Professional Doctorate in Science and Engineering
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
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:
- £500
- £1,200
- £2,200
- £4,500
- £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.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Professional Doctorate in Science and Engineering (DProf) from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a research-focused program designed for professionals seeking to make a substantial contribution to the development of professional practice in their field. The program combines doctoral research with full-time career engagement, allowing participants to investigate issues or problems of particular relevance to their work and organization.
Objectives:
- Enhance leadership and expertise in a specific professional field
- Conduct original research that addresses significant challenges and advancements in the field
- Contribute to the advancement of professional practice through the application of research findings
- Expand professional networks and raise the participant's profile within their professional context
Program Description:
The DProf program is designed for maximum flexibility, recognizing the commitments of busy professionals. It consists of two distinct stages:
Stage 1:
- Advanced Professional Practice
- Theoretical Perspectives of Advanced Professional Practice
- Advanced Research Design
- Advanced Data Collection and Analysis
Stage 2:
- Production of a 60,000-word thesis based on original research developed in Stage 1 and linked to the participant's professional practice.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers a wide range of disciplines spanning ARU's Faculty of Science and Engineering, including ecology, conservation, animal behavior and welfare, biomedical and forensic sciences, built environment, computing, medical and mechanical engineering, molecular biology, psychology, and sport and exercise science.
Structure:
- Part-time duration: 36-70 months
- Part-time duration (following full-time Stage 1): 32-60 months
- Participants have the option to complete the program with a Professional Masters (MProf) or the full Professional Doctorate (DProf) qualification.
Course Schedule:
- Five weekend workshops per year
- Five supervisory sessions on campus per year
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
- Advanced Professional Practice: Enhances the participant's ability to critically reflect on and develop their professional practice.
- Theoretical Perspectives of Advanced Professional Practice: Explores theoretical frameworks and concepts that underpin advanced professional practice.
- Advanced Research Design: Develops the participant's skills in designing and conducting rigorous research.
- Advanced Data Collection and Analysis: Provides training in advanced data collection and analysis techniques.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a range of assessment methods to evaluate student learning:
- Formative Assessment: Provides ongoing feedback and support throughout the program, including:
- Discussion forums
- Presentations
- Progress reports
- Summative Assessment: Evaluates the participant's knowledge and skills through:
- Written assignments
- Research proposal
- Thesis
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Blended learning approach combining online and face-to-face instruction
- Online learning management system
- Supervisory sessions
- Workshops
Faculty:
- Participants will be supervised by subject specialist supervisors from ARU's Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Unique Approaches:
- Strong emphasis on the synergy between doctoral studies and professional practice
- Focus on research that addresses real-world challenges and advancements in the field
- Opportunities to present research at conferences and engage with research groups and institutes
Careers:
The Professional Doctorate in Science and Engineering prepares graduates for a range of leadership and research-oriented roles in both academia and industry. Potential career paths include:
- Senior Research Scientist
- Research and Development Manager
- University Lecturer
- Principal Engineer
- Consultant
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
UK students, 2023/24 (part-time, per year) £2,356 International students, 2023/24 (part-time, per year) £7,500
Entry Requirements:
Main Entry to the professional doctorate programme will normally require a first or upper second class honours degree. You are 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.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
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.
