Professional doctorate programmes

The application window for an October 2026 start is now closed. Applications for October 2027 will open in November 2026.

The Faculty offers two professional doctorates: a Doctorate in Education (EdD) and a Doctorate in Health and Social Care (DHSC).

These professional doctorates are programmes of advanced study and research, with a focus on valuing professional practice and engaging in applied research. The programmes offer you the chance to enhance your professional career to doctoral level, through making a unique and original contribution to your profession, while continuing to work and progress in your field. 

The programmes are flexible part-time degrees structured in two stages. It provides you with the opportunity to develop as a professional researcher, to develop skills and competence in a range of areas, including research skills and techniques, research environment, research management, personal effectiveness, communication skills, networking and team working, and career management. The programmes will also enable you to develop your theoretical understanding and practical application of contemporary research methods to your professional practice.

We invite the submission of research proposals that fall into one or more of the following areas of research:

• Children and Families
• Education and Learning
• Health and Wellbeing
• Languages and Literacies
• Social Care
• Global development

We specifically welcome proposals for 2026 related to the following projects:

• Research Informed Language Teaching (RILT)
• GenAI in promoting Citizen Science Learning
• Research in Care Ethics
• Durability in Endurance Athletes
• Reforming the Mental Health Act 1983: an opportunity for social work in mental health?
• Recovering the hidden histories of people with learning disabilities from Black and minoritized ethnic communities

Please note that if you are accepted to study this project within the Professional Doctorate programme, the study will be part-time and self-funded, as studentships are not available for this programme.

If you would like to discuss an idea that you may have for postgraduate research before submitting an application please email [email protected]