Professional Doctorate in Doctor of Professional Studies (DProf) - Negotiated Studies

Our DProf is designed for high-performing professionals to stimulate organisational or inter/national development and contribute to wider debates in their field.

Course overview

Innovative research solutions are now required to tackle the challenging circumstances facing contemporary organisations. Our DProf participants positively engage with these challenges as active members of our research community. Our aim is develop leading practitioner-researchers who inspire strategic change and contribute to wider debates in our areas of expertise.

Why study this course with us?

Key benefits of researching with us:

• We use innovative and whole person approaches aligned to international benchmarks (e.g. Vitae, Economic and Social Research Council).
• You will join a growing researcher community with student satisfaction above national average (Higher Education Academy Postgraduate Research Experience Survey).
• You will network with researchers recognised as creating World Leading research (2014 Research Excellence Framework).
• You can fast track your doctoral journey by getting recognition for your previous Master’s-level achievements*.
• You will be able to target strategic workplace issues and challenges for organisational and even sectorial change and benefit.

*It is expected that participants will apply for the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning for the first stage of the doctoral course: a Master's degree in an area relevant to the focus of the proposed research.

Learning

Our researchers initially engage with the IS8004 Researcher and Research Development module to build foundational but advanced expertise before undertaking the IS8005 Research Project (Thesis).

In the first year, workshops will constitute approximately 60 hours, and after the first year, participants are typically expected to engage with their supervisory team on a monthly basis.

Our researchers focus on a range of themes which normally build on and extend a field developed during their Master's . It is therefore expected that participants will apply for the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning for the first stage of the doctoral course, e.g. a Master's related to the expected area of research.

Teaching methods

Our DProf doctoral participants engage with a combination of activities in our pioneering Researcher Development Hub at our Queen’s Park Campus, plus high-level critical reflection, and sustained independent self-directed study. Our researchers will engage in group workshops, seminars, an annual research conference, and any relevant professional body activities.

Assessment

IS8004 Researcher and Research Development is assessed through a portfolio of written work (15,000-20,000 words), and IS8005 Research Project (Thesis) is assessed through an academic report plus an oral examination (45,000-55,000 words).

Job prospects

Our doctoral graduates typically advance their careers into roles which require high levels of expert knowledge and independent expertise, such as consultancy, organisational development, self-employment, executive coaching, senior roles in academe, and strategic leadership positions in business.