Masters/Doctor of Professional Studies MProf/DProf (Health and Education / Science and Technology)

Course content

What will you study on the Masters/Doctor of Professional Studies?

Part 1 Masters Level

Semester 1:

• Review of Learning (20 credits at Masters Level)
• Professional Learning: Project or RAL (40 credits at Masters Level)
• Professional Learning: Project or RAL (60 credits at Masters Level) - Mandatory Project for MProf award
• Advanced Development in Professional Practice RAL (120 credits at Doctoral Level) - optional module

Semester 2:

• Planning a Practitioner Research Programme (60 credits at Masters level)
• Programme Approval via oral presentation

Part 2 Doctoral Level

• Final Doctoral Level Research Project Projects may be negotiated at 200, 240, 320, 360 credits at Doctoral Level. Total credits required for the DProf Award is 540 (180 credits at Masters Level and 360 credits at Doctoral Level).
• Explorations in Leadership (40 credits at Doctoral Level) - optional module

RAL = Recognition and Accreditation of Learning

Part 1 of the framework starts with a Review of Learning module where past work based projects and development can be identified. The second module in part 1 involves understanding work based learning approaches to research and preparation of a research proposal. Opportunities exist for claiming Recognition and Accreditation of Learning (RAL) credit against past professional learning.

The amount of RAL credits that can be claimed will depend on the award pathway; either MProf or DProf. In the MProf pathway candidates can claim 40 credits at Masters (M) Level. In the DProf pathway candidates can claim up to 100 credits at Masters level and 120 credits at Doctoral (D) Level.

The final doctoral project is undertaken after completing the Master level and may include the optional module "Explorations in Leadership, Followership and Transformational Change". Candidates are supported by a named academic adviser to provide an overview of the research programme and a consultant is nominated who can provide technical and organisational support.

This is the opportunity to identify the capabilities, attributes and authority you bring to your programme. You will work with your advisor to provide a 5,000 word critically reflective report on your formal and informal learning to date. Within it you will identify what makes you the professional you are with your own signature practice developed with time and experience. It is retrospective and identifies why undertaking the doctorate is appropriate for you at your current stage in professional development and what makes you equipped to undertake the particular area of research interest that you identify.

Within this module you will also have the opportunity to outline claims for credit for research capability you already have and professional learning in an area of specialisation in your field. This can be done through the recognition of a written, and evidenced, claim for credit identifying how you developed these capabilities, for example, through reflecting critically on organisation changes that you may have led. If you feel you cannot make these claims then there is the option to undertake small project work to achieve the required number of credits.

The combination of this review and the claims for credit will provide you with 120 M Level credits towards your programme.

In the previous section candidates can make a claim for professional learning and some may be able to make a far more substantial claim for advanced professional learning. Examples of this level of learning could be that you have already published a book in the field or worked at senior committee level within your professional body. If that is the case then you can make a claim for this advanced learning of a further 120 credits. We would expect only 20% of candidates to be in a position to make such a claim.

Having made explicit your skills, expertise, attributes and interests you are now in a position to plan your research project. Within this module you construct the research plan by considering the research approach, methodology and instruments which are congruent with the focus of your enquiry and the outcomes you wish to see for yourself, your organisation and your wider community of practice.

Once you have designed your research then you have the opportunity to present it to a Programme Approval Panel and Ethics sub committee. This is a group of experienced researchers who provide you with feedback on your research proposal to enhance its robustness, ethics and potential for impact at the level required. You will incorporate their feedback in your final Learning Agreement which provides the plan for the following two+ years of research activity.

Throughout the next two+ years you will undertake your research project with the support and guidance of your academic advisor and the chosen consultant(s) from your subject pathway. The research report will consider; the relevant literature relating to your research topic, the collection and analysis of data, interpretation and implementation of results and consideration of strategic impact to your organisation and your professional community.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.