Professional Doctorate Emergency Services Management

Professionalisation of the emergency services workforce and the development of strategic leadership within the blue lights, namely the ambulance, police, and fire and rescue services, are at the top of government and reform agendas.

If you are a leader or senior manager from the emergency services or prison and probation service, or if you work for local authorities, councils or health organisations and have responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, this programme will enhance your ability to question, analyse, critique and theorise. It will also encourage interoperability and multi-agency cooperation in line with the statutory duty for collaboration between the emergency services introduced in the Police and Crime Bill 2017. You will develop professional management practice while gaining an appreciation and understanding of the relationship between management research and the professional practice of management.

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will have obtained and demonstrated the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research, of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication. You will make a significant contribution towards new professional practice and academic knowledge.

What will I study?

You will work on a research project throughout the programme, resulting in a thesis of doctoral standard, demonstrating an original contribution to the field of approximately 55,000 words.

Alongside this, you will undertake development activity in the first two years of the programme. This comprises of:

- Core and methodological training which will help you to finalise your research proposal by the end of the first semester;
- A programme of related studies which will be tailored to address your specific learning needs to help you enhance your skills as a researcher;
- Subject-specific researcher training which will focus on a range of themes, including contemporary issues and challenges in management practice of the emergency services, multi-agency collaboration and interoperability between organisations, and reflexivity and becoming a reflective practitioner.

How will I study?

The programme typically requires approximately 23.5 hours per week dedicated to research-related activity. The way in which this research is structured is primarily led by you, with supervisory input.

You will also attend scheduled researcher development sessions, ranging from individual personal supervisor-led contact to supported online learning, small group work and teacher-led lectures.

There is a requirement to attend Edge Hill University once per week for core and methodical training in the first semester of the programme, in addition to a total of three weekends across the first two years of the programme for subject-specific researcher training.

Outside of these occasions, attendance on campus will be determined by your individual development needs and the nature of your project.

How will I be assessed?

The programme incorporates three viva examinations where your written submissions are assessed by a team of experts.

At the first examination, after approximately seven months of study, your research proposal will be scrutinised. At the second examination, between two and three years after first registration, your research to date will be reviewed. At the third examination, your final thesis is presented.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be supervised in your research by a team of academic and professional experts with specialist knowledge of emergency services management. Guest speakers will also contribute to the delivery of the programme.

What are my career prospects?

This programme will enhance your personal development across a wide range of roles performed by staff in the emergency services. You will also be well placed to take advantage of opportunities in consultancy or to pursue a teaching career in higher education.

You should have a first or second class honours degree and a Masters degree or equivalent qualifications. You must also have at least five years of management or professional experience. In exceptional circumstances, applicants without a Masters qualification but with substantial professional experience may be considered. Overseas applicants will be considered on an individual basis and will be expected to demonstrate English language proficiency to a minimum standard of IELTS 7.0 or equivalent.