Doctorate in Professional Studies (DProf)

Overview & facilities

The Doctorate in Professional Studies (DProf) is for advanced practitioners and is designed to focus on their professional development within their organisational/professional context. The DProf led by the Institute for Work Based Learning is open to all professional areas as the focus is defined by the candidate’s particular work context and area of activity and their own unique area of interest. This may be located within a profession or sector, or may be more individual in nature. The approach is inter-professional and cuts across disciplines (transdisciplinary) even where candidates have strong roots in a particular profession or occupation. It is primarily concerned with knowledge that is generated and used in practice.

As a candidate for this award you would undertake a critical reflection upon your practice and then design and undertake a doctoral level practice–based research project in your own work within your own organisation or community of practice. At the end of the programme candidates submit a research report and take part in an oral examination or viva on their research. With the successful completion of the examination the candidate achieves a doctorate and can be addressed as Doctor.

How is it studied?

You can enrol throughout the year at a time appropriate for you and your organisation but induction days occur in early October and February. You will then undertake a programme of study for 4-5 years within your professional role. Your work becomes the focus of your study and as such your project enhances and develops your professional practice. An academic advisor is assigned to you at the start of your programme and will be available to you throughout your period of study. As the focus of your work develops one or two subject specialists will be assigned to you in the role of consultant(s) to your project allowing you to draw upon their 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 ?

• Candidates are mentored to develop a research project which is unique to them at the current stage of their career and enable them to make an impact at an organisational or profession wide basis.
• The DProf allows the previous learning (both formal courses and informal learning from experience) to be recognised for its contribution to the development of practice and ascribed academic credit to be used within the programme.
• It is the professional equivalent to the PhD, it has the same rigorous assessment methods and criteria but has a focus on research within the work place and practice.The focus of DProf research is situated within the working environment and places the candidates themselves at the centre of their enquiry.
   

Content & modules

Course structure: the programme is divided into two stages. The first stage lasts for one year and prepares the candidates for their research. The second stage lasts at least two years but should take no longer than three years and this is when the project activity is undertaken leading to the final research report. The size of a programme is identified through its academic credits and for a Doctorate it is necessary to achieve 540 credits (180 at level 7 and 360 at level 8). Below is a description of how these credits are achieved.

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

 
This is the opportunity to identify the capabilities, attributes and authorities 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 interest that you identify.

Within this module you will also have the opportunity to claim 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 masters degree you already hold or through a short written claim for credit identifying how you developed these capabilities through your professional life.  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 credits towards your programme.

Accreditation of Advanced Professional Learning (120 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.

 
Planning a Practitioner Research Programme (60 credits) – compulsory

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 formative feedback 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 year of research activity.

 
Stage 2: the Research Project (240 or 360 credit)-compulsory

Throughout the next two years you will undertake your research project with the support and guidance of your advisor and chosen consultant(s). 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.

Entry & applying

Normally candidates for the programme have significant experience in their professional life and may also have 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 Stephen or Terri on dpsadmissions@mdx.ac.uk.
You can also download the application form, level descriptors and reference form.

Fees & funding

The fees for Academic Year for EU students beginning September 2011 are:
Year 1: £3600-4210 depending upon RAL claim
Years 2-4:£4200 per year

The fees for international students (non-EU) for the Academic Year are:
Year 1: £5100-5810 depending upon RAL claim
Years 2-4:£6700 per year
These fees include all tuition and academic support by advisor and consultant(s), library and electronic resources, study materials and optional workshops, lectures and DProf Days at the University.

When are the fee due?
The fees are due upon registration onto the course by credit or debit card on-line.

Careers & placements