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Explore the link between issues in the professional practice with relevant academic theory, and apply this to the critical investigation of problems, the creation of solutions, and the introduction of change in the workplace. Develop pragmatic solutions by gaining a wider perspective on issues in the professional role, and draw theory from different academic disciplines to synthesise diverse ideas.
Equal but fundamentally different to a traditional Doctorate of Philosophy degree pathway, our Professional Doctorate pathways, incorporating our generic Professional Doctorate, Doctorate of Business Administration, and Doctorate of Education degrees offer the opportunity for professionals to impact on the world of practice-based research.
The multi-disciplinary programme delivery is designed specifically for professionals from any academic discipline to join a cohort where differences and commonalities in professional practice can be used to drive active dialogue and shared learning opportunities in developing knowledge and skills, which are fundamental to research design and methodology, and project management.
Three taught modules form the initial part of the programme. Over the first academic year in the taught element, you will study an array of core topics including, research ontology, philosophy and epistemology, framing professional identity, critical reflection and reflexivity, and researcher positionality.
In addition to this you will be facilitated in developing skills of critical synthesis and analysis in terms of doctoral academic writing. This will be consolidated by teaching advanced research methodologies, which you will use to justify and consolidate your doctoral research protocol.
The course has two block attendance modules in October and April, in the first academic year, which are supplemented by online tutorials and seminars. As well as having the support of Module Leaders, you will be designated a Director of Studies and Co-Supervisor who will support you in developing and refining your doctoral research in preparation for formal submission and your Viva voce examination.
Doctoral candidates attend two block study sessions in the program's initial year, which incorporate the three taught modules, Contextualisation and Planning, Critical Debate in Professional Practice and Practice-Based Research.
Following successful completion of all three modules, candidates will work independently on your chosen research topic with support from your academic supervisors. During this phase of the programme, you can attend a series of optional study days that cover various topics to help you with your studies.
Doctoral candidates are formally assessed via a variety of assessment methods, including written reports, oral presentations, and essays.
The final submission for the Professional Doctorate is either a report together with a portfolio of supporting evidence (totalling 80,000 words) or a thesis which will normally be around 80,000 words. The exact nature of the candidates submission is decided in discussion with the Director of Studies. All candidates must also undergo a viva voce examination.
We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.
The normal entry requirement for a research degree is a UK honours degree (first or upper second class) or a UK masters degree or a qualification that is regarded as equivalent.
If English is not your first language, you will need an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component: reading, writing, listening and speaking (or equivalent).
We will assess your application and research proposal to make a decision on whether to offer you a place using the following criteria:
Professional Doctorate research proposal
You will be asked to write a 2-3 page proposal that specifies the:
You must write your personal statement (included in the application form) addressing the following points:
Along with your application form, you must upload the following documents:
Without all of the above documents, we will not be able make you an offer on this programme.
Fees are:
We charge annual fees while you are studying and researching for your degree. These costs vary depending on whether you are a candidate from the UK/EU or from a country outside the EU.
Learn more about settled status, pre-settled status, special discounts, visa requirements and Common Travel Area (CTA) agreements for the Republic of Ireland applicants in our Help and Advice article.
Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
This information was correct at the time of publication.