This site lists doctoral qualifications aimed at those working in nursing, engineering, psychology, law, social work, education and a growing number of other professions.
This programme is for health or social care practitioners with postgraduate qualifications who want to research a policy or practice issue that’s relevant to their area of work and use the findings to influence the way things are done.
The Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care (DProfHSC) provides an opportunity to plan and undertake doctoral research with the aim of developing an area of professional practice and make an original contribution to existing knowledge.
The DProfHSC is undertaken in two stages. In Stage 1 you will undertake four 30 credit Level 7 modules, including:
During the structured first stage of the programme, you’ll develop your research ideas with the help of an academic advisor. Study days, workshops and online resources provide research training and orientation leading to the submission of a research proposal.
With your proposal formally approved, you’ll then progress to the supervised research stage of your higher-level degree, developing your thesis with support from your supervisors. In stage 2, you must achieve your Confirmation of Registration and your progress will be appraised at Annual Reviews.
Throughout both stages of the programme you are supported by advisers and supervisors who have broad areas of interest in the field of health and social care, along with a range of methodological expertise.
You will also actively engage with the Faculty's and the University's research training and activities, including conferences, seminar programmes, invited speakers and much more. The programme concludes in the submission of your final thesis and a ‘viva voce’ examination to defend it.
We can support and supervise doctoral students in most areas of health and social care. Please contact us to discuss this further.
Your faculty
The Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care is the largest in ARU, with over 7,000 students. Our Faculty is teeming with expertise and primed to meet the demand for creating health professionals, teachers, doctors, scientists and educators for the three districts we serve: Chelmsford, Cambridge and Peterborough.
We have been training undergraduates for professional roles for over 25 years, with a reputation for quality, dedication and ambition balanced with student satisfaction.
We know that to give our students the very best experiential learning, prior to getting into the workplace, simulation is second to none, for safe, realistic, learning environments. We have invested heavily in purpose built simulated wards, science labs and skills space, to support our students through their learning.
Anglia Ruskin's academic excellence was recognised in 2014, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Twelve areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research. The results showed that we're making a significant impact on economies, societies, the environment and culture in all corners of the globe.
You’ll receive comprehensive postgraduate training and develop transferrable skills that will equip you for your research project and wider career.
These skills include research planning, use of research methods and techniques, development of theoretical concepts, research analysis, conference presentation, academic writing and publishing.
We’ll encourage you to publish articles during your research project and present your findings at conferences, including those we hold here at the University.
Many of our research graduates enhance their careers by using their findings to recommend new policies or pilot new practice, locally or nationally.
The Professional Doctorate in Criminal Justice develops current and aspiring criminal justice professionals to operate confidently at a strategic level, providing skills to drive evidence-based change and improve criminal justice performance. You’ll develop a critical awareness of topics at the forefront of criminal justice and the contexts and theories that influence practice in these areas.
The bespoke qualification can be tailored to professional requirements, thereby increasing the potential for personal development and career progression. Online resources also provide the flexibility to study when and where it suits you, within a guided and structured framework. The course is taught by lecturers with frontline experience in criminal justice organisations and those who are research active in this area.
Extensive resources are available to support your studies (ie SPSS) provided by LIS- library and IT staff.
LIS provide access to a huge range of electronic resources - e-journals and databases, eBooks, images and texts. As this course is exclusively online, the programme will make extensive use of Blackboard (eLearn), which promotes access to a variety of resources and materials designed to meet the learning needs of distance learning students.
The course team is led by Professor Stuart Kirby, Ph.D., C.Psychol. Stuart served within Lancashire Police between 1977 – 2007 in a variety of uniform and detective roles retiring as Detective Chief Superintendent, Specialist Crime and Operations Division. Since then he has worked at Lancaster University and latterly at The University of Central Lancashire. His Ph.D. was on the subject of Child Sex Offenders and he has conducted research and published widely in the area of policing, crime reduction, and serious and organised crime. He has also designed and presented Criminal Justice lectures and programmes to academic audiences and Criminal Justice Agencies in the UK and internationally (Europe, UAE, India, North America, Australia).
The Professional Doctorate course is delivered by a diverse range of experienced research/practitioner active staff from within the School of Forensic and Applied Sciences and other schools. You can access information (e.g. about staff research interest and publications) via staff profiles (available through the appropriate School web pages). In addition specialist staff such as those from the University Learning Information Service may contribute to modules where their particular expertise will enhance your learning experience.
Established professional links with Lancashire Constabulary and other law enforcement agencies, regionally, nationally and internationally. Mixed skill set within Prof Doc students provides a great networking experience.
The Professional Doctorate course is delivered by a diverse range of experienced research/practitioner active staff from within the School of Forensic and Applied Sciences and other schools. In addition specialist staff such as those from the University Learning Information Service may contribute to modules where their particular expertise will enhance your learning experience.
Offering an equivalent to PhD level, the DProf Computing provides an opportunity for those working in the software or IT industry to complete a programme of study that will lead to a doctorate qualification. The course aims to develop and enhance your understanding of professional practice through academic research. On completion of the course you will have achieved a high degree of personal development and produced an original piece of work that contributes to professional knowledge in the software or IT workplace. Members of the course team have extensive experience of doing industry-based research, with a focus on Agile approaches and User Experience Design.
The two-stage structure means practitioners can progressively develop their research in practice part-time culminating in doctoral research. Stage 1 consists of existing Masters modules that prepare students for the Stage 2 work that comprises original research:
Stage 1 is module-based, involving learning and reflection designed for practicing professionals. This study helps you to develop knowledge of relevant theory and skills in practitioner inquiry and research alongside a professional understanding of your field.
Stage 2 is research-based, and involves you undertaking empirical research into a topic related to practice culminating in writing a doctoral thesis. Alongside this you take one module that supports professional reflective practice.
The learning environment is designed to be flexible to suit the needs of students who are also employed in the workplace.
From Archaeology & Anthropology to Environmental & Biological Sciences, Technology, Security, Design & Engineering, or Psychology, research within the Faculty of Science & Technology is world-leading.
The faculty also hosts four interdisciplinary research centres and one research institute: Ageing and Dementia Research Centre; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Research Centre; Centre for Ecology, Environment and Sustainability and Institute for Studies in Landscape and Human Evolution.
Our close links to many local and national heritage sites and projects also make this an excellent place to undertake archaeological and anthropological research, and we support research in these fields that has an impact on modern forensic investigation. You could make a difference in the world of technology and have an impact on saving lives or rehabilitation, or work with our psychologists to improve every day life.
We work closely with colleagues from other faculties and specialisms across the university to deliver impactful and exciting research across a multitude of disciplines.
The Professional Doctorate (PD) in Human Performance (4-year part-time, Level 10 NFQ, 270 ECTS) and Innovation provides an opportunity for professionals in human behaviour and performance (e.g. sport, high level performance, physical activity behaviour and promotion related to health and education sectors) to engage in an advanced degree characterised by a systematic and multi-disciplinary implementation and evaluation of targeted and necessary innovations. The programme is delivered exclusively through e-learning modalities.
The premise of the PD in Human Performance and Innovation recognises that mature practitioners, embedded in professional environments, already have substantial domain-specific knowledge, expertise and experiences. The programme of study is customised to the learning and development needs of the doctoral candidate. The PD route thus offers practitioners a personally tailored programme of study designed to drive, implement and evaluate beneficial innovations within their realm of expertise and serve their future career ambitions.
The programme involves both a taught (72 ECTS) and a professional innovation/research component (198 ECTS). The programme is delivered exclusively through e-learning modalities such as online lectures, discussion boards, webinars and linked questions and answers forums and one to one online supervision tutorials and discussion. The learning experience is primarily self-directed which is supported by digital/online interaction with the doctoral supervisors of the candidate. The scheduling of online interactions will be flexible and agreed between doctoral candidate and supervisor/tutor. The primary assessment modes will be written and oral presentation and defence, critical written review of extant literature and engagement with knowledge translation and dissemination activities.
