Doctor of Professional Studies in Health and Social Care DProf
Course Overview
This course is designed to support graduate professionals working across diverse health and social care sectors to conduct doctoral research in this complex and evolving arena.
Research into health and social care is of major importance in the current social and economic climate. This increases the demand for practitioners who are able to effectively lead, innovate and evaluate service provision with a limited resource allocation. This course is designed to enable the personal and professional development of individuals working within these areas.
Health and social care research continues to be at the vanguard of social, economic and political debates.
This course is designed and delivered by a team of academics who are research active and committed to the ongoing development of health and social care policy, practice and service delivery. You will therefore be joining a community where debate and critical thought are both welcomed and fostered.
You will be encouraged to reflect upon current practice, explore new ways of thinking, explore new or different theoretical perspectives, and offer new insights into the chosen field of study.
Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care
How we teach at the University of Chester
The first stage of the course comprises five taught modules that are delivered flexibly (predominately classroom based), to fit in with the busy schedules of working professionals. You will study these modules as a member of a group in which collaborative support for learning will be encouraged, and we aim to furnish you with the critical skills to enable you to conduct research at doctoral level.
There are a range of assessments, including poster presentations, oral presentations, and written work culminating in the production of a thesis.
The five taught modules comprise a total of 2,400 notional hours’ learning time, of which 120 hours are direct contact. Each 40-credit module has 20 hours’ contact time, and each 60-credit module has 30 hours’ contact time. The independent thesis module has a notional learning time of 3,000 hours.
Your Future Career
Job Prospects
Generally, all the students who apply or who are currently undertaking this programme are employed within the health and social care arena.
Careers service
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.
Beyond the Classroom
The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society offers a wide range of doctoral events that students are expected to engage with, including doctoral seminars delivered by current students about their research, writing workshops, masterclasses by internal and external experienced researchers, journal club, Faculty and University research conferences.
Entry Requirements
2:1 honours degree
Applicants must have:
- A relevant honours degree (usually a minimum of 2:1)
- A relevant Master’s degree
- A relevant professional qualification
- Should be currently registered or formally recognised as a professional in a relevant health and social care field
- Currently employed as a professional in a health or social care field
There is an interview requirement for admission to the course
We are unable to consider International applicants for this programme.
Fees and Funding
TBCper year (2026/27)
The tuition fees for home students studying the Doctor of Professional Studies (DProf) in Health and Social Care in 2026/27 are TBC.
£7,814per year (2026/27)
The tuition fees for International students studying this part-time course in 2026/27 are £7,814 per year.
For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.
Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.
Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.
Dr Hazel Chapman
Senior Lecturer
Dr Andrew Mitchell
Associate Professor
Dr Adam Keen
Senior Lecturer