with the National Occupational Standard includes instructional videos (webinars). Doctorate students are provided with 30 video webinars corresponding to the 30 interactive modules, ensuring a well-rounded and complete learning experience.
The 30 video webinars include:
- Webinar - Qualities of effective leadership: Learners will explore the making and developing of powerful leaders.
- Webinar - Developing interpersonal skills: Connecting and bonding with people within the commercial sectors is extremely important for good business. This module trains learners in skills to improve and enhance communication techniques to create strong bonds.
- Webinar - Motivating and influencing people: Inspiring people to create a unity of direction within business.
- Webinar - Making decisions: Doing the right things in the right way at the right time. Learners will look at the process of making a good decision.
- Webinar - Creativity and problem-solving: Do problems pose a threat or are they an opportunity to improve? Here, learners will figure out how to turn a problem into an advantage.
- Webinar - Studying and using management theories: There are many theories concerned with management and the various models developed from these theories. This module looks over these theories with real-life examples.
- Webinar - The external operating environment of business: Planning for influences on the business outside your control.
- Webinar - Culture and ethics: The culture and ethics involved in the business world today.
- Webinar - Governance and directorships: Structuring and controlling a business in a professional way.
- Webinar - Analysing the competition: What are my competitors doing, how are they doing it, and why are they doing it? Reviewing and analysing competitors’ actions to enhance managerial roles.
- Webinar - Marketing strategy: Creating an effective and successful market presence. Looking at the development of marketing strategies to create successful marketing campaigns.
- Webinar - High performance sales: Learners will grasp the key elements of successful selling.
- Webinar - E-Marketing communication: Understanding and using effective electronic messages to market.
- Webinar - Customers and their needs: Ensuring that your customers are recognised and valued.
- Webinar - Strategic human resource management: Human Resource Management must play a central role in the strategy of any organization. It is concerned with people as an asset of the business.
- Webinar - Recruiting and CPD: Getting the best people. Developing the best people. Keeping the best people.
- Webinar - Measuring and rewarding performance: Knowing and measuring how your people are performing.
- Webinar - Interpreting business accounts: Using and understanding the litmus tests of business health.
- Webinar - Tools of financial analysis: Resources, tools, and techniques to keep a finger on the pulse of the business.
- Webinar - Managing cash and working capital: Cash, cash flow, and working capital. The lifeblood of business.
- Webinar - Exercises in quantitative techniques: How to use and understand key figures.
- Webinar - Impact of technology on business: Analyse and exploit the role of e-business within a business sector.
- Webinar - Innovation and R&D: Creating commercial advantage from innovation and research.
- Webinar - Implementing and managing quality systems: Right first time, right every time. The place of quality in business strategy.
- Webinar - Strategic planning tools: Resources, tools, and ideas to help create an effective business strategy.
- Webinar - Strategic and systems management: Options for strategic direction. Making the right choices for your business.
- Webinar - The business plan: Creating a plan that targets the stated aims and objectives of a business.
- Webinar - Developing high-performance teams: Cohesion and teamwork that enhances business performance.
- Webinar - Managing projects: Getting things done. Using the right tools to run projects.
- Webinar - Strategies for growth: This module explores the different ideas of growth and the various tools, measures, and controls at a manager’s disposal in planning for growth.
5. Earn 30 Level 7 EQF Pro Certifications via automated testing
While an EdD degree certifies academic achievement at the Level 7 EQF , in the workplace, Level 7 EQF Pro Certifications help professionals demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and ability to take responsibility in their specific fields.
As a program mapped to National Occupational Standards, along with the supplemental knowledge system, students can engage in self-study through interactive lessons, attend webinars, and take online tests to earn 30 Level 7 EQF Pro Certifications. Each ProCert reflects Level 7 EQF, outlines the Learning Outcomes, and provides certification upon completion.
If students wish to convert their e-Pro Certifications at Level 7 EQF to hard copies, they can use an optional service for a minimal fee.