Relevant and recent developments and research findings will at all stages be incorporated into the candidate learning experience. This will occur by default via the engagement with and critical evaluation of the extant literature. In addition, the relevant professional contexts, practices and experiences of the candidate and others who work in similar, related and different professional contexts will be integrated into the candidate learning experience. The engagement of a 2nd internal/external supervisor who has specialist knowledge in the innovation identified by the candidate will be targeted.
The Professional Doctorate in Healthcare Practice programme will facilitate students to develop advanced skills in designing and conducting research and practice based inquiry relevant to their own area of practice. These skills are applicable to a variety of careers in healthcare, government and non-profit (voluntary) organisations.
The Professional Doctorate in Healthcare Practice programme will facilitate students to develop advanced skills in designing and conducting research and practice based inquiry relevant to their own area of practice. These skills are applicable to a variety of careers in healthcare, government and non-profit (voluntary) organisations.The Professional Doctorate in Healthcare Practice programme will highlight specialist and transferable research skills within a programme consisting of taught modules and research thesis conducted over three years (full-time) or five years (part-time). The programme was developed and designed in conjunction with health service partners.
If you’re a qualified dentist who wishes to pursue a career in Oral Surgery, this Programme is for you. The Professional Doctorate in Oral Surgery provides you with an integrated three-year training programme, so you can gain high-level research expertise alongside your clinical training.
This new programme is for qualified dentists who wish to further their knowledge and clinical skills in the field of Oral Surgery. Oral surgery is defined by the UK General Dental Council as ‘The treatment and ongoing management of irregularities and pathology of the jaw and mouth that require surgical intervention.’
Students will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the subject and will develop their diagnostic and surgical skills in this dental specialism. This degree integrates clinical competency progression with doctoral level research. Clinical training is based on the competencies described in the Specialty Training Curriculum for Oral Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons of England. Details of the latter can be found on this link: https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/specialist-lists/oral-surgery-curriculum-february-2014.pdf?sfvrsn=fe3f4ccc_2
Students will receive clinical training, formal teaching and undertake doctoral level research. Teaching and training is provided by experienced clinical and academic staff who have a proven track record in training specialty registrars in Oral Surgery. Students will carry out treatment on patients under local anaesthetic, with and without sedation and will also attend general anaesthetic operating theatres. The diverse patient population of East London provide ample opportunities for acquiring clinical knowledge and surgical skills.
You’ll take a programme of seminars, lectures and tutorials, starting with an introductory course on the fundamentals of oral surgery and its related disciplines before going on to review the clinical and scientific basis of the subject and its evidence base.
You’ll then enter supervised clinical practice, conducting treatment planning and clinical procedures, including a number of complex surgical treatments.
You’ll also complete a research project, where you’ll demonstrate the application of scientific method to a problem related to Oral Surgery. This project will then form the basis of your dissertation. Throughout the duration of the programme, you’ll gain advanced research skills to professional doctorate level and develop sophisticated critical appraisal skills in relation to published literature.
In addition to your studies, you’ll also have a chance to interact with other specialists, through an extensive seminar series held within the Institute of Dentistry, the Blizard Institute and Queen Mary as a whole.
The DClinDent Degree meets level 8 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).
The dissertation forms a major component of your degree. You’ll write a final report of up to 50,000 words on your research project.
You'll be taught through a combination of expert seminars, supervised clinical sessions, one-to-one tutorials, self-directed learning, case presentations and reading. You'll also be taught relevant laboratory methodology.
Your individual study time could be spent preparing for, or following up on, formal study sessions, reading, producing written work, completing projects and revising for examinations.
The direction of your individual study will be guided by the formal study sessions you attend, along with your reading lists and assignments.
You will be assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary.
This professional doctorate programme includes weekly teaching and clinical contact hours in addition to numerous hours of independent learning and research. Please contact the course convenor for information on the number of contact hours per week for this programme.
New postgraduate study and research facilities are available in the state of the art Blizard building, as well as the Institute of Dentistry.
The Institute of Dentistry facilities include:
Your postgraduate learning experience is enhanced by our fantastic location in Whitechapel, in east London.
Not only are we in one of the capital’s most vibrant areas to live and work but we also serve a diverse local community, with 92 different languages spoken by the borough’s 300,000 residents. You will develop your clinical skills and knowledge while caring for this community. Moreover, the Institute offers you many exciting opportunities to develop an understanding of health and the treatment of disease in a global and international context.
This course provides full-time professional training leading towards registration with the Health and Caring Professions Council (HCPC) as an Educational Psychologist (this is a protected title). During the programme trainees will participate in university based teaching and learning, modular assessments, research culminating in a doctoral thesis and professional practice placements in Local Authorities and other settings relevant to educational psychologist work.
This course will equip you to work as an Educational Psychologist in Local Authority children’s services, Educational Psychology teams, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), voluntary agencies or independently. We are driven by our determination to work towards social justice for vulnerable young people and their families and for children with special educational needs, and to advocate for their rightful place in society.
The Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology programme at UEL aims:
To ensure trainees:
The course involves campus-based learning and teaching, self-directed learning, research and placement in Educational Psychology Services (EPS) and other employment settings, where you will work under supervision.
In your first year you will spend most of the first two terms on campus, completing modules in Professional Practice, Child Development, the Process of Psychological Assessment and Consultation and Intervention.
While studying these modules you will also spend time developing skills with children and young people.
In the third term you will undertake a module in Professional Practice in the Real World, during which you will have a block placement in an EPS setting. The sixth module is Research Design, which prepares you for your research thesis.
In your second year you will take on a bursary-supported placement for three days of the week. During the autumn term you will complete a module at the university on research – in order to complete your research proposal on the placement.
Throughout the year you will also take a module in Developing the Competent and Reflective Practitioner in Simple Systems and you will begin the research for your thesis.
In the third year you will continue in your placement, as well as completing a module in Developing the Critical and Reflective practitioner in Complex Systems. You will complete your research and write up your thesis.
There is a national shortage of educational psychologists and graduates of our programme are in great demand.
Our programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
We are focused on community involvement and we train people to work for local authorities. Some will go on to work privately but the vast majority will end up being public servants. We want to train educational psychologists who can work effectively across diverse communities. We therefore actively seek applications from underrepresented groups.
What every one of our graduates will take with them is a sense of our values – an awareness and understanding of diversity, a commitment to social justice, beneficence and promoting autonomy.
Please note a trainee place is an exempted occupation for the purpose of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All "spent" and "unspent" convictions must be declared. Having a "spent" or "unspent" conviction may impede your application for the course. This will depend on the circumstance and background to your offence in relation to the university place that you are applying for. Evaluation of information is based on strict confidentiality and discretion.
If you’re a qualified dentist who wishes to pursue a career in Endodontics at specialist level, then this Programme is for you. The Professional Doctorate in Endodontics is an integrated three-year full-time training programme so you can gain high-level research expertise alongside your clinical training.
This new Professional Doctorate programme is for qualified dentists who wish to further their knowledge and clinical skills in the field of Endodontics to specialist level. Endodontics is defined by the General Dental Council (UK) as ‘The cause, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the tooth root, dental pulp, and surrounding tissue.’
Students will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the subject and will develop their skills in this dental specialty. This degree integrates clinical competency progression with doctoral level research. The contents of the modules will reflect the Curriculum for Specialist Training in Endodontics of the General Dental Council (UK).
Students will receive clinical training, formal teaching and undertake doctoral level research. Teaching and training is provided by experienced clinical and academic staff. The diverse patient population of east London provides ample opportunities for acquiring clinical knowledge and surgical skills.
You’ll participate in a programme of seminars, lectures and tutorials, starting with an introductory course on the fundamentals of endodontics before going on to review the clinical and scientific basis of the subject and its evidence base.
You’ll then enter supervised clinical, and as appropriate laboratory-based, training; conduct treatment planning and clinical procedures, including for complex cases.
