Professional Doctorate

Stage 1

The first stage is devoted to studying 120 credits worth of taught modules, which will provide an underpinning in research methods and researcher development plus profession-specific knowledge and skills. These include two mandatory research methods modules. In addition, you will study taught Masters-level modules selected from the University’s portfolio of SCQF level 11 modules to attain a further 60 SCQF credits.

If you already have a relevant Masters-level qualification it may be possible to apply for Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning for some of these credits. You will then complete the Research Degree Transfer Process.

Stage 2

Following successful completion of the Transfer Process, you will then continue for the remainder of the period of study, working with your supervisory team on the doctoral thesis. This is a 60,000-word thesis, at the same quality as that set for the traditional PhD thesis. The focus of this degree is on applied research, and thus the outcome must include practical recommendations.

Exit Awards

• PG Cert Researcher Development
• PG Diploma Professional Research Studies
• MRes Professional Research Studies
• Professional Doctorate

Learning Methods

Throughout the taught stage of the course, and depending on the choice of modules, the main mode of delivery will be lectures and interactive seminars, with appropriate support materials and discussion forums on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle.

The optional modules may be selected from Masters degree courses across the University that candidates have not already studied, which are relevant to their proposed research, and for which they meet the prerequisites or corequisites.  For online students, the optional modules will naturally be limited to online modules. 

In stage 2, students will meet with their supervisory teams on a regular basis to receive feedback and discuss ongoing progress.
 

Activity Summary

Activities and workload depend on the modules selected, figures should be used as an indicative guide only. Detailed information is available within each module's descriptor.

• Lectures, Seminars & Webinars - 5-10 students per group, 50 hours per module
• Project (Thesis) Supervision - one-to-one, 276 hours for the whole course
• Independent Study - up to 26 hours per week

Job Prospects

The Professional Doctorate is concerned with researching real issues within a student’s profession via the critical review and systematic application of appropriate theories and research. The Professional Doctorate course also aims to support considerable personal development so that the student can achieve a greater level of effectiveness as a professional or manager.

Entry Requirements

What is required for a Professional Doctorate?

Academic Qualifications

• Normal entry requirements are a Masters degree or first or upper second class honours degree in the relevant subject discipline from a UK or overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
• In addition to satisfying one of the academic requirements, you must also satisfy all of the Experience, Language and Writing Skills requirements.

Experience and Writing Skills

1. A minimum of three years relevant professional experience within the applicant's sector;
2. Applicants must evidence that they are currently in a position to (or aspiring) to influence change at organisational, industry or national level; and;
3. Good writing skills as exhibited by a research proposal (2,000 words maximum) setting out clearly the research problem (what), justification for the research (why) and the proposed research methodology (how). Guidance on writing this outline can be obtained from the Graduate School.

If unsure whether you meet any of the requirements, please contact the Graduate School for clarification.

Application review

The course leader shall have discretion to review all applications not meeting entry requirements, and to make the final decision on suitability of each candidate for admission in line with the University’s general admission requirements.

Additional Costs

• Cost associated with travelling for related research