DProf Doctorate Professional Studies

Overview & facilities

The School of Health and Social Science Doctorate in Professional Studies (DProf) has been developed with specialist pathways to reflect the complex developmental work of senior professionals in disciplines that are aligned to our school.  It is equivalent in value to the traditional PhD which means that at its successful completion you will achieve the title of Dr. The DProf is specifically relevant to experienced professionals as it is possible to gain credit based on past professional achievements towards the doctoral programme.

Specialist pathways include:

Health, Environment, Risk, Disaster Risk and Response, Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Criminology, Sociology, Social Work, Housing and Regeneration, International Relations, Social and Public Policy, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Sport and Biomedical Science.

The Doctorate in Professional Studies (DProf) is for advanced practitioners who wish to undertake research within their own professional context. It is distinctive in that you are placed at the centre of your research investigation, and therefore your work will be highly applicable to your professional development and career progression.  You will begin by critically reflecting on your practice, before designing and undertaking a practice–based research project which makes a substantial contribution to your organisation and field.

How is the Dprof studied?

An academic advisor is assigned to you at the start of your programme and will be available to you throughout your period of research. As the focus of your work develops subject specialist consultants will be assigned to you so that you can draw on appropriate expertise in your area of enquiry or methodology.

You will also have resources such as handbooks and online materials to enhance your learning journey as well as access to seminars, workshops and lectures held at the campus.

What is distinctive about the DProf?

• It focuses on developing your capabilities as a reflective practitioner, enhancing your ability to undertake critical practice-based research.
• The DProf provides an opportunity to make a claim for academic credits for a significant amount of prior formal and informal learning that you are likely to have already achieved.
• Your study pathway and projects are tailored to meet your individual needs and research interests, and those of your organisation.
   

Content & modules

Stage 1: Review of Learning – (M Level 20 credits) compulsory and Accreditation of Professional learning (100 M Level credits)

This is the opportunity to identify the capabilities, attributes and authority you bring to your programme. You will work with your advisor to provide a 5,000 word critically reflective report on your formal and informal learning to date. Within it you will identify what makes you the professional you are with your own signature practice developed with time and experience. It is retrospective and identifies why undertaking the doctorate is appropriate for you at your current stage in professional development and what makes you equipped to undertake the particular area of research interest that you identify.

Within this module you will also have the opportunity to outline claims for credit for research capability you already have and professional learning in an area of specialisation in your field. This can be done through the recognition of a written, and evidenced, claim for credit identifying how you developed these capabilities, for example, through reflecting critically on organisation changes that you may have led.  If you feel you cannot make these claims then there is the option to undertake small project work to achieve the required number of credits.

The combination of this review and the claims for credit will provide you with 120 M Level credits towards your programme.

Accreditation of Advanced Professional Learning (120 D Level credits)-optional

In the previous section candidates can make a claim for professional learning and some may be able to make a far more substantial claim for advanced professional learning. Examples of this level of learning could be that you have already published a book in the field or worked at senior committee level within your professional body.  If that is the case then you can make a claim for this advanced learning of a further 120 credits. We would expect only 20% of candidates to be in a position to make such a claim.

Having made explicit your skills, expertise, attributes and interests you are now in a position to plan your research project. Within this module you construct the research plan by considering the research approach, methodology and instruments which are congruent with the focus of your enquiry and the outcomes you wish to see for yourself, your organisation and your wider community of practice.

Once you have designed your research then you have the opportunity to present it to a Programme Approval Panel and Ethics sub committee. This is a group of experienced researchers who provide you with feedback on your research proposal to enhance its robustness, ethics and potential for impact at the level required. You will incorporate their feedback in your final Learning Agreement which provides the plan for the following two+ years of research activity.

Stage 2: the Research Project (200, 240, 320 or 360 D Level credit)-compulsory

Throughout the next two+ years you will undertake your research project with the support and guidance of your academic advisor and the chosen consultant(s) from your subject pathway. The research report will consider; the relevant literature relating to your research topic, the collection and analysis of data, interpretation and implementation of results and consideration of strategic impact to your organisation and your professional community.

Download a copy of our programme flyer for an overview of the course and the module framework.

Entry & applying

Normally candidates for the DProf Framework have significant experience in their professional life and are also likely to have a masters degree.  Where an applicant does not possess a masters degree, previous experience of higher education is not a prerequisite but experience within the work environment is essential. It is probable that candidates for this programme will have experience of management of people and projects with significant technical experience.

If you are unclear as to whether this is appropriate for you then we would welcome the opportunity for an informal conversation to explore your potential involvement. 

For more information please contact programme administrator George Constantinou:

Email:  George Constantinou
Phone:  020 8411 6049 / 4196

Alternatively please download an application form, application guide and information for referees guide

Fees & funding

For Candidates who are working towards a Masters Professional Studies 

For Candidates who are working towards a Doctorate in Professional Studies

* RAL – Recognition and Accreditation of Learning
** Candidates are expected to pass a total of 360 credits at Level 8 which must include one of the three project modules (IPL 5240 or IPL 5320 or IPL 5360)

Candidates unable to claim RAL at level 7 or 8 can take additional modules to gain the credits required. Credits are charged at the current fee rate for the year the modules are undertaken.

Careers & placements