You’ll also complete a research project, where you’ll demonstrate the application of scientific method to a problem related to endodontics. This project will then form the basis of your dissertation. Throughout the duration of the programme, you’ll gain advanced research skills to professional doctorate level and develop critical appraisal skills in relation to the published literature.
In addition to your studies, you’ll also have a chance to interact with other specialists, through an extensive seminar series held within the Institute of Dentistry, the Blizard Institute and other Queen Mary institutions.
The DClinDent Degree meets level 8 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) UK.
The dissertation forms a major component of your degree. You’ll write a final report of up to 50,000 words on your research project.
You'll be taught through a combination of expert seminars, supervised clinical sessions, one-to-one tutorials, self-directed learning, case presentations and reading. You'll also be taught relevant laboratory methodology.
Your individual study time could be spent preparing for, or following up on, formal study sessions, reading, producing written work, completing projects and revising for examinations.
The direction of your individual study will be guided by the formal study sessions you attend, along with your reading lists and assignments.
You will be assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary.
This professional doctorate programme includes weekly teaching and clinical contact hours in addition to numerous hours of independent learning and research. Please contact the course convenor for information on the number of contact hours per week for this programme.
Facilities
New postgraduate study and research facilities are available in the state of the art Blizard building, as well as the Institute of Dentistry.
The Institute of Dentistry facilities include:
Watch our video to see more of our facilities.
Moreover, our clinical facilities are complemented by Outreach Clinics including Barkantine, Sir Ludwig Guttman and Southend.
Campus
Your postgraduate learning experience is enhanced by our fantastic location in Whitechapel, in east London.
Not only are we in one of the capital’s most vibrant areas to live and work but we also serve a diverse local community, with 92 different languages spoken by the borough’s 300,000 residents. You will develop your clinical skills and knowledge while caring for this community. Moreover, the Institute offers you many exciting opportunities to develop an understanding of health and the treatment of disease in a global and international context.
If you study with us, you will join a dynamic, successful school with a first-class reputation: the Institute is ranked 11th in the World for dentistry in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020, and joint first for our research impact (REF 2014).
The Institute of Dentistry is a special place to undertake your postgraduate studies. We bring together a number of world-leading researchers in basic and clinical sciences who supervise research students in the fields of oral medicine, oral pathology, oral microbiology, oral epidemiology, oncology, dental biomaterials, dental biophysics, dental public health, dental education, periodontology, orthodontics, paediatric, prosthetic and conservative dentistry.
The Institute is part of Queen Mary’s Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Queen Mary is part of the University of London and a member of the Russell Group.
The programme has been specifically designed for professionals - practitioners, policy-makers, leaders and managers, academics and teachers - at all levels of education, from early childhood through further and higher education, to lifelong learning.
The Doctorate in Education is a 4-8 year part-time course. In the first two years you would be required to attend the university for taught modules. There are 5 modules in total, each of which is taught in 1-2 day blocks. Around this formal teaching, there are regular opportunities for face to face and e-mail support. In years 3 - 4 (and beyond where necessary) you would work under the guidance and support of a nominated supervisor to produce a thesis.
The programme has been specifically designed for professionals - practitioners, policy-makers, leaders and managers, academics and teachers - at all levels of education, from early childhood through further and higher education, to lifelong learning.
Specifically the EdD aims to:
"Blow the dust off your brain, practice your theories and theorise your practices with this challenging, stimulating and thought provoking programme." Visit the testimonials tab to read more.
The EdD has one entry point a year, in October.
The programme consists of five units with five associated formative assignments taught in mainly two-day Course Session events to support the development of your research plan and proposal (years 1 and 2), Regular e-supported learning between Course Sessions and a Research thesis (up to 60,000 words) in years 3 and 4.
The programme is assessed by four formative assignments, one summative assignment and a Research Thesis. These are attached to the following units:
Module 1 EDU-40116: Introduction to theories and methods as a reflective practioner-researcher
Assignment: Self-Reflection and Personal Development Plan
Module 2 EDU-40104: Critical theories and analytical perspectives in education
Assignment: Theoretical Perspectives on education policy and practice
Module 3 EDU-40117: Research methods and evaluation
Assignment: A General Research Methods critique
Module 4 EDU-40105: The pilot study
Assignment: a commentary and report on a pilot study that will inform the final research proposal for the thesis
Module 5 EDU-50001: Preparing and presenting a thesis proposal
This is a summative assignment (5,000 words written and 1,000 words oral presentation)
Years 3 and 4+: A Research Thesis
This will be between up to 60,000 words and will draw from the previous five assignments. It should form a contribution to the knowledge of the subject area and show evidence of originality, either by the discovery of new evidence, or by the exercise of independent critical power. The thesis is examined by the conventional method of the viva voce.
Tutors will guide the participants through their formative assignments and a supervisor will be allocated for the Thesis Proposal and Thesis.
Upon successful completion of the taught part of the EdD programme and a 15-20,000 word mini-thesis, students may be awarded an MRes (Education).
Professional doctorate programmes are increasingly the choice of professionals.
They have similar demands to that of a PhD but are structured slightly differently. Divided into two stages, with the first stage devoted to professionally focused teaching with assessments. The second stage focuses on research with students managing a research project usually based on their professional practice.
The programmes are designed to support experienced professionals, enabling committed professionals to study flexibly to achieve a doctorate.
Part 1-Years 1 and 2
Part 1 is the taught element where you will achieve the key learning outcomes/competencies required for your specific route on the Health Professional Doctorate programme, in relation to your area of professional background and your specific research project proposal. Part 1 will conclude with a thesis proposal that will inform your doctoral research for Part 2 (Years 3 onwards) of the programme.
During Part 1, you will study using a variety of learning media and tools, mainly through distance learning at the University, in your home or work place. These will include face-to-face seminar(s) at the beginning of Part 1 as your induction onto the programme, and at various times during the 2-year period of Part 1 to participate in workshops, share progress with other students and staff through group work and presentations, and for formative assessment. There will also be distance learning modules (electronic and paper based) produced by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
These modules have been carefully designed to incorporate activities that will develop your understanding of particular issues and concepts, application of knowledge to practice, and help you to reflect on your current practice.
Part 2 (Years 3 onwards)
Once you have successfully completed Part 1 you will undertake your research in Part 2 to produce your doctoral thesis for the professional doctorate, which will ensure you will be eligible for future potential NHIR funding for clinical lectureship and senior clinical lectureship awards. However this does depend on your research approach and route taken on the professional doctorate. You will have a supervisor who will have been assigned at the start of year 2 of Part 1 who will now be your main point of contact to take your research project forward to completion. As well as receiving personal support from your supervisor there may also be occasional workshops available at Keele to support your progress and group meetings to maintain contact with your fellow student to continue the peer support developed in Part 1 of the programme.
Our next intake is in October 2020 but we welcome applications all year around.
Visit our website for more information on the application process and why Keele is the institution to continue your professional development - https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduateresearch/
Professional doctorate programmes are increasingly the choice of professionals.
They have similar demands to that of a PhD but are structured slightly differently. Divided into two stages, with the first stage devoted to professionally focused teaching with assessments. The second stage focuses on research with students managing a research project usually based on their professional practice.
The programmes are designed to support experienced professionals, enabling committed professionals to study flexibly to achieve a doctorate.
Part 1-Years 1 and 2
Part 1 is the taught element where you will achieve the key learning outcomes/competencies required for your specific route on the Health Professional Doctorate programme, in relation to your area of professional background and your specific research project proposal. Part 1 will conclude with a thesis proposal that will inform your doctoral research for Part 2 (Years 3 onwards) of the programme.
