New study highlights wide-ranging benefits and challenges of Professional Doctorates in health and social care

Dr Hazel M Chapman, Senior Lecturer in Nursing and Healthcare Education at the University and Professor Rob McSherry, from the University’s Chester Medical School, are co-authors of the article, Professional Doctorates in Health and Social Care: A Qualitative Exploration of Their Impact and Outcomes by Two Northern Universities. 

The research, conducted across two English universities, explored how current and former PD students perceive the impact of their doctoral journey on themselves, their workplaces and their wider professional fields. 

PDs are intended to equip graduates with critical and creative thinking skills and the ability to understand, question and produce evidence relevant to health and social care policy, practice and education. They are costly in terms of time, effort and resources for student and employer, but there is little empirical evidence to support these claims. 

The research was carried out by using a qualitative methods including both questionnaires (48 participants) and in-depth semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted online with 12 current students from three different health and/or social care programmes from two universities in England. 

Ten themes emerged, with half relating to individual transformation. Students reported: 

• Significant personal growth, including increased confidence and validation 

• Greater ability to navigate complexity in professional settings 

• Mixed experiences of academic support, with both encouragement and challenge shaping their journey 

• New career opportunities, though not universally realised 
• Frustration in current roles, particularly where employers did not recognise or utilise their developing expertise 

From an organisational perspective, employers were seen to benefit from staff with enhanced analytical and assessment skills, as well as the prestige associated with having doctoral‑level employees. However, the study found that the broader professional impact of PDs could be constrained by workplace culture, limited support, and varying perceptions of the value of doctoral qualifications. Policy influence was evident but often slow to materialise, requiring mentorship, opportunity and time. 

Overall, participants described the PD as transformative, reshaping their worldview, professional identity and knowledge base. However, some experienced tension between their evolving expertise and the recognition or development opportunities offered by their employers. 

The authors, Aiden Worsley, Jacqueline Williams, Victoria Moran, Rob and Hazel argue that organisations stand to gain significantly from supporting PD students - but only if they actively engage with and nurture the developing capabilities of their staff. 

Hazel said: “The study highlights the need for additional research into employer perspectives and the long‑term career trajectories of PD graduates. Understanding these elements will be essential for ensuring that professional doctorates continue to deliver value for individuals, organisations and the wider health and social care sector.” 

To read the paper visit - Professional Doctorates in Health and Social Care: A Qualitative Exploration of Their Impact and Outcomes by Two Northern Universities - M. - 2025 - Health & Social Care in the Community - Wiley Online Library