2/6 years

Part time

£3,860 Tuition fee

£7,430 International fee

CID1184 Course code

The Professional Doctorate is the same level of academic qualification as a PhD (Level 8) and is designed for experienced professionals who wish to undertake a programme that will have practical applications and add value to their career.

The programme recognises that real-world problems inhabit a space that is dynamic, multi-faceted and complex, and acknowledges this reality by adopting a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to reflect the professional world. The programme also incorporates the concept of self-reflection, critically reflective practice, and research methodology, with a practical approach to addressing workplace issues and making a distinctive contribution to the profession.

Upcoming start dates

20 January 2020

20 April 2020

Following successful completion of all five modules, you will work independently on your chosen research topic with support from your academic supervisors. During this phase of the programme, you will have the opportunity to attend a series of optional study days that cover a variety of topics to help you with your studies.

The final submission for the Professional Doctorate is either a report together with a portfolio of supporting evidence (totalling 80,000 words) or a thesis which will normally be around 80,000 words. The exact nature of your submission is decided in discussion with your Director of Studies. All candidates must also undergo a viva voce examination.

1 to 6 months:

7 to 12 months:

13 to 18 months:

The normal entry requirement for a research degree is a UK honours degree (first or upper second class) or a UK masters degree or a qualification which is regarded as equivalent.

If English is not your first language, you will need an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component: reading, writing, listening and speaking (or equivalent).

We will assess your application and research proposal to make a decision on whether to offer you a place using the following criteria:

Professional Doctorate research proposal

Project's relevance to your workplace and profession

Proposed methodology and techniques for analysis

Outline of a potential research plan

Personal statement

Your professional experience and standing

The recognition by your peers as a leading professional in your field

The level at which you are operating within your organisation or profession and the extent to which you can provide significant influence or drive substantial change

The opportunity that you have to make a significant contribution to professional practice and/or how you exhibit your powers of creativity and innovation

Along with your application form, you must upload the following documents:

Research proposal

Qualification certificates

IELTS certificates, if applicable

Two references, one of which must be academic

Without all of the above documents, we will not be able to make you an offer on this programme.

Tuition fees for UK/EU candidates

Tuition fees for international candidates

We charge annual fees while you are studying and researching for your degree. These costs vary depending on whether you are a candidate from the UK/EU or from a country outside the EU.

The emphasis of a professional doctorate is on undertaking research that will be of practical value to your career. By taking on a multi-disciplinary approach, the professional doctorate gives you the tools to develop pragmatic solutions to real-world problems in your career.

Your employers will benefit from an in-depth analysis of key issues in their organisation by one of their own employees. This will make you an indispensable addition to any organisation and has the potential to fast-track any rise in employment status.