BioInnovation Professional Doctorate

Key Facts

• Qualification: DProf
• Course duration: 5 years
• Delivery method: Distance learning
• Available for: September start 2025, January start 2026, May start 2026

Typical Entry Requirements

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Course Overview

The Bioinnovation Professional Doctorate is focused upon enhancing circularity and sustainability in food and other bio-based business, from production, through to processing and supply chains. The aim of the Professional Doctorate is to offer a qualification which, whilst being equivalent in status and challenge to a PhD, is more appropriate to those pursuing a professional rather than academic career.

Modules

Part I

• Core:
  • BDM0120 - Research Methods
  • BRM6060 - MRes Dissertation
• Optional:
  • BDM1120 - Sustainable Supply Systems
  • BDM1220 - Waste Resource Management
  • BDM1320 - Future of Packaging
  • BDM1920 - Public Goods
  • BDM5920 - Livestock Health and Welfare
  • BDM6220 - Controlled Environment Agriculture
  • BDM6320 - Life Cycle Assessment and Beyond
  • BDM6420 - Precision Livestock
  • BDM7720 - Biorefining Technologies
  • BDM8720 - Meat Processing
  • BDM8820 - Behaviour Change
  • EGA400 - Membrane Filtration Tech (Swansea Module)
  • EGAM00 – Fermentation for Food applications (Swansea Module)

Part II

• Compulsory Research Thesis: A longer portfolio of work or a research thesis (up to 60,000 words), undertaken for a minimum of three years.

About this course

• Duration: Five to seven years to complete.
• Contact Time: The entire programme is delivered online; however students are welcome to schedule live visits with tutors and supervisors as required.
• Assessment: There are no exams within this programme. Taught modules are assessed via coursework and forum discussion. Research is monitored and assessed. The viva is an integral part of the examination of the Part II thesis.
• Course Fees: This programme is restricted to students living or working in Wales until April 2023. Study undertaken before this time, by eligible students, is heavily subsidised. After April 2023 the programme will be opened to a wider audience and standard fees will apply to all students. We regret that advance payments at the subsidised rate are not possible.

Modules September start - 2025

Core

• Module Name | Module Code | Credit Value
  • Research Methods | BDM0120 | 20

Options

• Module Name | Module Code | Credit Value
  • Behaviour Change | BDM8820 | 20
  • Controlled Environment Agriculture | BDM6220 | 20
  • Meat Processing | BDM8720 | 20
  • Sustainable Supply Systems * | BDM1120 | 20
  • Waste Resource Management | BDM1220 | 20

Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Teaching & Learning

We have designed our training to be as accessible as possible, particularly for those in full-time employment. The entire programme is delivered online; however students are welcome to schedule live visits with tutors and supervisors as required.

Each taught module comprises a 13-week distance learning module worth 20 credits and students should anticipate spending 10-15 hours per week studying.

Learning material includes podcast lectures, e-group projects, guided reading, interactive workbooks, and discussion forums, as well as assignments and e-tutorials. Since the training is web-based you will need to have access to a reasonable broadband connection (i.e. can stream videos such as on YouTube), so that you can study where and when best suits you. By re-registering through your student record each year you will have access to e-journals and library resources for the duration of your registration.

The research elements of our qualifications are carried out in your workplace with regular academic supervision. Students should be employed in a relevant sector, and should undertake research which is closely aligned to your work and it is crucial that employers are supportive of both the research aims and the time commitment (10-15 hrs a week) that the proposed research will involve. Whilst the academic focus will be on the completion of an advanced piece of research, embedding this research within the workplace and developing potential opportunities for innovation are equally important.

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Degree Overview:

The Bioinnovation Professional Doctorate is designed to enhance circularity and sustainability in food and other bio-based businesses, encompassing production, processing, and supply chains. It aims to provide a qualification equivalent in status and challenge to a PhD, but more suitable for those pursuing professional careers.

