Doctorate in Professional Studies, (DProf)

DProf

For many years doctoral study has been the acknowledged pinnacle of academic achievement and has formed the basis for an academic career. Recently there has been growing demand to recognise the achievements of senior practitioners in other fields.

Campus Chester
Course DProf
Length It is anticipated that students can complete within 4 years although students can have up to 7 years of study within an overall 10 year period to complete their award. Please contact the administrative office on 01244 512122 for further information on the starting date for the next cohort.
Start dates Throughout the year

The University of Chester Doctorate in Professional Studies award (DProf) is designed to facilitate the generation of original knowledge in a professional and organisational context and confer a formal award on those who succeed in generating such knowledge. A DProf signifies the ability to make a fresh and meaningful contribution to practice based knowledge.

Why study this course?

  • The programme is run by the Centre for Professional Development - one of the world's largest and longest established centres for flexible, distance work based learning.
  • Study in part-time through a structured, progressive programme designed to enable students to shape their future career and generate significant, original knowledge in their field.
  • There is the opportunity to integrate learning with the needs of the workplace.
  • The programme also benefits the employer in developing valued employees and through the practical benefits of work based projects.
  • All learning is fully accredited and underwritten by comprehensive Quality Assurance processes.

 

Features:

Distinctive Features of the Programme

  • The ability to utilise prior learning achievements whether previously certificated or experiential in the workplace
  • Encouragement to review your whole career progression, achievements and to plan for the future
  • Engagement with deep reflection on achievements in the light of enhanced personal self knowledge
  • The development of expertise in areas of interest to you, colleagues and your organisation
  • Personal tuition combined with extensive use of technology to bring learning materials to you whenever you want them
  • A structured, progressive programme of study enabling you to complete each stage in turn
  • Acquisition of advanced research skills together with their application in the workplace

 

What qualification are on offer?

The programme is divided into two stages with students commencing their studies at Master's level. On completion of this stage, successful students can exit with a Master's in Professional Studies.

Students who continue on to doctoral level study and successfully complete this stage of the programme will be awarded a Doctorate in Professional Studies.

Next: Modules

Modules

What types of modules are available on the Programme?

 

At Level 7 (Masters) you will complete the following:-

Personal and Professional Review
This will enable you to develop an in-depth view of the trajectory of your career, your capacity and preferences for learning as well as gaining deeper insights into your own beliefs, actions and preferences.

Research Methods for Work Based Learning
Introduces you to a comprehensive range of methods for effective workplace investigation

Negotiated Experiential Learning
Will enable you to carry out a workplace project using a recognised method.

 

At Level 8 (Doctorate) you will complete the following

Practitioner Enquiry at Doctoral Level
This will enable you to formulate a detailed proposal for a Doctoral research project(s) by engaging with research methods at a deeper level.

Minor and Major Practitioner Research Project
These can be discrete research projects or can be linked. The project(s) will be a substantial and original contribution to organisational and professional knowledge.

Next: Assessment

This will be negotiated with the tutor but generally involves a portfolio and written assignments. There are no written examinations for modules.

Next: Careers

Doctoral study is the pinnacle of academic achievement and will appeal to senior practitioners of any field who wish to attain recognition of their status.

Next: Entry requirements

Entrants will normally possess an Upper Second Class Honours degree and a Masters degree from a recognised University along with a minimum of 5 years experience in a position of substantial responsibility. Applicants will typically be invited for interview.

Beginning: Overview

Who to contact

  • For admission enquiries

    Professional Development
    T:
    +44 (0) 1244 512122
    F:
    +44 (0) 1244 382353
    cwrs@chester.ac.uk

  • For enquiries about course content

    Lizzy Williams, Professional Development Office Manager
    Bache
    T:
    01244 512122
    lizzy.williams@chester.ac.uk