Program Overview

Human Performance and Innovation - Professional Doctorate

Brief Description

The Human Performance and Innovation Professional Doctorate is designed for experienced professionals who want to advance human performance and empower innovation within their professional field. This doctorate is personally tailored to help students drive, implement, and evaluate the most beneficial innovations that will support their professional practice and advance their career.

Overview

During this programme, students will:

• Appraise existing knowledge and industry practices
• Learn to apply research methodologies to create innovative solutions to industry challenges and practices
• Enhance leadership, planning, and change management skills
• Engage in comprehensive self-assessment to identify professional strengths, determine areas for growth, and create a tailored development plan
• Resolve complex real-world challenges by combining multi-disciplinary knowledge and abilities to innovate and transform professional practice

Programme Content

• Complete part-time over four years
• Delivered online
• Designed for working professionals with flexible online lecture and tutorial times
• Option to exit with Professional Masters in Human Performance and Innovation after successful completion of year two
• Submission of a final thesis and successful conclusion of an oral 'Viva Voce' is required for the award of the doctorate degree

Year 1

Autumn Semester

• Personal Review and Development Planning (SS8011): Reflect on challenges and construct a personal and professional development plan
• The Professional Paradigm 1: Practical and Theoretical Frameworks (SS8012): Critically explore and align professional practices with academic theories
• Evaluation Methods and Analysis 1 (SS8022): Enhance ability to critically evaluate research paradigms and methodologies

Spring Semester

• The Professional Paradigm 2: Evolving the Theory, Evidence, Practice and Innovation (SS8013): Critically synthesise diverse knowledge bases and develop a coherent narrative for doctoral research objectives

Year 2

Autumn Semester

• Professional Innovation: Intervention Design and Evaluation 1 (SS8031): Systematically evaluate and implement key innovations within professional practice
• Evaluation Methods and Analysis 2 (SS8023): Customise evaluation and analysis approach for targeted professional innovation
• Innovation Progression 1 (SS8041): Organise and codify doctoral journey to date

Summer Semester

• Professional Innovation: Intervention Design and Evaluation 2 (SS8032): Actively engage with, implement, and present the effective systematic evaluation of identified professional innovations
• Exit Award in year 2 – Professional Masters in Human Performance and Innovation

Year 3 and 4

Continue working on the research innovation component of the Professional Doctorate, with opportunities to organise and codify progress and prepare for the final thesis submission and oral 'Viva Voce'.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) or equivalent
• At least five years of professional work experience
• University may shortlist and invite applicants to an interview
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy for non-standard entry requirements

Fees

• EU: €5,900 per annum
• Non-EU: €8,006 per annum
• Annual fees are billed by semester, with options for a monthly payment plan
• Reduced continuation fee after four years until completion of the award

Graduate Profile

The Human Performance and Innovation Professional Doctorate can lead graduates to:

• Advancement within their profession
• Expanded professional opportunities
• Performance Consultancy
• Leadership roles
• Roles requiring experienced professionals to evolve and bring innovations to their sector

Research Areas

The programme focuses on human performance and innovation, allowing students to explore and develop research in areas relevant to their professional practice and interests.