During Part 1, you will study using a variety of learning media and tools, mainly through distance learning at the University, in your home or work place. These will include face-to-face seminar(s) at the beginning of Part 1 as your induction onto the programme, and at various times during the 2-year period of Part 1 to participate in workshops, share progress with other students and staff through group work and presentations, and for formative assessment. There will also be distance learning modules (electronic and paper based) produced by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
These modules have been carefully designed to incorporate activities that will develop your understanding of particular issues and concepts, application of knowledge to practice, and help you to reflect on your current practice.
Part 2 (Years 3 onwards)
Once you have successfully completed Part 1 you will undertake your research in Part 2 to produce your doctoral thesis for the professional doctorate, which will ensure you will be eligible for future potential NHIR funding for clinical lectureship and senior clinical lectureship awards. However this does depend on your research approach and route taken on the professional doctorate. You will have a supervisor who will have been assigned at the start of year 2 of Part 1 who will now be your main point of contact to take your research project forward to completion. As well as receiving personal support from your supervisor there may also be occasional workshops available at Keele to support your progress and group meetings to maintain contact with your fellow student to continue the peer support developed in Part 1 of the programme.
Our next intake is in October 2020 but we welcome applications all year around.
Visit our website for more information on the application process and why Keele is the institution to continue your professional development - https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduateresearch/
Professional doctorate programmes are increasingly the choice of professionals.
They have similar demands to that of a PhD but are structured slightly differently. Divided into two stages, with the first stage devoted to professionally focused teaching with assessments. The second stage focuses on research with students managing a research project usually based on their professional practice.
The programmes are designed to support experienced professionals, enabling committed professionals to study flexibly to achieve a doctorate.
Part 1-Years 1 and 2
Part 1 is the taught element where you will achieve the key learning outcomes/competencies required for your specific route on the Health Professional Doctorate programme, in relation to your area of professional background and your specific research project proposal. Part 1 will conclude with a thesis proposal that will inform your doctoral research for Part 2 (Years 3 onwards) of the programme.
During Part 1, you will study using a variety of learning media and tools, mainly through distance learning at the University, in your home or work place. These will include face-to-face seminar(s) at the beginning of Part 1 as your induction onto the programme, and at various times during the 2-year period of Part 1 to participate in workshops, share progress with other students and staff through group work and presentations, and for formative assessment. There will also be distance learning modules (electronic and paper based) produced by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
These modules have been carefully designed to incorporate activities that will develop your understanding of particular issues and concepts, application of knowledge to practice, and help you to reflect on your current practice.
Part 2 (Years 3 onwards)
Once you have successfully completed Part 1 you will undertake your research in Part 2 to produce your doctoral thesis for the professional doctorate, which will ensure you will be eligible for future potential NHIR funding for clinical lectureship and senior clinical lectureship awards. However this does depend on your research approach and route taken on the professional doctorate. You will have a supervisor who will have been assigned at the start of year 2 of Part 1 who will now be your main point of contact to take your research project forward to completion. As well as receiving personal support from your supervisor there may also be occasional workshops available at Keele to support your progress and group meetings to maintain contact with your fellow student to continue the peer support developed in Part 1 of the programme.
Our next intake is in October 2020 but we welcome applications all year around.
Visit our website for more information on the application process and why Keele is the institution to continue your professional development - https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduateresearch/
Professional doctorate programmes are increasingly the choice of professionals.
They have similar demands to that of a PhD but are structured slightly differently. Divided into two stages, with the first stage devoted to professionally focused teaching with assessments. The second stage focuses on research with students managing a research project usually based on their professional practice.
The programmes are designed to support experienced professionals, enabling committed professionals to study flexibly to achieve a doctorate.
Part 1-Years 1 and 2
Part 1 is the taught element where you will achieve the key learning outcomes/competencies required for your specific route on the Health Professional Doctorate programme, in relation to your area of professional background and your specific research project proposal. Part 1 will conclude with a thesis proposal that will inform your doctoral research for Part 2 (Years 3 onwards) of the programme.
During Part 1, you will study using a variety of learning media and tools, mainly through distance learning at the University, in your home or work place. These will include face-to-face seminar(s) at the beginning of Part 1 as your induction onto the programme, and at various times during the 2-year period of Part 1 to participate in workshops, share progress with other students and staff through group work and presentations, and for formative assessment. There will also be distance learning modules (electronic and paper based) produced by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
These modules have been carefully designed to incorporate activities that will develop your understanding of particular issues and concepts, application of knowledge to practice, and help you to reflect on your current practice.
Part 2 (Years 3 onwards)
Once you have successfully completed Part 1 you will undertake your research in Part 2 to produce your doctoral thesis for the professional doctorate, which will ensure you will be eligible for future potential NHIR funding for clinical lectureship and senior clinical lectureship awards. However this does depend on your research approach and route taken on the professional doctorate. You will have a supervisor who will have been assigned at the start of year 2 of Part 1 who will now be your main point of contact to take your research project forward to completion. As well as receiving personal support from your supervisor there may also be occasional workshops available at Keele to support your progress and group meetings to maintain contact with your fellow student to continue the peer support developed in Part 1 of the programme.
Our next intake is in October 2020 but we welcome applications all year around.
Visit our website for more information on the application process and why Keele is the institution to continue your professional development - https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduateresearch/
Professional doctorate programmes are increasingly the choice of professionals.
They have similar demands to that of a PhD but are structured slightly differently. Divided into two stages, with the first stage devoted to professionally focused teaching with assessments. The second stage focuses on research with students managing a research project usually based on their professional practice.
The programmes are designed to support experienced professionals, enabling committed professionals to study flexibly to achieve a doctorate.
Part 1-Years 1 and 2
Part 1 is the taught element where you will achieve the key learning outcomes/competencies required for your specific route on the Health Professional Doctorate programme, in relation to your area of professional background and your specific research project proposal. Part 1 will conclude with a thesis proposal that will inform your doctoral research for Part 2 (Years 3 onwards) of the programme.
During Part 1, you will study using a variety of learning media and tools, mainly through distance learning at the University, in your home or work place. These will include face-to-face seminar(s) at the beginning of Part 1 as your induction onto the programme, and at various times during the 2-year period of Part 1 to participate in workshops, share progress with other students and staff through group work and presentations, and for formative assessment. There will also be distance learning modules (electronic and paper based) produced by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
These modules have been carefully designed to incorporate activities that will develop your understanding of particular issues and concepts, application of knowledge to practice, and help you to reflect on your current practice.
Part 2 (Years 3 onwards)
Once you have successfully completed Part 1 you will undertake your research in Part 2 to produce your doctoral thesis for the professional doctorate, which will ensure you will be eligible for future potential NHIR funding for clinical lectureship and senior clinical lectureship awards. However this does depend on your research approach and route taken on the professional doctorate. You will have a supervisor who will have been assigned at the start of year 2 of Part 1 who will now be your main point of contact to take your research project forward to completion. As well as receiving personal support from your supervisor there may also be occasional workshops available at Keele to support your progress and group meetings to maintain contact with your fellow student to continue the peer support developed in Part 1 of the programme.
Our next intake is in October 2020 but we welcome applications all year around.
Visit our website for more information on the application process and why Keele is the institution to continue your professional development - https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduateresearch/
Professional doctorate programmes are increasingly the choice of professionals.
They have similar demands to that of a PhD but are structured slightly differently. Divided into two stages, with the first stage devoted to professionally focused teaching with assessments. The second stage focuses on research with students managing a research project usually based on their professional practice.
The programmes are designed to support experienced professionals, enabling committed professionals to study flexibly to achieve a doctorate.
Part 1-Years 1 and 2
Part 1 is the taught element where you will achieve the key learning outcomes/competencies required for your specific route on the Health Professional Doctorate programme, in relation to your area of professional background and your specific research project proposal. Part 1 will conclude with a thesis proposal that will inform your doctoral research for Part 2 (Years 3 onwards) of the programme.
