Program Overview

Doctor of Public Policy (DPP)

Overview

The Doctor of Public Policy (DPP) is a professional doctorate that provides comprehensive analysis on public sector reforms, including evidence-based policy and practice. It supports creating greater capacity within the public and voluntary sectors to conduct, commission, and evaluate research as a contribution to the achievement of public goals.

Research Overview

Professional doctorates are doctoral-level qualifications, equivalent to traditional PhDs. They are rigorous programmes of advanced applied study and research, specifically designed to meet the needs of practising professionals. They provide a framework for the integration of professional expertise and scholarly inquiry to explore specific areas of interest.

This course provides comprehensive analysis on public sector reforms, including evidence-based policy and practice. It supports creating greater capacity within the public and voluntary sectors to conduct, commission, and evaluate research as a contribution to the achievement of public goals. You will be assigned two supervisors who will support and guide you throughout the course.

Course Content

In your first year, you will study 120 credits of taught modules; this will be over years one and two for part-time students.

• Dynamics of International Social Policy
• Policy Analysis: Concepts and Theories
• Public Management and Governance
• Research Design and Methods
• Proposal for Research in Public Policy or Management

The remaining period of study (years two and three for full-time students, years three to six for part-time students) will be spent writing a 60-80,000-word thesis. This should offer an original application of knowledge in the area of public policy and should demonstrate an ability to integrate rigorous academic analysis with practical relevance and application.

Entry Requirements

• Home / UK students: Masters with merit (average of 60% or above) or international equivalent in any discipline, plus 2:1 (or international equivalent) at undergraduate level in any discipline and two years of work experience in a related field
• EU / International students: Masters with merit (average of 60% or above) or international equivalent in any discipline, plus 2:1 (or international equivalent) at undergraduate level in any discipline and two years of work experience in a related field
• International and EU equivalents: We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.
• IELTS: 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
• English language requirements: As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB, and O level English.

Fees

• Home / UK: £5,006
• International: £23,000

Funding

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans. Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Support

• Department specific support: You will be assigned two supervisors who will support and guide you through your research project, in years two and three. One of these supervisors will act as personal tutor during your first year, for primary pastoral support. Academic support for the taught modules is provided by the module convenors.
• Researcher training and development: The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.
• Graduate centres: Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.
• Student support: You will have access to a range of support services, including academic and disability support, childcare services, counselling service, faith support, financial support, mental health and wellbeing support, visa and immigration advice, and welfare support.

Careers

• Careers advice: Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills, and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course, or attend a workshop.
• Graduate destinations: Recent graduates have pursued careers in a diverse range of fields across the public and private sector, including housing, research, marketing, support work, human resources, and journalism.
• Career progression: 100% of postgraduates from the School of Sociology and Social Policy secured graduate-level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £34,804.

Related Courses

• Doctor of Public Management DPM
• Sociology and Social Policy PhD

Research Excellence Framework

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

• 89% of the school's research considered world-leading or internationally excellent
• 90% of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4) or 'internationally excellent' (3)
• 100% of our research is recognised internationally
• 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact