PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Make a significant contribution

Our programme has been developed for practitioners who are pursuing professional careers as consultant nurses or therapists, clinical specialists, advanced practitioners, practice development professionals, social workers, senior managers and leaders of healthcare.

We offer you the opportunity to develop advanced research skills and to apply them to professional practice issues through independent research. You'll have opportunity to make a significant contribution to professional practice and to improve service delivery and performance within your employing organisation and across the wider professions.

The doctorate comprises of a taught component in your first and second year, and a doctoral research component in your third to fifth year. The research study will culminate in a doctoral thesis specific to a profession or in the general area of health and social care. It leads to one of the following awards:

• Doctorate in Health and Social Care
• Doctorate in Nursing
• Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
• Doctorate in Optometry
• Doctorate in Physiotherapy
• Doctorate in Radiography
• Doctorate in Midwifery
• Doctorate in Social Work

A professional doctorate is similar to a PhD in the sense that it allows you to carry out original research and contribute new knowledge. All doctoral graduates are considered experts in their field and can use the title ‘doctor’. The main difference between a PhD and a professional doctorate is that the research is rooted in the researcher’s professional practice.

For further information about the course and an informal discussion, please contact Dr. Adéle Stewart-Lord adele.stewart-lord@lsbu.ac.uk

Why a Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care at LSBU?

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A member of staff, expert in your chosen field, is directly responsible for guiding and supporting your research programme.

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As a research student you'll become part of our thriving academic community. You will be making a unique contribution to theory and practice in your field.

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LSBU Doctoral College offers a package of skills development opportunities that Professional Doctorate students can use.

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LSBU has well-established research links with partners across the health and social care sector.

Entry Level Requirements

Careers

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
• Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

The Professional Doctorate programme has been developed for practitioners who are pursuing professional careers as consultant nurses or therapists, clinical specialists, advanced practitioners, practice development professionals, social workers, senior managers and leaders of healthcare.

Those exiting the course will have developed a range of advanced skills in evidence finding, critical appraisal, research design and conduct, and disseminating research.

The University has professional links with the following organisations:

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
• General Medical Council (GMC)
• General Optical Council (GOC)