During Part 1, you will study using a variety of learning media and tools, mainly through distance learning at the University, in your home or work place. These will include face-to-face seminar(s) at the beginning of Part 1 as your induction onto the programme, and at various times during the 2-year period of Part 1 to participate in workshops, share progress with other students and staff through group work and presentations, and for formative assessment. There will also be distance learning modules (electronic and paper based) produced by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
These modules have been carefully designed to incorporate activities that will develop your understanding of particular issues and concepts, application of knowledge to practice, and help you to reflect on your current practice.
Part 2 (Years 3 onwards)
Once you have successfully completed Part 1 you will undertake your research in Part 2 to produce your doctoral thesis for the professional doctorate, which will ensure you will be eligible for future potential NHIR funding for clinical lectureship and senior clinical lectureship awards. However this does depend on your research approach and route taken on the professional doctorate. You will have a supervisor who will have been assigned at the start of year 2 of Part 1 who will now be your main point of contact to take your research project forward to completion. As well as receiving personal support from your supervisor there may also be occasional workshops available at Keele to support your progress and group meetings to maintain contact with your fellow student to continue the peer support developed in Part 1 of the programme.
Our next intake is in October 2020 but we welcome applications all year around.
Visit our website for more information on the application process and why Keele is the institution to continue your professional development - https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduateresearch/
Professional doctorate programmes are increasingly the choice of professionals.
They have similar demands to that of a PhD but are structured slightly differently. Divided into two stages, with the first stage devoted to professionally focused teaching with assessments. The second stage focuses on research with students managing a research project usually based on their professional practice.
The programmes are designed to support experienced professionals, enabling committed professionals to study flexibly to achieve a doctorate.
Part 1-Years 1 and 2
Part 1 is the taught element where you will achieve the key learning outcomes/competencies required for your specific route on the Health Professional Doctorate programme, in relation to your area of professional background and your specific research project proposal. Part 1 will conclude with a thesis proposal that will inform your doctoral research for Part 2 (Years 3 onwards) of the programme.
During Part 1, you will study using a variety of learning media and tools, mainly through distance learning at the University, in your home or work place. These will include face-to-face seminar(s) at the beginning of Part 1 as your induction onto the programme, and at various times during the 2-year period of Part 1 to participate in workshops, share progress with other students and staff through group work and presentations, and for formative assessment. There will also be distance learning modules (electronic and paper based) produced by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
These modules have been carefully designed to incorporate activities that will develop your understanding of particular issues and concepts, application of knowledge to practice, and help you to reflect on your current practice.
Part 2 (Years 3 onwards)
Once you have successfully completed Part 1 you will undertake your research in Part 2 to produce your doctoral thesis for the professional doctorate, which will ensure you will be eligible for future potential NHIR funding for clinical lectureship and senior clinical lectureship awards. However this does depend on your research approach and route taken on the professional doctorate. You will have a supervisor who will have been assigned at the start of year 2 of Part 1 who will now be your main point of contact to take your research project forward to completion. As well as receiving personal support from your supervisor there may also be occasional workshops available at Keele to support your progress and group meetings to maintain contact with your fellow student to continue the peer support developed in Part 1 of the programme.
Our next intake is in October 2020 but we welcome applications all year around.
Visit our website for more information on the application process and why Keele is the institution to continue your professional development - https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduateresearch/
Professional doctorate programmes are increasingly the choice of professionals.
They have similar demands to that of a PhD but are structured slightly differently. Divided into two stages, with the first stage devoted to professionally focused teaching with assessments. The second stage focuses on research with students managing a research project usually based on their professional practice.
The programmes are designed to support experienced professionals, enabling committed professionals to study flexibly to achieve a doctorate.
Part 1-Years 1 and 2
Part 1 is the taught element where you will achieve the key learning outcomes/competencies required for your specific route on the Health Professional Doctorate programme, in relation to your area of professional background and your specific research project proposal. Part 1 will conclude with a thesis proposal that will inform your doctoral research for Part 2 (Years 3 onwards) of the programme.
During Part 1, you will study using a variety of learning media and tools, mainly through distance learning at the University, in your home or work place. These will include face-to-face seminar(s) at the beginning of Part 1 as your induction onto the programme, and at various times during the 2-year period of Part 1 to participate in workshops, share progress with other students and staff through group work and presentations, and for formative assessment. There will also be distance learning modules (electronic and paper based) produced by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
These modules have been carefully designed to incorporate activities that will develop your understanding of particular issues and concepts, application of knowledge to practice, and help you to reflect on your current practice.
Part 2 (Years 3 onwards)
Once you have successfully completed Part 1 you will undertake your research in Part 2 to produce your doctoral thesis for the professional doctorate, which will ensure you will be eligible for future potential NHIR funding for clinical lectureship and senior clinical lectureship awards. However this does depend on your research approach and route taken on the professional doctorate. You will have a supervisor who will have been assigned at the start of year 2 of Part 1 who will now be your main point of contact to take your research project forward to completion. As well as receiving personal support from your supervisor there may also be occasional workshops available at Keele to support your progress and group meetings to maintain contact with your fellow student to continue the peer support developed in Part 1 of the programme.
Our next intake is in October 2020 but we welcome applications all year around.
Visit our website for more information on the application process and why Keele is the institution to continue your professional development - https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduateresearch/
The Professional Doctorate in Criminology and Criminal Justice (or DCrim) is a 4-8 year part-time course.
In the first two years you would be required to attend taught modules. There are 5 modules in total, each of which is taught in 1-2 day blocks. Around this formal teaching, there are regular opportunities for face to face and e-mail support. In years 3 - 4 (and beyond where necessary) you would work under the guidance and support of a nominated supervisor to produce a 60,000 word thesis.
The DCrim builds on the established and very successful UG and PGT provision in Criminology and Criminal Justice in the School to provide a specialist route for professionals and managers working in the field of criminal justice, or in related fields, who wish to embark on doctoral study located within their own professional discipline and practice.
Indeed, this programme focuses on practitioners and professionals in criminal justice (e.g. policing, courts, probation, prison work, alternative sanctions, community sanctions, service providers in the sphere of drugs and addiction, and so on) or related fields of work and practice (e.g. local authority and third sector service providers in the sphere of crime prevention, security, community building and offender rehabilitation; private providers in the above or related spheres; non-governmental action in a variety of spheres such as environmental action, human rights policy and activism, and so on). This list is not exhaustive.
Practitioners and professionals working in fields and organisations as diverse as (e.g.) Amnesty International and (e.g.) the Police all share a common sphere of work which is structured around problems and issues of deviance from legal norms.
Module 1 (30 credits) Introduction to theories and methods as a reflective practioner-researcher (EDU-40116)
Assignment: Self-Reflection and Personal Development Plan
Module 2 (30 credits) Critical perspectives in criminology and criminal justice (CRI-40034)
Assignment: Theoretical perspectives essay
Module 3 (30 credits) Research methods and evaluation (EDU-40117)
Assignment: A general research methods critique
Module 4 (30 credits) The pilot study (EDU-40105)
Assignment: a commentary and report on a pilot study that will inform the final research proposal for the thesis
Module 5 (60 credits) Preparing and presenting a thesis proposal (EDU-50001)
This is a summative assignment comprising a written research proposal and an oral presentation
Years 3 and 4+: A Research Thesis
This will be up to 60,000 words and will draw from the previous five assignments. It should form a contribution to the knowledge of the subject area and show evidence of originality, either by the discovery of new evidence, or by the exercise of independent critical power. The thesis is examined by the conventional method of the viva voce.
Tutors will guide the participants through their formative assignments and a supervisor will be allocated for the Thesis Proposal and Thesis.
LJMU's Professional Doctorate in Applied Sport and Exercise Science enables you to create and interpret new knowledge associated with your own professional practice.
Applied Sport and Exercise Science is an established discipline with growing possibilities for qualified professionals.
Opportunities for professional training at doctoral level are increasingly important for vocational careers within sport and exercise. This doctorate facilitates the creation and interpretation of new professional knowledge.
To obtain the award you will need to complete a related Masters programme or MPhil and spend two or more years acquiring a range of supervised skills connected with applied research.
