Professional Doctorate in the Faculty of Science and Technology

The Anglia Ruskin Professional Doctorate programme enables professionals to update and upgrade their skills and develop their professional practice at doctoral level. In doing so they can make a significant contribution to the advancement of their profession. Graduates are entitled to place 'Dr' in front of their name and 'DProf' after it.

Our Professional Doctorate in Science and Technology is the first programme of its kind in the UK. Specifically designed for professionals who are already working full-time in the industry, it offers an innovative and flexible alternative to a traditional PhD.

By allowing candidates to fit their studies around their work and family life, the programme enables practising professionals to utilise their expertise and experience to carry out ground-breaking research in their field. Our distance learning environment offers enormous flexibility allowing candidates to gain their Doctorate in just three to four years.

The benefits

  • Gain a recognised doctorate qualification
  • Add greater value to your organisation and enhance your career prospects
  • Make a significant contribution to the development of your profession
  • Research an area of particular interest to you and your employer
  • Raise your profile and gain recognition within the industry
  • Expand and strengthen your professional network

Structure

Stage 1 - Takes 16-24 months leading to a Professional Diploma in Professional Research.
Stage 2 - Takes 20-36 months leading to a Professional Masters (MProf) or the full Professional Doctorate upon completion of a thesis.

The programme is structured to offer candidates maximum flexibility enabling busy professionals to create a schedule that fits around their existing commitments. The programme is supported by a series of workshops which can be attended on campus. International candidates are required to come to the UK at least once per year to work with their supervisors. The programme is also supported by our 24/7 virtual learning environment and by online face to face meetings with supervisors via Skype and Communicator.

The workshops allow you to present your research to a critical, multi-disciplinary audience of supervisors and fellow professionals in a supportive, non-threatening environment. These workshops also provide the opportunity to build lasting relationships with other practitioners. You will be part of an online community of Professional Doctorate candidates, each carrying out research in a related field. So you will not only enjoy the support of your peers, you'll also be encouraged to challenge each other's thinking and to explore new areas and new ideas.


Assessment

Assessment is carried out via three research papers in Stage 1 which focus on examining professional practice, theory and research design, followed by the completion of a thesis and viva voce at the end of Stage 2.

Who should apply

Experienced professionals working in either the public or private sectors. We welcome applications in any area of our expertise. We have particular strengths in Built Environment, Forensic Science, Equine and Sports Science, Biological Conservation, and Sustainability.

We also run a specialist Professional Doctorate in the Built Environment.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have extensive professional experience in the industry, together with the opportunity to undertake research related to their current role and organisation. Direct entry requires a Masters degree but we offer a pre-entry Understanding Research programme for those without.

To find out more contact:

Ian Frame - Director of Professional Doctorate in the Faculty of Science and Technology

fst-research@anglia.ac.uk or by telephone via our contact centre: 0845 271 3333

Professional Doctorate Leaflet