Professional Doctorate in Clinical Studies - DProf

Our doctorate qualification in Clinical Studies is designed to empower healthcare practitioners to drive change and innovation in their workplace by applying cutting-edge research to real-life practice.

This qualification is an ideal professional development opportunity if you’re a current healthcare practitioner. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge required to undertake research in a clinical practice setting, exploring current research techniques and advancing your own understanding of leading theories in clinical practice and how these can be applied in real world settings.

The NHS Five Year Forward View aspires to enhance the skills of its entire workforce. This doctorate qualification will empower members of clinical staff who have graduated from the course to create solutions, drive change, innovate and make a difference within their workplace by synthesising cutting-edge ideas, concepts and approaches.

As the course progresses you’ll develop a substantial research project aimed at building knowledge and improving practice in the clinical sector.

WHY STUDY WITH US

• This course forms a bridge between theoretical research paradigms and real-life experience from the workplace.
• This course is delivered flexibly through blended learning, including interactive online learning sessions, so you can combine your studies with your professional commitments.
• You will be supported by academics and clinicians who have a wealth of experience in the healthcare sector.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• You’ll participate in a programme symposium which will enable practice in skills of presentation, focussed discussion of your topic and interaction with other students.
• You’ll develop the skills and knowledge to carry out research in a clinical practice setting by analysing and critiquing the philosophical dimensions of research methodology.
• You’ll cover current research techniques, enabling you to develop and advance your understanding of clinical practice theories and concepts in real world settings.

LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT

The majority of teaching will be delivered through face-to-face or online-based lectures, seminars and one-to-one discussions with tutors and your thesis supervisor. You’ll be required to undertake significant background reading and literature searching as well as completing research tasks as part of your assignments. We encourage you to be an active learner and to apply course material to real-world case studies and your own research and practice.

The course is delivered using a blended approach. There will be interactive online classroom sessions where you’ll be able to engage with your tutor and other students in real-time. Lectures are recorded and will be accessible for future reference and revision.

Assessment is carried out through a range of coursework assignments. These will include:

• A reflective portfolio which will require you to review the philosophies and theories underpinning research and knowledge, and develop and justify your methodological position as a researcher practitioner.
• The design of qualitative and quantitative research instruments which will require you 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 you to critically reflect upon your 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.

OPPORTUNITIES

This doctorate qualification will empower you to deliver change and innovation with your practice environment and advance your career.