The programme is underpinned by a strong focus on equipping future Applied Sport and Exercise Scientists for a range of professional scenarios associated with problem solving.
You will develop your skills as a research practitioner, more specifically the ability to complete research projects in the real world. You will also demonstrate that you have the generic professional skills required to be an Applied Sport and Exercise Scientist through your own work-based learning experiences, taught sessions on the programme and extensive supervision.
Your programme is made up of a number of a number of core modules as detailed below.
Study hours
You will be required to attend the University for five days of staff-supported learning in the first five months of the course (January to May). A development day following this initial period will be held approximately every eight weeks. The remaining delivery will largely be focused upon individually negotiated contact sessions with your supervisor.
Teaching methods
The programme is designed around individual professional requirements to ensure all students receive the tailored, specific support that best facilitates their own professional development.
Applied learning
Staff have extensive networks with numerous elite and professional sporting and exercise organisations providing our students with research and placement opportunities. We have contacts in: professional UK and European football, cricket and rugby teams; Olympic sports and UK institutes of sport; local councils; hospitals and clinics.
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme. Assessment techniques vary from module to module to reflect relevant assessment approaches and the key learning points of each topic.
Assessment on this course includes: a professional training audit, a systematic review, scientific and professional reports, reflections and a viva voce exam at the end of the programme.
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2017) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Employment opportunities in Applied Sport and Exercise Science have become increasingly professionalised in recent years. As a consequence there is a need for individuals to demonstrate high level professional and personal skills. A growing number of Applied Sport and Exercise Science graduates work in applied settings as practitioners and promoters, as well as taking employment in Applied Sport and Exercise Science education, teaching and research positions.
Staff on the course have existing experience of supervised trainees working in the Applied Sport and Exercise Science service domain.
The Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport) (Level 10 NFQ, 240 ECTS) is a four year part-time, blended learning programme, comprising both research and taught elements. The programme, delivered by the DCU School of Health and Human Performance, will exploit the working context of students by supporting them to develop evidence-based solutions to their ‘real world’ workplace problems from across the sporting landscape.
Aimed at the next generation of practice leaders in sport, the qualification is designed to enhance and acknowledge the quality of innovation, critical review and systematic application of appropriate theories and research to sport performance. The part-time nature of the course enables students to embed their learning and research within their own professional practice and ensure that the acquired knowledge and understanding gained through the research journey then be integrated directly into the organisations and systems in which they work.
The programme comprises of both research and taught elements. Modules 1 - 4 comprise modules (60 ECTS) that critically reflect on theories and practice of sport performance, develop an advance understanding of research methodologies and skills, and provide students an opportunity to relate this knowledge and understanding to their own applied and professional context. Module 5, the DProfElite (Sport) Thesis (180 ECTS), involves the completion of a research project and thesis.
The taught elements of the programme will be delivered using a blended learning strategy, with delivery being undertaken using a combination of online and face-to-face. Supporting the blended learning approach, two ‘on-campus’ learning blocks will be a feature of the students’ learning journey and will offer opportunities for assessment, sharing of practice, face-to-face teaching and networking amongst the student cohort.
Throughout the modules, as is typical of doctoral level study, students will engage in independent study of relevant issues and ideas raised during the module. Participants will be expected to engage in reading and critical review of literature relevant to the module and their own performance area.
Graduates of the Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport) will have established their authority in their area of doctoral research by making a domain-specific contribution at the forefront of professional practice. Graduates will be prepared to take leadership roles in their domain which will allow them influence the way in which their profession is approached both nationally and internationally. Graduates will gain a formal academic recognition of their professional development and standing that exemplifies the specific contribution made to extending knowledge and professional practice in sport performance.
We have designed this part-time course to support teachers, lecturers, media professionals, trainers and other educational professionals working in creative/ media/ technology related areas, to conduct doctoral research into their own professional practice in education.
The course is split into two phases. In the taught phase, you’ll be trained in a cohort on the conceptual frameworks for educational research, methodology, ethics, literature reviewing and data collection. In the supervised, stage, you'll be supported in conducting your project to completion and publication. This course will help you become a doctoral researcher and improve your professional practice to impact on teaching and learning. You will be supported by the course team, fellow students, members of the Centre for Education, Media and Practice and our active group of Visiting Fellows and Professors, a rich and dynamic community of practice.
In addition to the entry requirements, you will need to be an educational professional with an appetite for enquiry, a passion for reflective thinking about your practice and a desire to take on the challenge of doctoral level study in your discipline context. At the application stage, you will need a viable proposal in the form of a short expression of interest, explaining your role and your prospective research project. You will also need the time to focus on this research, on average one day a week, or equivalent hours spread over the week for four to six years.
Our flexible Optometry / Ophthalmic Science Professional Doctorate has been designed for those working in full-time professional practice who want to develop their expertise and gain specialist knowledge while continuing to work. This unique professional doctorate programme will enable you to enhance your knowledge, and critical awareness of current issues to be at the forefront of the academic discipline.
Delivered online through our innovative framework of flexible credit accumulation, you’ll be able to select modules suited to your passions and career development goals, as well as getting the opportunity to further explore a topic of your choice with a substantial piece of research.
The qualification you will be awarded with depends on your profession and if you are a practicing optometrist or not:
The Doctor of Optometry programme is aimed at practising optometrists, who will complete case records where required for taught module coursework and will undertake a practice-based research project.
The Doctor of Ophthalmic Science programme is for eye care professionals who may not be practising optometrists, e.g. medics/ orthoptists/ product designers; these students may complete scientific essays to fulfil the coursework requirements and undertakea non-clinical research project.
Both qualifications are broken down into two elements; taught and research.
As a new student, you will initially register as postgraduate student within our framework of flexible credit accumulation (FCA). Within this framework it is possible to graduate with a:
Up to 60 credits may be awarded in respect of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), whether experiential or certificated (e.g. previous completion of the Aston MOptom).
To progress to full doctoral registration requires a minimum of 120 taught module credits including the compulsory 20 credit Research Methods module, an approved project proposal, and successful completion of the qualifying report stage, assessed byviva voceexamination with an internal examiner. The report and the viva voce examination will be used to assess suitability for progression to the full doctoral project.
Candidates may only progress to the ophthalmic doctorate if they achieve 60% in the taught element of the programme and at least 60% in their dissertation that is submitted following completion of the taught element.
Worth 20 credits each, which is nominally equivalent to 200 hours of student learning,our modules consist of remote access lectures with electronic formative assessments and a module coursework assignment such as reflective case records, or an essay/literature review related to the module.
There are two study periods per year to complete taught modules; 1st October -31st January and 1st March -30th June, please note dates are given as an approximate and are subject to change. Module results are ratified at Examination Boards held shortly after the end of each study period.
Taught modules include:
As part of the flexible programme as a UK optometrist, you may complete the theoretical element of the General Optical Council approved Independent Prescribing for Optometrists module.
Module list provides an overview of what is currently available, this list is subject to change. The above modules are also available for completion as standalone professional development courses, see the website for more information.
Your thesis will form the major component of your doctorate. Supervised by members of the Aston Optometry School, you will develop your research proposal based on your own clinical interests, or, you may opt to select a project nominated by an Aston academic. As this is a distance-learning programme, the research is not normally carried out on the University campus, and it is essential that the you have access to the facilities and resources needed to carry out your research, usually in your place of work.
This stage requires a significant long-term commitment, as it is equivalent to around 2 years of full-time work (i.e. 4 years part-time). Candidates ultimately submit a thesis which is examined in a viva voce examination.
As a part-time distance learning student, your lectures will be delivered online using Blackboard, our virtual learning environment. The lectures, which are available whenever you chose to view them to ensure maximum flexibility, are accompanied by short formative tests throughout the module. Each module includes a substantial piece of coursework, e.g. a scientific literature review or portfolio of case records.
The programme will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments.
