Professional Doctorate DProf

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 within the workplace. Develop pragmatic solutions by gaining a wider perspective to issues within the professional role, and draw theory from different academic disciplines to synthesize diverse ideas.

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Overview

The Professional Doctorate is the same level of academic qualification as a PhD (level 8) and is designed for experienced professionals who wish to undertake a programme that is applied in nature and of practical value to their career.

The programme recognises that real-world problems inhabit a space that is dynamic, multi-faceted and complex, and acknowledges this reality by adopting a multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to reflect the professional world. The programme also incorporates the concept of self-reflection, critical reflective practice, and research methodology, with a practical approach to addressing workplace issues and making a distinctive contribution to the profession.

Why us?

A doctorate is one of the most internationally transferable qualifications
The first 18 months of the programme has a taught element and is designed to prepare you for working and thinking at a doctoral level
The remainder of the programme is research only based where you will work with a supervisory team of academic staff (research phase)

We're ranked 2nd in the UK for students’ overall satisfaction with their research degree programme according to the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey 2018

Course structure

Following successful completion of all five modules, you will work independently on your chosen research topic with support from your academic supervisors. During this phase of the programme, you will have the opportunity to attend a series of optional study days that cover a variety of topics to help you with your studies.

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 your submission is decided in discussion with your Director of Studies. All candidates must also undergo a viva voce examination.

Modules include:

1 to 6 months:

Framing Professional Identity (30 credits)
Practice-based Research (30 credits)

7 to 12 months:

Planning And Contextualisation (60 credits)

13 to 18 months:

Practice-based Research 2 (30 credits)
Critical Debate in Professional Practice (30 credits)

19 to 72 months - research phase

Professional Doctorate (360 credits)

Entry requirements

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 which 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:

Aims of your doctoral project
Project's relevance to your workplace and profession
Proposed methodology and techniques for analysis
Outline of a potential research plan

Personal statement

You must write your personal statement (included in the application form) addressing the following points:

Your professional experience and standing
The recognition by your peers as a leading professional in your field
The level at which you are operating within your organisation or profession and the extent to which you can provide significant influence or drive substantial change
The opportunity that you have to make a significant contribution to professional practice and/or how you exhibit your powers of creativity and innovation

Along with your application form, you must upload the following documents:

Research proposal
Qualification certificates
IELTS certificates, if applicable
Two references, one of which must be academic

Without all of the above documents, we will not be able make you an offer on this programme.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

Fees are:

£4,500 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled
£8,000 if you are an international student

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 Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Related courses

Contact

For more information please contact the Graduate Research Support team at:

DProf-Research@sunderland.ac.uk

Dr John Fulton
Programme Leader
+44 (0)191 515 2529
john.fulton@sunderland.ac.uk

Page last updated: 18 May 2023

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