Program Overview

Doctor of Professional Studies in Negotiated Management Specialism

Overview

Our DProf is designed for high-performing professionals to stimulate organisational, national or international development and contribute to wider debates in their field.

Course Summary

Innovative research solutions are now required to tackle the challenging circumstances facing contemporary organisations. Our DProf participants positively engage with these challenges as active members of our research community. Our aim is to develop leading practitioner-researchers who inspire strategic change and contribute to wider debates in our areas of expertise.

Why You'll Love It

• We use innovative and whole person approaches aligned to international benchmarks (e.g. Vitae, Economic and Social Research Council).
• Join a growing researcher community with high levels of student satisfaction (Higher Education Academy Postgraduate Research Experience Survey).
• Create organisational and sectorial change by targeting strategic workplace issues and challenges.
• Chester Business School named Business School of the Year at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2024.

What You'll Study

• Year 1: Our researchers initially engage with the IS8004 Researcher and Research Development module to build foundational but advanced expertise before undertaking the IS8005 Research Project (Thesis). In the first year, there will be 10 workshops (held via on-line live delivery on one Friday per month, approximating 40 hours).

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Lisa Rowe, Associate Professor

How You'll Learn

• Teaching is through group workshops, seminars and an annual research conference
• Assessment is through a written work and an oral examination
• There may be some online learning activities
• Our DProf doctoral participants engage with a combination of activities in our pioneering Researcher Development Hub at our Queen’s Park Campus, plus high-level critical reflection, and sustained independent self-directed study.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students:
  • Be employed or self-employed, and be in a position to influence organisational, sectoral or national policy
  • An Honours degree with a minimum of an upper second class from a recognised university
  • A Master's degree in a relevant field and with a minimum of a ‘merit’ profile from a recognised university
  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience of substantial responsibility and appropriate seniority to specify and implement significant change initiatives within your organisation or sector
  • Relevance of your research proposal by ensuring that the proposed topic addresses a practice problem faced by managers and organisations, and that the results of the research have the potential to make a significant contribution by identifying relevant solutions
  • Advanced skills in writing evidenced by a 1,000 word (max.) project proposal outlining the 'what, why and how' of a research project
  • Commitment to advanced continuing professional development
• International/EU Students:
  • Students whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate competence at IELTS Level 7.0

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £5,006 per year (2025/26)
• International Students: £9,566 per year (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software.
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: Our doctoral graduates typically advance their careers into roles which require high levels of expert knowledge and independent expertise, such as consultancy, organisational development, self-employment, executive coaching, senior roles in academe, and strategic leadership positions in business.
• Careers service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.