Program Overview

Doctor of Professional Studies in Health and Social Care

Overview

This course is designed to support graduate professionals working across diverse health and social care sectors to conduct doctoral research in this complex and evolving arena.

Course Details

• Level: Postgraduate
• UCAS Code: N/A
• UCAS Points: N/A
• Start date: Oct 2025, Oct 2026
• Duration: 5 years
• Location: Wheeler, Chester
• UK fees: £2,503 per year (2025/26)
• International fees: £7,542 per year (2025/26)

Course Summary

This course is designed to enable the personal and professional development of individuals working within health and social care. It is delivered by a team of academics who are research active and committed to the ongoing development of health and social care policy, practice, and service delivery.

What You'll Study

• Years 1-5: Research methodologies, social theory, philosophy, cultural practices, and policy form the major themes around which the modules and teaching are structured. The self-selected doctoral thesis will require you to apply the knowledge and skills that you have gained during the taught components of the course.

Modules

• Introduction to Doctoral Studies (40 Credits) Core: This module is designed to develop and enhance the critical competencies essential for successful doctoral study.
• Philosophy of Social Science (40 Credits) Core: The module will enable students to develop awareness of the way research is shaped by worldview.
• Sociology for Professional Practice (40 Credits) Core: The aims of this module are to enable students to analyse professional practice using different theoretical frameworks.
• Research Methods (60 Credits) Core: The aims of this module are to enable students to justify their research approach and potential study designs.
• Research Proposal (60 Credits) Core: The module aims to offer opportunities for exploration and critical evaluation of students' proposals for the research questions, design, methodology, and methods.
• Thesis Module (150 Credits): This module gives you the chance to deeply explore a topic that is directly relevant to your chosen field of practice.

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Hazel Chapman: Senior Lecturer
• Dr Andrew Mitchell: Associate Professor of Mental Health
• Dr Adam Keen: Senior Lecturer

How You'll Learn

• Teaching: Seminars
• Assessment: Coursework and a thesis
• Study Mode: In-person study with some online learning activities

Beyond the Classroom

• Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society: Offers a wide range of doctoral events that students are expected to engage with.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: A relevant honours degree (usually minimum of 2:1), a relevant Master's degree, and a minimum of two years' experience in their chosen field.
• International/EU Students: Unable to consider International applicants for this programme.

Where You'll Study

• Wheeler, Chester: Located within the lively city centre of Chester and overlooking the River Dee.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £2,503 per year (2025/26)
• International Students: £7,542 per year (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery, and related materials.
• 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: Generally, all the students who apply or who are currently undertaking this programme are employed within the health and social care arena.
• Careers Service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.