For the main element of the doctorate, the research project, candidates submit a report and undergo a qualifying report stage within one year of becoming research active. Once this stage has been passed, candidates continue their research, culminating in the submission of a thesis (up to 80, 000 words). Your thesis is assessed in a viva examination by experts in the chosen field. The degree of Doctor of Optometry or Doctor of Ophthalmic Science is awarded to candidates who successfully defend their thesis.
Our Professional Doctorate offers a unique opportunity to experience and develop your professional skills in Health Psychology, under the guidance of highly qualified and committed staff.
Health psychology is the study of psychological processes and their application to health, illness and healthcare. Through this course, you’ll develop competence in professional skills, as well as research, psychological interventions, teaching, and consultancy.
The qualification will provide a guarantee for employers that you’re competent in core aspects of health psychology and professional practice.
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society. When you’re awarded the degree you’ll gain Stage 2 accreditation towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist and be eligible to apply to register as a Health Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Staffordshire University has a thriving Health Psychology research culture, focused in the Staffordshire Centre for Psychological Research, with an excellent national and international reputation.
The Health Psychology Programmes at Staffordshire University have nine commendations from the BPS (2018).
Please note the closing date for the Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology is 30 June 2020.
Interviews will be held on 30 July 2020.
Please note that this course requires full time students to be on placement for a minimum of two years and to pay the fees detailed per year of study. Students need to allow for an additional period of time for writing up during which there is a writing up fee to be paid each year until completion.
On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Professional Doctorate Health Psychology
You’re expected to have a relevant health-related placement (paid or unpaid) before applying to the course. The placement will need to be formally approved prior to you joining us, and you’ll need to identify a workplace contact (who will be a suitably qualified healthcare professional) who will be available to support you. Placements differ across trainees, if you’re concerned whether your placement is suitable, then please contact the course leaders directly.
You’ll be assigned a University supervisor who will visit you and your contact at the beginning, middle and (usually) end of the placement.
Sometimes you may also need to spend time in other settings to attain all the experience and skills you need to complete the course.
The taught elements of the course involve a programme of interactive workshops which runs throughout the year, covering five competencies.
Postgraduate accreditation
Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a practitioner psychologist.
The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as providing Stage 2 training in Health Psychology.
We have been commended by the British Psychological Society for the positive and strong ethos of developing reflective practice of trainees, the exemplary support we provide which helps foster positive and professional relationships with trainees, and the well-developed and positive relationship with service users who are involved in the development of the programme and trainee’s skills.
Our professional doctorate represents a unique blend of academic study, clinical experience and research which will enable you to qualify as a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
An important strand running through the course is the impact of society upon psychological wellbeing. We encourage you to be alert to and involved in the wider context of changing health, social and economic needs of the population.
The teaching elements of the course are closely linked to the work you’ll be doing in your clinical placements and your research activities. The links between theory, practice and personal development are developed through a strong emphasis on reflective practice.
The course has been commended by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for the high regard in which the course team and its students are held by NHS stakeholders and service users who play an active role in its development and implementation.
Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and membership of the Division of Clinical Psychology in the BPS.
The course is a partnership between Staffordshire University, the NHS and practising clinical psychologists in Shropshire and Staffordshire. As a trainee clinical psychologist, under current funding arrangements, you’ll be employed full-time by one of two local NHS Trusts.
Applications can only be accepted via the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology
On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Professional Doctorate Clinical Psychology
Your time on the course will be divided between academic work, clinical experience and research.
Following mandatory induction blocks each year, you’ll attend workshops, lectures and seminars and undertake online learning for up to two days per week throughout the course. The mandatory induction blocks will be for 2-5 days each week depending on the stage you’re at.
You’ll cover a broad range of topics in clinical psychology, giving you the knowledge required for your clinical placements and research.
In Years 1 and 2, teaching is closely linked with the competencies that are assessed on placements, while Year 3 teaching focuses more on specialist skills.
Throughout the course, you’ll undertake clinical placements in a variety of settings – you could be placed in hospitals, clinics, community centres or voluntary agencies. Placements can be located anywhere across the large geographical area of Staffordshire and Shropshire. You’re likely to be travelling some distance at times during training.
During each year-long placement module, you’ll typically work with two (and up to three) main supervisors on clinical placements, which can last from 5-12 months (typically six months). In your third year you may have a degree of choice over some of your placements, depending on circumstances and progress.
Your research activities will include:
You’ll have scope for choosing your research topics, provided they’re in line with staff interests, national and/or local research priorities and suitable supervision is available from University academics and local clinicians.
You’ll start your thesis early in Year 1 and complete it by the end of Year 3. The thesis portfolio is written up as two papers, written in a format suitable for submission to identified peer-reviewed journals, and an executive summary. The first paper, a literature review, is submitted at the end of Year 2.
You’ll have access to a wide range of University and NHS library and online resources, and you’ll be given training in qualitative and quantitative research methods and the process of conducting clinically relevant research.
Accreditation by the British Psychological Society. Graduates from the programme are deemed to have met the requirements for Chartered Membership of the Society (CPsychol) and full membership of the Division of Clinical Psychology.
Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of eligibility to apply to register with the HCPC as a practitioner psychologist (clinical psychologist)
The Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD) is a research degree for professionals working in a wide range of education and learning settings. Building upon your existing knowledge and skills, the EdD will enable you to investigate and advance your own practice.
Aimed at a wide range of education professionals in schools, colleges, universities and the lifelong learning sector, the EdD is the progression route of choice for those who have completed a masters level qualification with us or another UK university.
You’ll conduct in-depth, empirical study related to your professional practice, together with the critical analysis of relevant policy and theory, with a view to addressing current problems and improving future practice in education.
By developing and enhancing knowledge and understanding of key education issues, as well as skills such as problem solving, critical inquiry and reflection, the EdD aims to impact positively on practice in the wider organisations associated with education.
During your studies, you’ll critically debate contemporary education issues, further develop your research skills and academic scholarship, and deepen your professional understanding. This will enable you to make an original contribution to practice, and equip you to bring tangible benefits to your organisation.
On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Doctor of Education
This is a broad and flexible research-based degree that incorporates four taught modules and a substantial research thesis.
The modules are:
Designed to help you develop your research focus and academic skills, the taught element of the EdD is typically completed over the first two to three years of study and involves attending a number of on-campus Saturday sessions in Stoke-on-Trent. There are preparatory readings and activities in advance of each Saturday session, where you’ll be able to present and evaluate your own ideas and learning.
Staff-led sessions and guest lectures will provide opportunities for you to participate in critical debate surrounding pertinent issues in education research, policy and practice.
After successfully completing the four taught modules, you’ll be allocated a supervisory team, conduct the research project and, over 24 months, produce a 50,000-word doctoral thesis, which is formally examined in a viva voce.
The EdD offers research training and career development to a broad range of professionals in areas relating to education, whether in schools, further or higher education, or elsewhere.
Typically students might be adult educators, contract researchers in HEIs, early years practitioners, FE and HE lecturers, head teachers, LA inspectors and advisers, primary and secondary teachers, senior administrators in national organisations, support staff, and educators in a range of professional organisations.
This programme delivers professional academic education combined with experiential training to produce graduates who are competent in delivering evidence-based psychological therapy.
The programme emphasises a reflective practitioner approach, allowing the integration of psychological theory, skills and research alongside a highly developed capacity for self reflection and awareness. The core theoretical philosophy of the doctorate is that of an integrative/relational stance - recognising the primacy of the therapeutic relationship. As such, the course is an integrated programme of study, utilising critical appraisal of psychological theory, practice and research.
The doctorate is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the statutory regulator for practitioner psychologists in the UK. Graduates of the doctorate are eligible to apply for HCPC registration.
It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practise using a title protected by the Health Professions Order 2001 (for example counselling psychologist) is on the HCPC register. For more information, please see the HCPC website.
This doctorate is accredited by the British Psychological Society. Graduates are eligible to apply for Chartered Counselling Psychologist Status.
