Course overview
You create knowledge that advances practice using research skills, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and knowledge translation skills, along with analytical and conceptual abilities.
The concept of professional practice is an overarching term that defines all occupations involving actions rooted in context; actions that are underpinned by education and a body of knowledge. This course fosters innovation and creativity, giving you the opportunity to critically analyse, synthesise and enhance concepts, meanings and intentions that underpin the theoretical dimensions of actions relating to your professional practice or discipline. The DrPP helps you independently enhance the knowledge that determines and defines your professional focus on practice. The professional focus of the DrPP is defined by a piece of advanced independent work specific to your area of professional practice.
The DrPP course contains three level 8 taught modules (120 credits) and an independent research project (300 credits) that is assessed by a viva voce examination.
Supporting information for applicants
Course details
Course structure
Developing Contemporary and Novel Research
Build your skills and knowledge in research methods and project management. You focus on extending your understanding of theoretical paradigms underpinning research, advanced project management, data collection and analysis, research ethics and governance, applying these to your specific professional practice or discipline.
Professional Practice Doctoral Research Project
You act independently and with originality to implement a self-initiated doctoral research project for the generation of new knowledge application, or by enhancing understanding at the forefront of your specific practice area.
Project Focused Negotiated Learning
You study a topic in your specific area of practice, critically evaluating relevant theory and research and linking to practice. The content of this module is negotiated by you and your supervising tutor at the start of the semester. Support is provided to you through the virtual learning environment.
You explore different ways of communicating research to a variety of audiences. You also develop skills to disseminate knowledge through a range of activities, such as writing for publication, presenting at conferences and writing blogs.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
The DrPP uses a research-informed teaching approach, giving you the opportunity to develop advanced skills appropriate for conducting your doctoral research project. You learn from and work alongside experienced researchers within their own area of practice. The course strengthens your ability to disseminate findings through publication, an important aspect in your career progression, while aiming to contribute to knowledge and practice within your own professional area.
The teaching team have a range of skills and are active researchers in their own speciality areas. This supports the synergy between teaching and research, which is an integral part of the doctorate course.
There is a focus on student-led learning, which aims to foster your ability to engage in critical discussion of the content being delivered, and to apply core knowledge and concepts to understanding complex issues in both professional and research practice.
How you are assessed
Entry requirements
The DrPP course is suitable for applicants who may have substantial industry experience and wish to study a doctoral-level qualification that relates directly to and draws from their professional practice.
The admission criteria to the DrPP course is outlined below:
• applicants who have completed the equivalent of 120 level 7 credits in the form of a postgraduate diploma or Master’s or MPhil course normally within the last five years
• applicants who completed a postgraduate diploma or Master’s qualification outside of five years will normally need to demonstrate currency of the qualification through two years professional experience in a relevant field supported by an employer’s letter confirming the applicant uses the learning regularly in practice, or provide modules of equivalent learning
• all applicants, both UK based and international will take part in a pre-admission discussion designed to explore student expectations and appropriateness for the course. This takes place through the use of digital platforms
• applicants whose first language is not English will need to satisfy the English language requirements which are a minimum overall score of 6.5 IELTS and 5.5 in each band
• other University standard entry criteria apply.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
We welcome applications from international students. If you are applying from outside the UK, you can find detailed guidance on the qualifications we accept, entry requirements for your country, and how to apply on our international country pages.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
