Program Overview

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Professional Doctorate in Science and Engineering DProf

Overview

Combine doctoral research with your full-time career, and make a substantial contribution to the development of professional practice in your area. We can offer supervision in specialisms including ecology, conservation and animal behaviour and welfare, biomedical and forensic sciences, built environment, computing, medical and mechanical engineering, molecular biology, psychology or sport and exercise science.

Full Description

We’ve designed the courses for maximum flexibility. We know that busy professionals need to fit their studies around their other commitments. Indeed, this is a requirement with this practice-led doctorate which depends on a very strong synergy between your doctoral studies and your work practice. Throughout your studies you’ll have access to our online learning management system used to complement the workshop activities. Each year there’ll be five weekend workshops and five supervisory sessions on campus where you will meet fellow professionals from many disciplines, in a critical but highly supportive setting.

The programme is split into two distinct stages. In stage 1, you’ll complete the following four 30 credit modules as part of the research and development phase:

• Advanced Professional Practice
• Theoretical Perspectives of Advanced Professional Practice
• Advanced Research Design
• Advanced Data Collection and Analysis

In stage 2 you’ll produce a 60,000 word thesis based on original research developed from Stage 1 and linked to your professional practice. You can complete your studies in 36-48 months, exiting with a Professional Masters (MProf) or the full Professional Doctorate (DProf) qualification.

Explore our schools to find subject specialist supervisors in the many disciplines spanning our Faculty of Science and Engineering.

• School of Computing and Information Science
• School of Engineering and the Built Environment
• School of Life Sciences
• School of Psychology, Sport and Sensory Science

You'll be part of a dynamic research community in the Faculty of Science and Engineering with our Global Sustainability Institute and research groups, and conferences, seminars and workshops which take place regularly throughout the year.

All your subject specific studies will be enhanced and supported by our University-wide training sessions, where you'll gain important research expertise in areas like ethics, presentations, intellectual property and digital scholarship.

Supervision and Support

You’ll have the full support of our academic team, via a virtual learning environment that puts study management tools, periodicals and other materials at your fingertips.

We make full use of Skype and Communicator for formal, face-to-face supervisory sessions and you can contact us any time to discuss the different aspects of your work.

The five workshops each year take place on our Chelmsford campus.

We’ll provide comprehensive research training in areas such as academic writing and publishing, research methods, subject developments, data analysis, conference skills and presentation.

You can also present your work at our annual research and scholarship conference, network with delegates from around the world and attend a variety of workshops and presentations.

Explore our Schools and Research Groups to find subject specialist supervisors in the many disciplines spanning our Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Where You'll Research

Your Faculty

The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at ARU. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.

Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.

Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.

Where Can I Study?

Chelmsford

Our striking, modern campus sits by the riverside in Chelmsford's University and Innovation Quarter.

Fees & 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.

Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.

We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.

If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.

For 2024/25 the bench fee bands are:

• 1. £500
• 2. £1,200
• 3. £2,200
• 4. £4,500
• 5. £8,900

Writing Up Fees 2024/25

£1,200

Careers

This Professional Doctorate will give you a unique, challenging and deeply rewarding experience. It gives you the opportunity to research an issue or problem of particular significance and relevance to your practice, demonstrating your leadership and developing your expertise.

The DProf will make a significant contribution to the development of your profession. It will add value to your organisation and will enhance your career prospects. You will expand and strengthen your professional networks and raise your profile within your professional context.

Entry Requirements

Main

Entry to the professional doctorate programme will normally require a first or upper second class honours degree. You’re also expected to have extensive professional experience, together with the opportunity to undertake research related to your current role and organisation.

International Students

• If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent test score).
• It's possible that research in this area will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. If we make you an offer to study with us we'll also give you the information you need to apply to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for your ATAS certificate. Receiving the ATAS certificate takes approximately four weeks.

You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course. Before starting the course, we recommend that you check our technical requirements for online learning.

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International Students

We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.

• See all international and EU 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.

Improving Your English Language Skills

If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.