Doctor of Social and Public Policy

The professional doctorate is aimed at managers and a wide range of practitioners who are experienced and who are working at senior and middle levels of their professions and organisations. It offers the opportunity to examine contemporary leading theories and research evidence, and to apply these within the professional context.

Overview

The Doctor of Social and Public Policy is a part-time doctoral research degree. It is fully equivalent to the PhD, but substantially different from it in that it is strongly professionally oriented, focussing on 'applied' rather than 'pure' research.

Structure

The programme consists of two elements:

• Part one: completion of six taught weekend modules, each with a 4,000-word assignment or equivalent tasks. Students are required to submit a draft of the assignment(s) for feedback. The pass mark for each module is 50% and you are required to achieve an overall mark of no less than 60% for all modules collectively in order to progress to the thesis stage of the programme.
• Part two: research thesis of between 35,000 to 50,000 words in length. The research thesis may focus on any approved topic and is individually supervised by academic staff.

Core Modules

• Changing Modes of Professionalism
• Research Design
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods

Specialist Modules

• Citizenship and Social Policy
• Evaluation: Developing and Evaluating Interventions in Complex Social Systems

Teaching Methods

Each taught module is delivered over the course of a weekend: teaching starts on Thursday evenings and continues throughout Friday and Saturday. Professional doctorate teaching is carried out through lectures and smaller seminars and workshops where the emphasis is on discussion. Teaching also places emphasis on directed independent study.

Skills Acquired

By the end of the programme, you will have acquired research skills, theoretical capacities, and will have experience of deploying them in a manner appropriate to your particular professional context. These skills include:

• The ability to analyse practices and policies which affect agencies and client groups in your professional field;
• The ability to manage innovation and resourceful change in your chosen area;
• Communicating and working effectively and constructively with other professionals in other disciplines across organisational and service boundaries;
• The provision of clear leadership, supervision and consultation in your field based on your extensive knowledge, interpersonal skills, explicit values and acknowledgement of the responsibilities within your role;
• The ability to work independently and be accountable and make constructive and innovative use of consultation and management processes.

Duration

The scheme provides a maximum period of candidature of seven years. However, students may complete in as few as five years. This will depend on student's flexibility and availability for study.

Alternative Exit Awards

You will be encouraged and supported to complete your full doctoral degree. However, we do offer alternative exit awards for students who are unable to complete their programme of study. These are:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice Studies upon completion of three taught modules;
• Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice Studies upon completion of six taught modules; or
• MSc in Professional Practice Studies upon completion of six taught modules and submission of a 20,000-word research-based dissertation.

Entry Requirements

You must possess a good first degree and usually have completed a master's degree. You should also have two or more years' professional experience in a field appropriate to your chosen pathway.

English Language Requirements

A score of 600 on TOEFL (250 on computer-based marking) or band 7.0 on IELTS is required where English is not a first language or for those who have not had a substantial part of their education taught in the English language.

Funding

The fee structure for the professional doctorate programme consists of sixteen modules in total: six taught modules and the equivalent of ten taught modules for the thesis stage. Funding for Professional Doctorate candidates is typically provided by employers, though some students are self-funded.

Tuition Fees

• Students from the UK: Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.
• Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland: Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.
• Students from the rest of the world (international): Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Application Process

The Professional Doctorate scheme has an annual admission date in October and applications are welcomed until 1 June. Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. As part of the application process, applicants are required to provide two references, evidence of qualifications, a personal statement and also a research proposal regarding the research topic they intend to pursue for the thesis stage of their studies.

Personal Statement

When planning the structure of your personal statement please consider the following:

• What are your reasons and motivation for applying to undertake doctoral study? This could include some comments and expectations on doctoral study;
• What is the relevance of your previous academic and professional learning and experience for a doctoral programme of study? This could include your assessment of the strengths and personal skills that you would bring to your study;
• Why would now be the right time for you to embark on your doctoral study? This could include information regarding your work and/or personal circumstances and how these would facilitate engagement with study.

Research Proposal

The outline description of the proposed research should include:

1. an indicative title for the proposed study
2. a brief summary of research that has already been undertaken in the field, addressing key relevant literature and research, and demonstrating engagement with a diverse range of sources
3. a statement of the aims of the proposed research within the context of 2 above
4. potential specific research questions to be addressed by the study, ideally no more than two or three
5. an outline of the proposed research design and methodology, including information on prospective research access, sampling, and methods of data collection - try to include a plan for a three-year timetable
6. an indicative bibliography.

Cardiff University

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Overview:

Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.

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Services Offered:

Study:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.

Research:

The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.

Work with us:

Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.

Community:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.

Global:

Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Living in Cardiff:

Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.

Welsh Language and Culture:

Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.

Campus Facilities:

The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Campus Facilities:

Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.

Excellent Career Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant Student Life:

Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.

Research Excellence:

Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Community Engagement:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Postgraduate:

The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.

International:

Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.

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Other:

Rankings:

Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.

Quality Marks:

The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.

Russell Group:

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.