What is a professional doctorate?
Professional Doctorates have been around in the UK since the early 1990's, although some more established doctoral programmes have also been brought under the professional doctorate umbrella.
The aim of these programmes is to find novel approaches to integrating professional and academic knowledge. According to the UK Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), students undertaking a professional doctorate are expected to:
| ".... make a contribution to both theory and practice in their field, and to develop professional practice by making a contribution to (professional) knowledge." |
The course structure will vary from subject to subject and institution to institution. Common to all professional doctorates is the completion of an original piece of research. The research should then be presented as a thesis, and as with a traditional PhD, is examined by an expert in the chosen field. Usually the research project would relate to real life issues concerned with professional practice. In many cases research is carried out within the students own organisation.
Most professional doctorates include a large taught or directed study element, which is formally assessed. These components frequently include both the teaching of research methods, and also components related to broadening or deepening the students' understanding of the disciplines in which they are researching or providing them with appropriate transferable skills.
Is a professional doctorate the same as a PhD?
Both confer the title "Dr" on a successful candidate, but the two qualifications are not the same. A PhD is a research based doctoral programme which usually involves little or no taught element* and is usually academic in nature. The aim of those providing Professional Doctorate programmes is to produce a qualification which, whilst being equivalent in status and challenge to a PhD, is more appropriate for those pursuing professional rather than academic careers.
* 'New Route' or '4 Year' PhDs do contain a more substantial taught element, but this is mostly undertaken in the first year.
Can I study part time?
As the majority of students undertaking professional doctorates are experienced and practicing professionals, most students will study for the degree part-time. There are, of course, exceptions - most notably the EngD which, in most cases, is only offered as a full time course.
How long does a professional doctorate take?
This will depend on the scheme. A professional doctorate can take from 2-5 years full time and 3-8 years part time. The time taken depends on the area of study, commitment of the student and the length of the research |
