Professional Doctorate in Science and Technology - DProf

Our work-based blended learning approach, with online distance learning and cohort-based workshops, gives the Professional Doctorate (DProf) the flexibility to combine doctoral level research with your full time career. Whatever your area of professional practice in science and technology we can offer supervision to guide you through your research degree. With a DProf you can expect to make a substantial contribution to the development of professional practice in your area.

We’ve designed the courses for maximum flexibility. We know that busy professionals need to fit their studies around their other commitments. Indeed, this is a requirement with this practice-led doctorate which depends on a very strong synergy between your doctoral studies and your work practice. Throughout your studies you’ll have high-quality distance learning facilities online, complementing the workshop activities. Each year there’ll be five weekend workshops and five supervisory sessions on campus where you will meet fellow professionals from many disciplines, in a critical but highly supportive setting.

The course is split into two distinct stages. In stage 1, you’ll create a research portfolio consisting of three 7,000 word papers. In stage 2 you’ll produce a 60,000 word thesis based on original research developed from Stage 1 and linked to your professional practice. You can complete your studies in 36-48 months, exiting with a Professional Masters (MProf) or the full Professional Doctorate (DProf) qualification.

We have subject specialist supervisors in the many disciplines spanned by the Faculty of Science and Technology, which include Animal and Environmental Sciences, Biomedical Science, Built Environment, Criminology, Computer Science, Engineering and Tribology, Equine Science, Forensic Science, Mechanical Engineering, Molecular biology, Psychology, Sound Engineering, Sport and Exercise Science, Sustainability, Zoology.

You’ll be part of a dynamic research community in the Faculty of Science and Technology. With our two research institutes , ARITI and the Global Sustainability Institute and our research groups within our subject departments you will be welcomed to conferences, seminars and workshops which take place regularly throughout the year.

All your subject specific studies will be enhanced and supported by our University-wide training sessions, where you’ll gain important research expertise in areas like ethics, presentations, intellectual property and digital scholarship.