Emergency Services Management (DESM)

Program Overview

Emergency Services Management (DESM) Professional Doctorate

Overview

This Professional Doctorate in Emergency Services Management is designed for senior managers from the emergency services (ambulance, police, or fire and rescue) who wish to engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue, develop as a researcher, and gain skills to apply to professional practice.

Course Features

• International students can apply

What You'll Study

• Course Content
  • You will work on a research project throughout the course, resulting in a thesis of doctoral standard, demonstrating an original contribution to the field of approximately 55,000 words.
  • Alongside this, you will undertake development activity in the first two years of the course, comprising:
    • Core and Methodological Training: This will help you to finalise your research proposal by the end of the first semester.
    • A Programme of Related Studies: This will be tailored to address your specific learning needs to help you enhance your skills as a researcher.
    • Subject-Specific Researcher Training: This will focus on a range of themes, including contemporary issues and challenges in management practice of the emergency services, multi-agency collaboration and interoperability between organisations, and reflexivity and becoming a reflective practitioner.

How You'll Study

• The programme typically requires approximately 23.5 hours per week dedicated to research-related activity, primarily led by you with supervisory input.
• You will also attend scheduled researcher development sessions, ranging from individual personal supervisor-led contact to supported online learning, small group work, and teacher-led lectures.
• There is a requirement to attend Edge Hill University for one weekend in your first semester, for core and methodical training, in addition to a total of three weekends across the first two years of the programme for subject-specific researcher training.

How You'll Be Assessed

• The programme incorporates three viva examinations where your written submissions are assessed by a team of experts.
• At the first examination, after approximately seven months of study, your research proposal will be scrutinised.
• At the second examination, between two and three years after first registration, your research to date will be reviewed.
• At the third examination, your final thesis is presented.

Who Will Be Teaching You

• You will be supervised in your research by a team of academic and professional experts with specialist knowledge of emergency services management.
• Guest speakers will also contribute to the delivery of the programme.

Entry Criteria

• You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) and a Master's degree (for example, MBA, MA, MSc, or MRes, or equivalent).
• No specific subjects are required.
• You must also have at least five years of management or professional experience.
• In exceptional circumstances, applicants without a Master's qualification but with substantial professional experience may be considered.
• Overseas applicants will be considered on an individual basis and will be expected to demonstrate English language proficiency to a minimum standard of IELTS 7.0 or equivalent.

English Language Requirements

• International students require IELTS 7.0, with a score no lower than 6.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification, at the point of application.

Facilities

• As a postgraduate research student, you will be registered in the University's Graduate School and be based in the faculty or department that is most appropriate for your project.
• Professional Doctorate in Emergency Services Management students will normally be based in Edge Hill Business School.
• A stunning £8 million building provides impressive teaching and learning facilities for students in Edge Hill Business School.

Your Future Career

• This programme will enhance your personal development across a wide range of roles performed by staff in the emergency services.
• You will also be well-placed to take advantage of opportunities in consultancy or to pursue a teaching career in higher education.