Course overview
Why study business in the Tees Valley?
Explore the world of business in our unique, dynamic region. With landmark developments, ongoing regeneration, and opportunities for students and graduates, the Tees Valley is your gateway to a thriving career.
This course emphasises:
- practice-based and action-oriented research
- real-world problem solving in complex professional settings
- professional learning, reflection and impact
- change, innovation and improvement in practice.
Suited for professionals who want to drive transformation in their organisation, profession or sector, while remaining embedded in practice.
Develop original, actionable insights through research that addresses real challenges in your professional context.
By combining advanced academic study with your managerial and leadership experience, you strengthen your analytical and critical thinking skills and learn how to apply evidence-based approaches to improve decision-making, organisational performance and sustainable outcomes. This course supports your development as a confident, research-informed leader with the ability to influence practice, policy and transformational change at a strategic level.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Action Research Advanced Independent Study
You carry out the business transformation initiative proposed in the previous two modules within the host organisation(s), implementing the initiative through an action research framework, supported by your academic supervisory team.
Action Research for Professional Doctorate Students
You develop a detailed action research proposal, describing how the proposed business transformation initiative can be implemented.
Business Transformation for Doctorate Students
You identify a new, value-creating and evidence-based business transformation proposal for an organisation. The proposal must meet the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME, 2022), so you should provide evidence that it satisfies a social or ethical need. For example, developing business practices that are economically viable, socially responsible, environmentally friendly, or initiatives that increase employment opportunities, or the health and wellbeing of employees. Feedback from peers, the module team and an organisational representative helps you prepare for your summative end course assessment, which is to write a business transformation proposal.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
The course follows a three-year structure. The taught phase includes two modules delivered during the first year, and the subsequent two years is an independent study phase guided by a supervisor, where you work on your thesis.
The taught modules address the conceptual and methodological principles of identifying, proposing and conducting sustainable, transformational organisational change through action research. Interactive workshops involving discussions, and individual and group reflection provide opportunities for feedback to refine and enhance work before presenting business transformation and action research proposals.
You are also provided with a framework to engage in action research that promotes transformational change in an organisational setting during the Action Research Advanced Independent Study module. This module can be studied at a distance, with virtual supervisions. International students who wish to do their research in their home country, can move back home after the taught component of the course. Home students can also do their research component at a distance.
How you are assessed
Taught phase
The taught phase of the course is two 60-credit level 8 modules. Formative assessment is used in both modules to support your learning, such as individual and group presentations, case study analysis, poster presentations, reflective exercises and tutor-led question-and-answer sessions. You receive feedback on your academic skills and writing, referencing skills, and business transformation research proposals. The summative assessment for the first taught module is an 8,000-word business transformation proposal that provides a detailed, evidence-based rationale for a business transformation initiative. The summative assessment for the second taught module is an 8,000-word action research proposal, where you are assessed on intellectual, ethical and methodological soundness.
Action research phase
As with all doctoral courses, the key summative assessment method is a 40,000-50,000 word written thesis and an oral viva-voce examination. Progress during the research phase is also assessed through the University’s annual monitoring review process. You are required to complete a review document, that you present to a panel and answer questions on your work. Formative assessment opportunities are provided by the supervisory team on draft chapters of your thesis. When you submit your thesis, you can take part in a mock viva-voce to prepare for your oral examination.
Research conference
One of the key opportunities for formative feedback is through an annual research conference. Regardless of which stage of the course you are at, you can present your research proposal and findings to a diverse audience including academic staff, peers, researchers and business professionals.
Entry requirements
Designed for experienced professionals with substantial management or leadership responsibility, who seek to enhance their organisation's practice through innovative thinking and the application of action-based research principles.
You should have:
- a Master's degree or a business or management qualification comprising 120 credits at Level 7
- a minimum of three years’ management or leadership experience, evidenced through a CV and supported by references
- • a 200-word outline of a proposed transformational study, demonstrating your area of professional interest and potential research focus.
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency with an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each component, or equivalent qualification.
To ensure your application is processed and to give yourself the best possible opportunity to be accepted, you must submit:
1. academic transcripts
2. a current CV
3. a professional reference
4. research outline
5. written permission from the applicant’s organisation, or host organisation, confirming approval for the proposed business transformation project.
All shortlisted applicants are required to attend an interview.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
Employability
Career opportunities
This course builds on your existing professional experience, strengthening your employability and supporting your progression into senior management, leadership, consultancy and specialist roles. Through advanced practice-based study, you develop a deeper understanding of complex organisational challenges and how to address them efficiently.
Using an action-research approach, you gain the skills to analyse business problems critically, design evidence-based interventions and drive sustainable improvements in organisational performance. Graduates are equipped to apply research-informed insights across a wide range of professional contexts, enhancing both career mobility and professional credibility.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
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Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.