Doctor of Professional Practice Community Social Care Policy and Practice DProf

This course has embraced a totally unique method of doctoral study, as it is the first within the United Kingdom to deliver totally online doctoral study in the fields of community development and social work and allied professions. This course allows busy practitioners to remain in their chosen professions whilst developing doctoral research skills. The online nature of this course will enable the student to have access to highly influential professorial staff who are international experts within their chosen field whilst remaining at home, and not have the additional expense of relocating themselves and their families. The use of interactive methods will allow students to develop their own supportive research community throughout their doctoral studies.

Learning Environment and Assessment

This course utilises online tools to produce a rich and productive learning environment. The taught element takes place over the first two years and assist students to learn the underpinning knowledge and research skills necessary to complete a doctoral thesis and become an established research professional. Students are providing with online lectures, discussion groups and a supportive virtual café to allow them to mutually support each other’s learning. The assessments in the first two years are a combination of written assignments and presentations. Once the student has successfully completed the taught element of the course, they will progress onto the thesis element. This is where through a process of intensive online supervision the student will undertake their own piece of original research, which they will write up into a thesis. Finally, this thesis will be orally examining in a viva voce (which requires the student’s attendance).

Opportunities

The expectation is that students will be employed in their current professional field and that this will enable them to access research opportunities.

Uclan has several partner universities throughout the world and especially Europe through the Erasmus programme. The hope is that local support networks can be provided to support students throughout their studies.

This doctoral qualification will assist students to move into academia or professional research as well as increasing their status within their existing n professional field. Doctoral qualifications are recognised internationally and should assist students to progress in their chosen field wherever they are in the world.