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Outline:

• Part I:
• Three taught modules (including Research Methods)
• 120 credit dissertation (20,000 words or a 5000 word publishable article)
• Typically takes 3 years
• Part II:
• Minimum of three years
• Longer thesis (up to 60,000 words)
• Involves experimentation and original research
• Ideally builds upon the Part I dissertation
• Modules:
• Part I:
• Optional:
• BDM1120 - Sustainable Supply Systems
• BDM1220 - Waste Resource Management
• BDM1320 - Future of Packaging
• BDM1920 - Public Goods
• BDM5920 - Livestock Health and Welfare
• BDM6220 - Controlled Environment Agriculture
• BDM6320 - Life Cycle Assessment and Beyond
• BDM6420 - Precision Livestock
• BDM7720 - Biorefining Technologies
• BDM8720 - Meat Processing
• BDM8820 - Behaviour Change
• EGA400 - Membrane Filtration Tech (Swansea Module)
• Core:
• BDM0120 - Research Methods
• BRM6060 - MRes Dissertation
• Part II:
• Compulsory:
• Research Thesis: Minimum of three years, involving experimentation, original research, and a work-plan developed with the ATP tutor, academic supervisor, and employer (if relevant).

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Assessment:

• No exams
• Taught modules assessed via coursework and forum discussion
• Research is monitored and assessed
• Viva is an integral part of the Part II thesis examination

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Teaching:

• Entire program delivered online
• Students can schedule live visits with tutors and supervisors as needed
• Each taught module is a 13-week distance learning module worth 20 credits
• Learning materials include podcast lectures, e-group projects, guided reading, interactive workbooks, discussion forums, assignments, and e-tutorials
• Students need access to a reasonable broadband connection
• Research elements are carried out in the workplace with regular academic supervision
• Students should be employed in a relevant sector and have employer support for the research

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Other:

• Duration: Five to seven years to complete
• Three intakes per year (January, May, September)
• Contact Time: Entire program delivered online, but students can schedule live visits
• Course Fees: Restricted to students living or working in Wales until April 2023, with subsidized fees.
After April 2023, standard fees apply to all students. Fees are paid per module before training commences.
• Some modules are available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh.

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Overview:

Abertay University is a public university located in Dundee, Scotland. It is known for its focus on applied learning and its strong industry links. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as research opportunities.

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Services Offered:

Abertay University provides a variety of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

The university offers a range of student accommodation options, including halls of residence and private apartments.

Student Support:

The university has a dedicated student support team that provides advice and guidance on a range of issues, including academic, personal, and financial matters.

Careers Service:

The university's careers service helps students with their career planning, job searching, and internship applications.

Library:

The Bernard King Library offers a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Sport:

Abertay Sport offers a variety of sports and fitness activities for students.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Abertay University offers a vibrant and welcoming campus experience. Students can expect:

A buzzing city centre campus:

The university is located in the heart of Dundee, a vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene.

A strong student community:

The Abertay Students' Association (ASA) provides a range of social and support services for students.

Opportunities to get involved:

Students can join a variety of clubs and societies, participate in volunteering activities, and take part in events and activities organized by the university.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Focus on applied learning:

Abertay University is known for its practical and industry-relevant approach to teaching.

Strong industry links:

The university has strong relationships with businesses and organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and career development.

Vibrant and welcoming campus experience:

Abertay University offers a friendly and supportive environment for students.

Located in a thriving city:

Dundee is a vibrant city with a lot to offer students, including a thriving arts and culture scene, a range of shops and restaurants, and easy access to the Scottish countryside.

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Academic Programs:

Abertay University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

The university offers a variety of undergraduate degrees in areas such as business, law, social science, applied sciences, design, and informatics.

Postgraduate programs:

Abertay University offers a range of postgraduate taught and research degrees.

Online Master's Degrees:

The university offers a number of online Master's degrees for students who want to study flexibly.

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Other: