This programme is for health or social care practitioners with postgraduate qualifications who want to research a policy or practice issue that’s relevant to their area of work and use the findings to influence the way things are done.

The Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care (DProfHSC) provides an opportunity to plan and undertake doctoral research with the aim of developing an area of professional practice and make an original contribution to existing knowledge.

The DProfHSC is undertaken in two stages. In Stage 1 you will undertake four 30 credit Level 7 modules, including:

Advanced Professional Practice
Critically Reviewing the Evidence
Advanced Research Approaches
Advanced Research Methods

During the structured first stage of the programme, you’ll develop your research ideas with the help of an academic advisor. Study days, workshops and online resources provide research training and orientation leading to the submission of a research proposal.

With your proposal formally approved, you’ll then progress to the supervised research stage of your higher-level degree, developing your thesis with support from your supervisors. In stage 2, you must achieve your Confirmation of Registration and your progress will be appraised at Annual Reviews.

Throughout both stages of the programme you are supported by advisers and supervisors who have broad areas of interest in the field of health and social care, along with a range of methodological expertise.

You will also actively engage with the Faculty's and the University's research training and activities, including conferences, seminar programmes, invited speakers and much more. The programme concludes in the submission of your final thesis and a ‘viva voce’ examination to defend it.