Program Overview

Doctorate in Professional Practice (Sport and Exercise)

Overview

The Doctorate in Professional Practice (Sport and Exercise) aims to develop your ability to use applied research methods helping you to explore key aspects of your professional experience and current practice in meaningful and relevant ways.

Highlights

• Undertake research that will enhance your professional practice, benefiting you, your clients and others in the profession
• Our expert teaching team are either personally engaged in professional practice or actively researching how it may be enhanced and our ongoing research in professional practice means we bring cutting-edge knowledge to the delivery of the programme
• Benefit from our extensive industry links in both professional and publicly funded areas of practice
• Members of the teaching team have undertaken a professional doctorate themselves

What You Will Study

To complete the Doctorate in Professional Practice (Sport and Exercise), you will need to complete the postgraduate taught (PGT) phase which entails two x 60 credit modules. These modules develop your research skills for independent doctoral research as well as providing opportunity to refine your research question(s).

• Year One
• Year Two
• Year Three to Six

Core Modules

• Develop Strategies and Skills for Professional Doctoral Research and Study

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to demonstrate that:

1. You have developed a wide literature review within your field of study
2. You have developed a critical synthesis and understanding of the value of ideas and evidence within your field
3. You can critically analyse the nature of practitioner and professional research and synthesise this into professional practice, evaluating its application and significance
4. You can present written work with clarity of academic writing at the appropriate level

Module Content

The module is likely to include the following:

• The means to be able to reflect critically on professional practice and the synthesis of theoretical concepts/research practice as related to the potential impact on the professional field
• Developing a literature base in a chosen field of study and an ability to critically review that literature as a means to establish and deepen an academic position
• Developing effective contacts with professional associations, special interest research groups, relevant networks
• Developing an understanding of the expectations in writing for conference papers
• Conducting a critical assessment of academic publishing
• Identifying the criteria and means by which writing is accepted for publication in professional/academic journals
• Identifying trends in authorship, methodology and the linguistic features of selected journal articles
• Consideration of the role of publishing and presenting work in the construction and dissemination of knowledge within a field of study
• How policy, practice, ethics and the law influence professional research

How You Will Learn

The online doctorate blends learning within a cohort of fellow professionals with independent research. The postgraduate taught (PGT) phase (2 modules) is undertaken with a cohort of other learners before you move on to working independently.

• Postgraduate Taught (PGT) phase
• Postgraduate Research (PGR) phase

Duration of Study

This programme is undertaken through part-time online study. It can be accessed from anywhere in the world and can be completed in four years.

Assessment Method

Assessments provide a variety and range of tasks designed to facilitate professionals such as yourself in articulating and disseminating your research and expertise.

• PGT phase
• PGR phase

Careers

The programme will be a core driver of your personal and professional development. You will gain outstanding skills in research, analysis, critical and strategic thinking which will set you aside from your peers.

Entry Requirements

You will usually have the following:

• A Master’s degree in a sport and exercise related discipline
• Appropriate experience of work within your professional practice (minimum two to three years)
• Be able to articulate how the programme will be positioned within your practice and personal context

English Language Qualifications

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Have you already studied at another institution, completed a training course, or does your work experience appear equivalent to one or more modules of your chosen course?

Fees and Funding

• UK/EU fee: £3,300 per year
• International fee: £3,300 per year

How to Apply

Students should apply directly to the University by using the 'Apply now' button on this page.

• Documents to support your application
• Research Proposal

Contact Us

Contact the University of Derby Online Learning.