Program Overview

Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care DProf

Overview

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.

Programme Structure

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.

Supervision and Support

We can support and supervise doctoral students in most areas of health and social care. Please contact us to discuss this further.

Research Areas

• Health, Performance and Wellbeing
• Safe and Inclusive Communities

Fees and Funding

Course Fees

• UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year): £2,392
• International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year): £7,950

Bench Fees

In some cases, extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.

Writing Up Fees 2024/25

• £1,200

How to Pay Your Fees

You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments – though you won't need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us.

Funding

For advice on the Doctoral Loan and other sources of funding, including ARU scholarships, visit our finance guide for postgraduate researchers.

Careers

You’ll receive comprehensive postgraduate training and develop transferrable skills that will equip you for your research project and wider career.

Entry Requirements

• Main: For entry into the Professional Doctorate, applicants are normally expected to hold a Master's degree and be working in or able to access a professional practice setting in which to carry out their research. Exceptions are considered on an individual basis, where applicants can demonstrate evidence of postgraduate study or publications suitable to prepare them for doctoral-level study.
• International students: We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.
• English language requirements: If English is not your first language, you'll need to make sure you meet our English language requirements for postgraduate courses.

Suggested Courses

• Professional Doctorate in Business and Management DBA
• Professional Doctorate in Science and Engineering DProf
• Professional Doctorate in Practical Theology DProf