Teaching and learning includes lectures, seminars, interactive workshops, case discussion groups, skills coaching sessions, supervised practice and personal development sessions.
The combination of learning and teaching methods encourages self-directed, trainee-led enquiry. The emphasis is on integrating theoretical knowledge and research with clinically relevant practice experiences on placement. Placements are offered in the third sector and in regional NHS services. You are supported to obtain suitable placements.
In addition to the standard forms of learning, you are expected to learn through experiential models as a result of receiving clinical and research-based supervision.
A variety of assessment methods is utilised throughout the programme to emphasise the broad range of skills being assessed. Assessment methods include an unseen ethics examination, critical review essays, case studies, process reports, research proposals, a thesis, oral presentation, written evaluations, supervisory reports, case work, client logs, evidence files and practical workbooks. It is expected that by using a variety of methods aimed at assessing academic and research skills alongside practical clinical skills, you are given every opportunity to demonstrate your skills.
Career opportunities
The programme provides the relevant qualification for graduates to practise as counselling psychologists. Counselling psychologists work in a wide number of settings and this course prepares graduates for careers in the NHS, the private sector and the public sector.
Results from our most recent employability survey of 11 out of a possible 12 graduates were excellent. 100% identified being in professional employment plus 9.1% in further study, nine were in full-time work, one was in part-time work and one was working and studying. One graduate commented: ‘I think the teaching and content of the course provides a realistic expectation of 'the role of the counselling psychologist' which is also enhanced by clinical placements. The focus on ethics also promotes good practice.’
The programme team regularly receives feedback from employers including the local NHS Trusts. We have increased NHS placements for our trainees, and some trainees conduct their research within NHS settings.
Placement providers commented that our students are ‘enthusiasm, bring fresh ideas, are an additional resource and well prepared; they encourage reflection, undertake research and help us push our own practice’, which are all indicative of the transferable skills that you can take into your professional working life when you graduate.
Other placement comments:
Public health is rapidly becoming one of the most recognised areas to focus attention on in terms of improving health and quality of life of populations. The need to expand and develop the public health workforce locally, nationally and internationally is well established.
This course offers enhanced opportunities for students wishing to pursue studies in the academic and applied world of public health. The University is keen to share its vision by reaching out to students worldwide – either as attendees or distance learners with full support and interactive resources with experienced team members. Whether studying for career development part time or full time, or from a specific professional interest in the discipline, the course offers a distinguished broader-based learning programme aligned with the growing worldwide interest in public health development. As population structures continue to become dominated by ageing populations, rates of chronic illness increase, emergency of complicated infectious diseases (such as Ebola, Zika, HIV), and health and social care budget cuts, there has never been greater emphasis on preventing disease and improving public health and wellbeing. There is an increasing urge to move from viewing health concerns through lenses of biomedical models to biopsychosocial models. This demonstrates the need to develop more intricate multidisciplinary approaches that blend medical, allied health, nursing professionals, psychologists and sociologists working together to improve health and quality of life of populations – an initiative that requires effective leadership.
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) cultivates effective leadership skills among current and future leaders in public health practice enabling you to develop advanced knowledge and competency in translating current best evidence into public health practice. You develop advanced critical thinking, administrative and problem-solving skills relevant for a dynamic contemporary public health practice environment. You develop a unique ability to analyse and understand the complex global public health issues, and provide sustainable evidence based solutions for improved health outcomes. The DrPH also enables you to become a fully independent public health researcher able to take the lead on your own learning and research. You have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside experienced and prolific researchers in public health, supporting you to engage in public health research, and to develop a record of wide dissemination and publication – important aspects in your career progression towards achieving a consultant position. The tutors on your programme are all specialists in their areas with much expertise and skill in their disciplines. A number of external experts may also contribute to modules including health protection experts from Public Health England, environmental health experts from the local authority, public health commissioners from a range of backgrounds and emergency planning officers who run a simulated public health event for students.
The attendance mode of the programme is delivered at Teesside University main campus in Middlesbrough. The programme is also available by distance learning, allowing you the flexibility to study anywhere at your convenience.
Work placement
You have the opportunity to undertake an optional fellowship placement in semester 3 of the first year (full-time) or second year (part-time). The placement is in a public health practice setting, for example at the Department of Public Health in Middlesbrough, or the World Health Organization. The placement activities are wide ranging including working with a team of experts to implement and evaluate public health interventions in communities. You are expected to develop a reflective portfolio to evidence your learning on the placement.
The programme addresses core public health competencies outlined by the United Kingdom Faculty of Public Health. Successful completion of the programme should enable you to successfully pass Part A Faculty of Public Health examinations.
Career opportunities
This programme supports you to leave university well prepared to lead public health teams, initiatives and projects both in the UK and internationally and assists you as a public health professional to prepare for management and leadership roles reflected in the contemporary public health workforce needs. The Doctor of Public Health is highly recognised by all public health professional bodies and key international and UK public health employers place high regard in a candidate with the qualification.
The School of Engineering and Digital Arts offers research-led degrees in a wide range of research disciplines in a highly stimulating academic environment.
The Mechanical Engineering Group in School of Engineering and Digital Arts (EDA) offers a Masters by Research (MRes) as well as a PhD programme in Mechanical Engineering. A full time MRes is a one year programme that leads to a research thesis. The duration for PhD programme is three years.
The MRes and PhD research-led degrees in the Mechanical Engineering Group will allow you to undertake cutting-edge projects in advanced fields of Mechanical Engineering. These research fields include:
The School has state-of-the-art facilities and experimental equipment to support students’ research such as 3-D printer, wind tunnel, dynamic testing machines, mechatronic units and non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment. The School provides research students the opportunity to participate in regular research seminars and workshops. We also offer research students the possibility of attending international conferences organised by Mechanical Engineering societies to present their work.
Our one year MSc by Research in Mechanical Engineering is an internationally recognised advanced postgraduate research degree, providing an ideal foundation for advanced skills and knowledge. Traditional MSc degrees primarily contain taught modules, whilst an MSc by Research is heavily research or practice-based and you learn through hands-on projects.
Whereas a taught Masters develops expertise in existing subject knowledge, an MSc by Research places more emphasis on research and practical expertise and is project-based rather than module-based. An MSc by Research can focus on individual research skills, providing a strong foundation to build on for students considering a doctoral degree (PhD). Alternatively, our MSc by Research can be done via a practice-based approach, which is more orientated toward the industry. It is well structured, with clearly defined tasks to be completed, which will eventually lead to the final dissertation.
January 2021 starts
You can start some of our postgraduate degrees in January. If you’re taking a career break to study this could be the best option for you. A January start also works well for overseas students as it allows more time to meet visa requirements. Find out more about our January intake programmes..
Our Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology is a fully- accredited practitioner training course leading to Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration and Chartered status with the British Psychological Society (BPS) through a programme of personal and professional development designed to develop competencies in the assessment and psychotherapeutic treatment of complex mental health issues.
Our Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology is a fully- accredited practitioner training course leading to Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration and Chartered status with the British Psychological Society (BPS) through a programme of personal and professional development designed to develop competencies in the assessment and psychotherapeutic treatment of complex mental health issues.
The vitality of the course comes from an experienced and supportive course team, passionate about empowerment in mental health. A foundation in humanist values, with emphasis on an empathic therapist-client relationship as central to mental health work, allows an integrative framework for development of a range of clinical, research and reflective skills. Through the integration of theoretical training, research processes, critical approaches to psychopathology and reflective working you will learn to develop an integrative method of professional practice incorporating the latest developments in evidence-based practice at the forefront of mental health-care.
The doctorate is studied full-time over 3 years, or part-time over 5 years. The course begins with a two-day residential at the end of September, which includes an overnight hotel stay providing the opportunity to meet members of your cohort, other year groups and staff members in an informal setting.
Welcome Week activities and course induction follows, bringing key skills in preparation for the course, clinical placement and research.
The course fee also includes:
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