Doctor of Education and Innovation Pedagogy Dual Degree with VERN' (By Research)EDD from VERN'; Doctor of Education Management and Innovation Pedagogy from SIMI Swiss
The Doctor of Education and Innovation Pedagogy is one of the most prestigious degrees in education worldwide. By partnering with one of the top universities in Croatia as well as adopting a research approach from the beginning, doctoral candidates in the Doctor of Education and Innovation Pedagogy program will focus on developing research skills with applied orientations in the field of education and educational management in two stages: (1) the learning stage of research subjects to orient research and understand scientific research methods in education, and (2) the research and thesis formation stage of the doctoral in Education under the guidance of faculty.
Through in-depth research, students will develop research skills (a mandatory skill at the Doctoral level) and expand their research network and scientific knowledge through scientific conferences organized by SIMI Swiss in collaboration with partner universities. These skills serve as a foundation for graduates to conduct in-depth research and teaching in their passionate fields.
In contrast to the Ph.D. in Education and Innovation Pedagogy program, the Doctor of Education and Innovation Pedagogy program aims at highly applied and in-depth research in the industry of interest to the students.
As a dual degree doctoral program, upon completion, doctoral candidates will receive two Doctoral degrees:
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D) from VERN’ University.
- Doctor of Education Management and Innovation Pedagogy from SIMI SWISS.
This program offers flexibility through two modes: full-time, hybrid (combining live classes with local tutor support in on-site workshops), enabling learners to select the learning format that aligns best with their preferences and schedules.
Dual Degrees Program:
The program is a collaborative effort between SIMI Swiss and one of Croatia’s premier universities, VERN’ University, providing the opportunity to earn two distinct and independent degrees. Both SIMI Swiss and VERN’ University boast notable accreditations, underscoring a high standard of education and ensuring recognition for graduates with a doctorate.
SIMI Swiss has achieved:
- Accreditation by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC) at the highest level (Premier Institution)
- Accreditation of the management system compatible with the European Quality Assurance Framework for Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) and Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area, awarded by the HEAD – Higher Education Accreditation Division
- Programmatic accreditation by Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Organizations (OTHM, CTH)
- Learning outcomes are mapped to the UK national occupational standards by the Senior Leader Bureau United Kingdom
- A Federal Member of SVEB (Swiss Federation for Adult Learning)
- Recognition by the United Kingdom Regulated Qualification Framework
VERN’ University Croatia achieved:
- One of the top universities in Croatia (QUDAL)
- Government-recognized university by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Croatia
- University accredited by the Croatian Agency for Science and Higher Education (ASHE Croatia)
- Programs aligned with European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ESG)
- Internationally recognized university within the International Association of Universities (IAU) system
- Member university recognized by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)
- Recipient of the national education brand in Croatia (Superbrands Croatia)
- Recognized by the European Union under the Erasmus+ system
The program is jointly recognized and awards two degrees:
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from VERN’ University.
- Doctor of Education Management and Innovation Pedagogy from SIMI Swiss.
The Doctor of Education and Innovation Pedagogy dual degree program with VERN’ is a two-year program and is not allowed to extend beyond three years. Students engage in a blend of globally broadcast live classes (Live Class) complemented by online tutoring and mentor-guided instruction. During the research phase, students attend seminars abroad organized by SIMI Swiss and partner universities.
Key courses include:
- Course: Developing Research Capability (30 ECTS credits, equivalent to 60 UK Credits)
- Activity: Present Research Proposal in the Colloquium
- Course: Advanced Research Design and Methodologies (30 ECTS credits, equivalent to 60 UK Credits)
Doctoral Dissertation Stage (60 ECTS credits, equivalent to 120 UK credits):
- Activity: Working with Research Supervisor for Dissertation
- Activity: Present the research result in Colloquium
- Activity: Defend the Dissertation
After completing the Doctor of Education and Innovation Pedagogy Dual Degree program with VERN’. doctoral candidates will be able to:
1. Develop research aligned with the context of the Education, Educational Management, Pedagogy, and innovative teaching and learning methods.
- Assess the importance, practicality, and research feasibility of the Management and Administration research topic.
- Develop and adjust the research purpose to align with the direction and research objectives and within the time constraints.
- Analyze and evaluate various research options, making appropriate choices.
