UWTSD Home - Study With Us - Professional Doctorates - Doctorate in Professional Practice (DProf)
The Doctorate in Professional Practice (DProf) integrates part-time doctoral-level study with continuing professional development and is an ideal way of obtaining a doctorate whilst maintaining professional commitments.
The UWTSD programme is one of the few generic DProf programmes in existence worldwide and is uniquely placed to cater for a wide range of professional backgrounds and research topics. The taught Part 1 involves study in a supportive group environment, another unique and valuable aspect of the programme.
Part 1 of the programme helps candidates review their professional learning and build research skills. Part 2 provides support for a major research project focusing on as aspect of candidates’ professional practice.
There is one standard pathway for the DProf programme. However, there are ‘exit points’ such as a Diploma (after 120 credits), and transfer to the MProf programme may also be possible.
Contact the Programme Director: Dr Karim Sadeghi- k.sadeghi@uwtsd.ac.uk, to discuss details of the programme and your research ideas. The Programme Director will also explain how to apply.
Request Information
Home/overseas: £23,150 for UK/EU (with £7000 fee-waiver bursary for Wales-based candidates)
Overseas: £32,050 (These are total costs. Fees are payable in instalments. Note that a doctoral loan may be available for residents of Wales and England)
Why choose this course
- Gain Doctoral status whilst continuing with professional role wherever you are based
- Carry out research in your professional practice
- Benefit from the support of peers
- Develop significant research skills
- Experienced supervisory team tailored to your needs.
What you will learn
The Programme comprises two main parts. Part 1 (180 credits; duration approx. 2 years, part-time) involves the study of six level 7 modules. This review your existing professional learning, provide research skills and prepare you for Part 2 research. Part 2 of the programme (360 credits; duration approx. 3-4 years, part-time) focuses on a major work-based research project leading to the production of a 60,000-word thesis.
Residential workshops are held at UWTSD Lampeter. All other seminars and tutorials are held at UWTSD Carmarthen and/or online.
PART I
MProf & DProf
- Approaches to Research and Academic Communication (30 credits; core)
- Qualitative Research Methods (30 credits; core)
- Quantitative Research Methods (30 credits; core)
- Review of Professional Learning (30 credits; core).
DProf
- Practitioner Research Proposal (30 credits; core)
- Work-based Learning Project (Intermediate) (30 credits; core).
PART II
- Work-based Research Project (360 credits; compulsory).
The first two Part 1 modules are usually delivered in two-day residential workshops during Spring and Autumn at the UWTSD Lampeter campus, and these involve study within a small group. Other modules are studied via a blend of self-directed study with online and tutorial support, and seminars at the Carmarthen campus.
Each module has its own assessment element involving a mix of presentation, portfolio, and written reports or essay. At the end of Part 2, it is expected that candidates will have produced a 60,000-word thesis based on their research project which should contribute both to individuals’ professional practice and the strategic development of their organisations. Once the thesis has been examined and approved, candidates will have achieved 540 credits and the DProf qualification, along with the title of ‘Dr’.
DProf Programme
A brief insight into the DProf Programme run by the at UWTSD.
Key Information
- Dr Karim Sadeghi, Programme Director
- Dr Louise Emanuel, Academic Director
The programme is open to practitioners who have at least five years’ experience of a significant professional role, and who possess an upper second class degree, and ideally a master’s degree or equivalent in addition. International candidates need evidence of fluency in English, either via a dissertation written in English, or an appropriate Certificate
All DProf candidates are in employment. The programme is often undertaken because it constitutes a major form of continuous professional development, and enhances career progression.
Students are expected to attend a residential workshop once a year in West Wales for part one of the programme and will be expected to pay their own travel costs.
- MProf (which shares some modules with DProf Part 1)
“The DProf program at UWTSD has exceeded my expectations. The academic environment is of the highest quality and individual guidance is highly motivating, and I feel well supported in the pursuit of my Doctoral qualification.” – A quote from an international student currently on the programme
Candidates resident in Wales are eligible to receive a fee-waiver bursary worth £7000.
