Professional Doctorate in Health, Education and Society

The Professional Doctorate in Health, Education and Society is a research-rich, experientially focused advanced qualification. This exciting programme will facilitate your personal career development, helping you become a leader in your field. As a professional doctorate student, you will gain a fresh perspective on service development, looking at the inter-relationships between research, policy, and practice in your work setting and wider professional context.

Course Overview

• The programme is suitable for professionally qualified and experienced individuals based in the UK and internationally, who wish to undertake doctoral study.
• It is suitable for a variety of career paths, and available to a range of professional backgrounds within or linked to education, health, and children’s services settings.
• The programme will be offered on a part-time basis over 5 years, with flexible study, enabling you to work at your own pace and that of the sector in which you practice.

Teaching and Learning

• The programme is based around a range of individual and group learning activities.
• You will explore organisational goals and vision, working collaboratively with peers and colleagues to develop ideas and relate them to practice.
• Classroom-based teaching and learning sessions will be provided 3 times a year and are held on weekends, to facilitate your employment demands.
• The sessions are comprised of teacher-led discussions, group and individual presentations and discussions, tasks and activities, and communities of enquiry to further develop your knowledge and its application to your practice.

Research and Thesis

• The programme modules provide a progressive framework for undertaking Doctoral level research culminating in a Professional Doctorate thesis and viva voce defence.
• You will spend the first two years in structured teaching before going on to carry out your research with the guidance of our teaching and supervision staff.
• In years 3, 4 & 5, you will capitalise on the academic experiences of the previous two years, synthesizing your learning and experience to conduct a research project and produce a thesis of 55 - 60,000 words.

Career Opportunities

• Upon completion, you will possess the ability to shape policy and practice, in addition to holding the attributes required to be an innovator within your own professional environment.
• You will have identified an area of research and shown how it can make a real impact in your field.
• This course provides both practical and theoretical content that reflects the professional requirements of your field, designed for those wishing to enhance their practical and research skills.

Entry Requirements

Standard Entry

• Applicants should normally have:
  • A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree normally in a relevant subject area or equivalent
  • A professional qualification/ registration
  • Normally the equivalent of at least 2 year’s verifiable relevant practical experience of working in a professional capacity, excluding any experience gained as part of first-degree studies.
• International qualifications: If you have studied a non-UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages.
• English language requirements: International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

Fees and Funding

• UK Fee in Year 1: £2,981
• International Fee in Year 1: £8,990
• Please note, this programme is not eligible for the Doctoral Loan. Further information can be found on the Government website.
• Click here for UK and International Scholarship, Fees, and Funding information.

Modules Overview

Year One

• Module 1: Examining Personal Context (Core, 30 Credits)
• Module 2: Your Work Context as a Site of Research (Core, 30 Credits)
• Module 3: Theory and Professional Practices (Core, 30 Credits)

Year Two

• Module 4: Research Design: Methodology, Methods & Ethics (Core, 60 Credits)
• Researcher Development: Presenting and Disseminating your Research (Core, 30 Credits)

Research Areas

• The programme is designed to support you to develop knowledge and skills sequentially, providing theoretically grounded research philosophies, policies, and methods of enquiry.
• One of the key features of this programme is developing the academic literacies required to perform successfully in higher education.
• You will learn about research design, including methodology, methods, and ethics.

Facilities and Support

• You will have access to our CITY CAMPUS University Library and well-equipped working space, The Hub, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Technology is embedded throughout all aspects of your degree, and you will receive ongoing support through our innovative e-learning platform, Blackboard.
• A personal tutor and a supervisor, with appropriate experience and expertise, will support you through your postgraduate research (PGR) project.

---

Overview:

Northumbria University is a research-intensive, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic quality. It is known for its commitment to unlocking potential for all and empowering innovators, visionaries, and changemakers to transform lives and make a remarkable impact on the world.

---

Services Offered:

Study:

Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including foundation years, flexible learning options, and continuing professional development courses.

International:

Provides support for international students, including English language programs, international events, and information on entry requirements.

Business:

Offers a range of services to businesses, including education and training, research and consultancy, and business events.

Research:

Conducts ground-breaking research in various fields, including computerised society and digital citizens, cultural and creative industries, energy materials and systems, and microbial biotechnology.

About Us:

Provides information about the university's strategy, staff, partnerships, student and alumni profiles, leadership and governance, academic departments, and university services.

Alumni:

Offers a range of benefits and services to alumni, including networking opportunities, events, and volunteering opportunities.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Accommodation:

Offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options for students.

Life in Newcastle:

Provides information about the vibrant city of Newcastle, where the university is located.

Support for Students:

Offers a range of support services to students, including careers advice, mental health support, and financial assistance.

Students' Union:

Provides a platform for student representation and engagement.

Northumbria Sport:

Offers a wide range of sports facilities and activities for students.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Research-intensive:

Conducts ground-breaking research that is responsive to the needs of the community.

Business-focused:

Prepares students for the challenges of the modern workplace.

Global reputation:

Has a strong international reputation for academic quality.

Vibrant campus life:

Offers a wide range of student life activities and support services.

Located in Newcastle:

Situated in a vibrant and historic city with a thriving cultural scene.

---

Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

Offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in various fields.

Postgraduate:

Offers a range of postgraduate programs, including Masters degrees and research degrees.

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships:

Offers degree apprenticeships in partnership with businesses.

---

Other:

News and Events:

Provides information about the latest news and events at the university.

Social Media:

Maintains a presence on various social media platforms.

Online Shop:

Offers a range of Northumbria University merchandise.

Governance:

Provides information about the university's governance structure and policies.

Useful Links:

Provides links to various resources, including contact information, payment information, and equality and diversity policies.