Throughout your doctoral programme , you will participate in doctoral study weeks . These focus on developing the knowledge and skills that you require in order to successfully train to become an independent researcher , design and progress your doctoral research project and complete the three READ modules . They also provide a great networking opportunity for you to engage with your fellow doctoral candidates , other research supervisors and the Graduate School team .
Supervision , learning and assessment
As a doctoral candidate you will progressively demonstrate a doctorallevel understanding of research philosophies and methodologies , show originality in one or more aspects of your research design ( including the application of research methods ) and understand how the boundaries of knowledge and practice are advanced through research impact . PhD and Professional Doctorate candidates will extend the forefront of a discipline by making an impact through an original contribution to knowledge , or your field of practice .
Candidates will work with a supervisory team who will provide ongoing guidance and support throughout the programme . The doctorate is ultimately assessed by the thesis , publications or creative work , and a final viva examination . The usual length of a PhD thesis is from 70,000 to 100,000 words . The PhD by Creative Practice research involves a portfolio of creative work with a critical commentary normally 30,000 to 40,000 words in length . The Professional Doctorate thesis is typically 45,000 words .
PhD candidate submissions
Candidates take part in three assessment exercises to confirm their progress towards the submission of the final thesis :
• The probationary assessment in Year One ( for both full-time and part-time candidates ) comprises the submission of a comprehensive research proposal ( approximately 6,000 words ) that is followed by a viva with an internal assessment panel composed of two experienced research supervisors , unconnected with the topic or candidate .
• The assessed seminar in Year Two ( Year Four for part-time candidates ) generally takes the form of a 3,000 word paper or thesis chapter , or creative piece , which sets out the progression of study to date and outlines how the candidate plans to progress their research to completion within the timeline , plus a 20 minute seminar with the internal assessment panel ( where possible , the same panel as the probationary assessment ) and members of the wider research community .
• The assessed seminar in year three ( year five to six for part-time candidates ) takes place before the submission of the final thesis or creative work . A thesis chapter is submitted for the seminar or presentation , or any publications to date and the draft impact plan , including dissemination of the candidate ’ s research , plus a 20 minute seminar with the internal assessment panel ( where possible , the same panel as the probationary assessment ) and members of the wider research community .
Professional Doctorate candidate submissions
As well as the final thesis , candidates take part in three assessment exercises to obtain a Professional Doctorate :
• A staged piece of work for the Theory and Context of Professional Practice module , which consists of a 3,000- word justification / rationale for the project / research plus a 6,000-word critical reflective commentary on the processes of learning in relation to the project / research .
• A single 9,000-word portfolio of work for the Development and Evaluation Professional Practice module , which shows how various methods have been used to evaluate and draw conclusions that inform the chosen project / research topic .
• A 6,000-word research proposal for the Doctoral Research module , which is preceded by and also assessed through a seminar presentation .
Candidates must submit at least one piece of work every year .
165
Professional Doctorate post-nominal qualifiers
The award of Professional Doctorate can be made with one of the following postnominal qualifiers to reflect your academic and professional discipline :
• Doctor of Business Administration ( DBA )
• Doctor of Cultural Leadership ( DCultural Leadership )
• Doctor of Cultural Practice ( DCultural Practice )
• Doctor of Global Health and Development ( DGlobalHealth )
• Doctor of Health Sciences ( DHealthSci )
• Doctor of Health and Social Sciences ( DHealthSocSci )
• Doctor of Person-centred Practice ( DPcP )
• Doctor of Public Administration ( DPA )
• Doctor of Rehabilitation Sciences ( DRehabSci )
• Doctor of Speech , Language and Hearing ( DSLH )
• Doctor of Social Sciences ( DSocSci ) Time commitment
The expectation is that full-time candidates will devote approximately 35 hours per week and part-time candidates approximately 18.5 hours per week to their studies . Meetings with the supervisory team are usually monthly throughout the programme for full-time candidates , and bi-monthly for part-time candidates . However , this is negotiable between the candidate and the supervisory team .
Careers
Wherever possible , doctoral students are given the opportunity to hone and develop their academic teaching skills within their department , and are supported by staff within their discipline , as well as by staff from the Centre for Academic Practice . Opportunities are also available for students to develop other skills in academia , within research or within industry .
Entry requirements
For a PhD route , you should have a good UK Honours degree ( 2:1 or above ), OR Master ’ s degree , OR an equivalent