2. Possess the ability to gather, organize, and select relevant theoretical foundations for doctoral research.
- Compile theoretical foundations related to research topics in education, educational management, pedagogy, and pedagogical innovation activities.
- Categorize and form a theoretical structure to serve the research topics in the scientific field of educational management and specialized pedagogical groups.
3. The ability to design comprehensive research.
- Review precedent studies and select relevant research to support the intended research.
- Design research in line with research objectives, research questions, and the research timeframe.
- Adjust the chosen research methods considering research ethics and feasibility.
4. The capability to formulate a research proposal and the completed research.
- Formulate research questions and review theoretical foundations and research models.
- Construct research following international standards by developing a complete doctoral thesis in the field of education and pedagogy.
- Present research to the scientific council.
- Possess the ability to defend and persuade.
Assessment and Confirmation of Academic Results:
All modules and doctoral dissertations in the Doctor of Education and Innovation Pedagogy Dual Degree program, which follows a research-oriented model, undergo evaluation by both SIMI and VERN’ University, one of the leading institutions in Croatia. Learners are required to demonstrate mastery of knowledge and the attainment of competencies as outlined in detail in the program’s syllabus. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that candidates meet the established standards and objectives of the program.
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 participate in the EDD Dual Degree program, candidates must:
- Learners must be over 21 years old.
- Hold a Master’s degree from an accredited university or have obtained a Level 7 Diploma according to the European Qualifications Framework.
Please note: SIMI reserves the right to accept or reject candidates after a detailed review of each applicant’s profile to ensure the most effective and suitable participation in the program.
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 6.5; Reading and Writing must be at 6.5 or equivalent
Please note: SIMI reserves the right to make admissions decisions based on the requirements of recognized agencies and the global quotas of the program.
SIMI SWISS is the first higher education institution with accreditation at both the programmatic and institutional levels:
- Accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC) at the highest level (Premier Institution)
- Accreditation of the management system compatible with the European Quality Assurance Framework for Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) and Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area, awarded by the HEAD – Higher Education Accreditation Division
- Programmatic accreditation by Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Bodies (OTHM, CTH)
- Learning outcomes are mapped to the UK national occupational standards by the Senior Leader Bureau United Kingdom
- A Federal Member of SVEB (Swiss Federation for Adult Learning)
- Recognized by the United Kingdom Regulated Qualification Framework
VERN’ University in Croatia achieved:
- One of the top universities in Croatia (QUDAL)
- Government-recognized university by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Croatia
- University accredited by the Croatian Agency for Science and Higher Education (ASHE Croatia)
- Programs aligned with European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ESG)
- Internationally recognized university within the International Association of Universities (IAU) system
- Member university recognized by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)
- Recipient of the national education brand in Croatia (Superbrands Croatia)
- Recognized by the European Union under the Erasmus+ system
Because the programs and degrees offered are rigorously accredited by reputable organizations, upon graduation, students have the confidence to enter the job market, pursue further studies, and smoothly transition to other prestigious and equivalently reputable educational systems.
Certifications & Apostilles in Switzerland:
Certifications & Apostilles is the process by which The Cantonal Chancellery certifies original public documents of the Canton of Zug (where SIMI Swiss is authorized and licensed), thus validating them for use abroad. The process solely verifies the authenticity of the diploma, confirming its origin from the Swiss Institute of Management and Innovation, and ensures the genuine signature of the chancellor/dean.
Below is an example of the Certification by Notary Public and confirm from Chancery of State:
Apostille and degree confirmation of VERN’ University in Croatia:
Similar to SIMI Swiss, VERN’ University is also a legally recognized institution, so it can also legalize consular authentication on the degree. Appraisal HERE.
After completing the EDD Dual Degree program, learners can continue to study to Level 8 (Doctor) or transfer to other education systems. The following table shows the development pathways after completing the program:
| Level | Qualification framework | Equivalent Degrees |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) | Level 8 diploma |
| 12 | Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) | Doctoral Degrees Professional Development Awards |
| Doctoral Degree | Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) | Doctorate, for example, doctor of philosophy (PhD or DPhil) |
| 8 | European Qualifications Framework (EQF) | Doctorate, for example, doctor of philosophy (PhD or DPhil) Level 8 Diploma |
| 10 | Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) | Doctoral Degree |
| 10 | African Continental Qualification Framework (ACQF) | Doctoral Degree |
| 8 | ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) | Doctoral Degree Level 8 Diploma |