Professional Doctoratesat The University of Northampton

Growth of Professional Doctorates

Professional Doctoratesat The University of Northampton

Since the 1990s, a range of professionally-focused doctorates has emerged alongside the traditional PhD

(QAA 2011)

What is a Professional Doctorate?

Professional Doctoratesat The University of Northampton

A doctoral qualification!

Based on research located in a professional context

Contribution through the novel application of theory

(Normally) more structured than a PhD

(Normally) aimed at practicing professionals

(Normally) delivered on a part-time basis

Our professional doctorate framework

Professional Doctoratesat The University of Northampton

Establishes a credit value for the programmes

Allows for a combination of L7 and L8 credits

Provides options for programme structure

Specifies a minimum volume of RM study

Specifies a minimum volume of reflection on professional practice

Specifies the size of the research thesis

Establishes ‘pass-fail’ assessment of facilitated modules

Establishes an exit award

Learning outcomes (1)

Professional Doctoratesat The University of Northampton

Knowledge and understanding Create and interpret new knowledge through the conceptualisation, design and implementation of original research of a quality to satisfy peer review.

Critically appraise existing organisational policy / practice through the application of reflection on work-based learning.

Systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of organisational research and policy / practice.

Critical evaluation of the nature and construction of the knowledge underpinning current organisational research and policy / practice.

Learning outcomes (2)

Professional Doctoratesat The University of Northampton

Subject-specific skillsConceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, and to adapt project design in response to unforeseen factors.

Advanced knowledge and understanding of a range of quantitative and qualitative methods typically used business and organisational research.

Make informed independent judgements on complex issues in an area of business / organisational policy / practice often with incomplete data.

Learning outcomes (3)

Professional Doctoratesat The University of Northampton

Key skills Effectively communicate complex ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences using a range of appropriate technologies.

Demonstrate research leadership in a professional area through the promotion of research capability and mentorship, contributing to the development of new techniques, technologies, ideas, approaches.

Demonstrate the qualities and transferrable skills needed for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations.

Apply innovative approaches to solving complex problems.

Example: Doctorate of Professional Practice in Health and Social

Care

Professional Doctoratesat The University of Northampton

Principles of Research

Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis

Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis

Developing Research Leadership and Management

Reflections on Professional Practice

Research Thesis

Example: The Northampton DBA

Professional Doctoratesat The University of Northampton

Principles of Research

Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis

Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis

Developing Leadership in Business Research

Reflecting on Business Practice

Research Thesis

Quality Assurance

Professional Doctoratesat The University of Northampton

Hybrid of taught and research degree processes

Structures reflect ‘research degree’ programme identiy

External points of reference

Professional Doctoratesat The University of Northampton

QAA Doctoral Degrees Characteristics

QAA Quality Code Chapter B11

UK Council for Graduate Education Professional Doctorates in the

UK

ABS Guidelines for the DBAAMBA Criteria for Accreditation of DBA Programmes

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