The 30 Level 7 EQF ProCerts that learners can obtain during the EdD program (note: this is optional):
- Level 7 Certified for Qualities of effective leadership
- Level 7 Certified for Developing interpersonal skills
- Level 7 Certified for Motivating and influencing people
- Level 7 Certified for Making decisions
- Level 7 Certified for Creativity and problem-solving
- Level 7 Certified for Studying and using management theories
- Level 7 Certified for The external operating environment of business
- Level 7 Certified for Culture and ethics
- Level 7 Certified for Governance and directorships
- Level 7 Certified for Analysing the competition
- Level 7 Certified for Marketing strategy
- Level 7 Certified for High performance sales
- Level 7 Certified for E-Marketing communication
- Level 7 Certified for Customers and their needs
- Level 7 Certified for Strategic human resource management
- Level 7 Certified for Recruiting and CPD
- Level 7 Certified for Measuring and rewarding performance
- Level 7 Certified for Interpreting business accounts
- Level 7 Certified for Tools of financial analysis
- Level 7 Certified for Managing cash and working capital
- Level 7 Certified for Exercises in quantitative techniques
- Level 7 Certified for Impact of technology on business
- Level 7 Certified for Innovation and R&D
- Level 7 Certified for Implementing and managing quality systems
- Level 7 Certified for Strategic planning tools
- Level 7 Certified for Strategic and systems management
- Level 7 Certified for The business plan
- Level 7 Certified for Developing high-performance teams
- Level 7 Certified for Managing projects
- Level 7 Certified for Strategies for growth
Check out the way you could get 30 electric Master Professional Certified [Video HERE]
Program accreditations
1. Accreditation review guidelines by SIMI Swiss
SIMI is the first higher education institute in Zug, Switzerland, to achieve comprehensive international accreditations at both the organizational and program levels. The video below guides you through the step-by-step process of verifying and checking SIMI Swiss's accreditations and recognitions.
2. Refer to SIMI Swiss Program information in SVEB Switzerland
SVEB Switzerland (Schweizerischer Verband für Weiterbildung) is the Swiss Federation for Adult Learning and serves as the national umbrella organization for adult education in Switzerland. SVEB is recognized as the leading authority in Switzerland for promoting and supporting lifelong learning and professional development through a wide range of educational programs and certifications.
Benefits of the SIMI Swiss Programs Published in SVEB:
- National & Federal Recognition: Being published in SVEB gives the SIMI Swiss program official recognition in Switzerland, validating its quality and adherence to Swiss educational standards.
- Increased Credibility: Membership and listing with SVEB enhance the credibility of the SIMI program, making it more attractive to prospective students and employers who value SVEB-approved programs.
- Professional Advancement: Programs listed with SVEB are often aligned with the needs of the Swiss job market, increasing graduates' employability and supporting their career progression within Switzerland.
- Access to a Wider Network: Association with SVEB connects the SIMI Swiss program to a broader network of educational institutions, professionals, and employers across Switzerland, offering opportunities for collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange.
- Compliance with Swiss Standards: SVEB ensures that SIMI Swiss programs meet high educational standards, including up-to-date content, qualified instructors, and effective teaching methods, enhancing the overall learning experience for students.
- Support for Lifelong Learning: SVEB’s focus on adult education means the SIMI Swissprogram aligns with lifelong learning principles, supporting students in their ongoing professional development.
Check the SIMI programs on SVEB HERE.
3. Accreditation of University of Information Technology and Management
University of Information Technology and Management (Wyższa Szkoła Informatyki i Zarządzania w Rzeszowie) is one of the top universities in Poland, ranked first in Poland according to the reputable European Union U-Multirank rankings. In addition:
- UITM is fully accredited at both the national and European levels.
- UITM is also the first university in Poland and one of only four universities in Europe to offer a degree in Aviation Management.
- UITM is not only recognized by the government in Poland but also acknowledged in many countries and territories through direct or indirect agreements.
- UITM not only focuses on academic training but also provides training services for businesses in Europe, including supplying resources for major names such as Lufthansa, Microsoft, CISCO, ...
Guidelines of how to check the accreditation and recognition of UITM: CLICK HERE
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