A professional doctorate provides a programme of advanced study and research, equally rigorous to the purely research oriented PhD. The taught modules aim to develop practitioners’ skills and knowledge in the key areas of advanced practice needed for career development whilst the research component builds research skills and other transferable skills such as project management, problem solving, information management and academic writing. The DPharm utilises the expertise of the postgraduate team at Keele’s School of Pharmacy (CPD4ALL) who have been delivering advanced practice programmes and supporting postgraduate research, scholarship and evaluation since 2007. The DPharm will provide the opportunity for pharmacists to achieve the highest academic qualification that is directly related to their professional practice and career development.

Within the DPharm programme structure, students may also choose to exit at key points (e.g. Certificate, Diploma or MSc) prior to completing the professional doctorate. This design is intended to provide flexibility for professionals studying whilst working in practice.