Professional Doctorate in Clinical Studies - DProf

This practitioner-targeted doctorate qualification will allow members of clinical staff to gain additional training and skills, including research skills, to an appropriate level.

It gives students the skills and knowledge to carry out research in a clinical practice setting by analysing and critiquing the philosophical dimensions of research methodology. The course also covers the use of current research techniques, enabling students to develop and advance their understanding of clinical practice theories and concepts in real world settings.

By using their critical evaluation skills, knowledge of research methodologies, and analysis of ethics, all students will have the opportunity to develop a bespoke research project aimed at building knowledge and improving practice in the clinical sector.

Through applying theoretical frameworks to real life concepts, healthcare professionals will be empowered to drive change and innovation in their workplace.

A key highlight of the course is that it forms a bridge between theoretical research paradigms and real-life experience from the workplace and includes online interactive delivery of teaching to facilitate flexibility with professional commitments. Students will be expected to participate in a programme symposium which will enable practice in skills of presentation, focussed discussion of their topic and interaction with other students.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND ASSESSMENT

Students are able to use all University facilities.

The teaching and learning pathway is based upon an alignment between taught modules, the learning objectives and the assessments in each of the modules.

Students are required to undertake significant background reading and literature searching and complete applied research tasks in the completion of assignments.

The majority of the teaching is provided either in face-to-face lectures, seminars and one-to-one discussions with tutors and the thesis supervisor.

Active learning is encouraged and facilitated by the application of course material to ‘real world’ case studies and students’ own research.

The course will be delivered using a blended approach (including interactive online classroom with the tutor and one or more students, more traditional classroom based lecture or tutorial where all participants can see and engage with each other in real-time). The lectures are recorded and are accessible to all students for future reference and revision. Student feedback can also be delivered by audio dictation via our Turnitin system or in written format whichever is more appropriate for the student.

Assessment is conducted through a range of coursework assignments including:

• a reflective portfolio which will require students to review the philosophies and theories underpinning research and knowledge, and develop and justify their methodological position as a researcher practitioner;
• the design of qualitative and quantitative research instruments which will require students to justify, evaluate and critique the choice of research method and the use of the instrument in the investigation and critically analyse the relevant practical, theoretical and ethical issues;
• a report or journal article ready for submission to a named peer reviewed journal or professional publication;
• a portfolio which requires students to critically reflect upon their own skills, identify gaps, and develop a personal and professional development plan for the doctoral programme
• the preparation of a research proposal;
• the final thesis and the viva voce examination.