Healthcare Science Professional Doctorate

Duration

3 Years

3 Years

5 Years

5 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Here’s your chance to be at the heart of innovation and discovery. The Professional Doctorate in Healthcare Science builds on your existing expertise so you can contribute to the latest evidence-based practice in your field.

You’ll get to pursue a piece of practical, real-world research for your thesis. The course is delivered online with optional face-to-face contact sessions on campus.

The flexible programme means you can tailor it to your own specialism, so it goes hand in hand with your day job. We attract a wide range of clinical practitioners, including doctors, nurses, healthcare scientists and those from allied health professions such as podiatrists and physiotherapists.

Students’ projects have ranged from investigating the use of assistive technology to the assessment of the effect of exercise intervention in aging population. You could be delving into health-related data and clinical science, healthy lifestyles, medical devices, diagnostics and other aspects of applied health.

Most students choose to carry out the research in their own workplace. You will have access to our specialist facilities on campus as well, including labs for gait analyses and biomechanics, human performance and physiology, sports therapy and strength and conditioning.

We have designed a bespoke approach, with opportunities for one-to-one meetings with staff.

The course delivery team also emulates the best interdisciplinary professional practice. It means we bring together expertise from across the University.

You’ll be supported by our research-active academics, who are producing world-leading research in areas such as clinical biomechanics and health inequalities. Our strong health research portfolio also includes midwifery and nursing, along with innovative work exploring, healthcare and spirituality, and empowering patients.

The programme is structured so there are two main entries. You can join us at Level 7 and decide whether to complete a certificate, MRes or the Professional Doctorate. If you already have a Masters qualification, you can go straight onto Level 8.

We offer both full-time and part-time options (three years or five years), as well as September and January start dates.

The Professional Doctorate is an ideal platform if you’re looking to pursue medical research, build your profile through published research papers or leadership opportunities.

Full-time study

You can choose to study the course full-time over three years if you enter the programme at Level 7. In this case you are expected to complete 180 credits at Level 7 in the first year of the programme. This will then follow by completing 360 credits at Level 8 over the remaining 2 years.

If you enter the programme at Level 8, the whole duration is 2 years.

You’ll get to pursue a piece of practical, real-world research for your thesis. The course is delivered online with optional face-to-face contact sessions on campus.

The flexible programme means you can tailor it to your own specialism, so it goes hand in hand with your day job. We attract a wide range of clinical practitioners, including doctors, nurses, healthcare scientists and those from allied health professions such as podiatrists and physiotherapists.

Students’ projects have ranged from investigating the use of assistive technology to the assessment of the effect of exercise intervention in aging population. You could be delving into health-related data and clinical science, healthy lifestyles, medical devices, diagnostics and other aspects of applied health.

Most students choose to carry out the research in their own workplace. You will have access to our specialist facilities on campus as well, including labs for gait analyses and biomechanics, human performance and physiology, sports therapy and strength and conditioning.

We have designed a bespoke approach, with opportunities for one-to-one meetings with staff.

The course delivery team also emulates the best interdisciplinary professional practice. It means we bring together expertise from across the University.

You’ll be supported by our research-active academics, who are producing world-leading research in areas such as clinical biomechanics and health inequalities. Our strong health research portfolio also includes midwifery and nursing, along with innovative work exploring, healthcare and spirituality, and empowering patients.

The programme is structured so there are two main entries. You can join us at Level 7 and decide whether to complete a certificate, MRes or the Professional Doctorate. If you already have a Masters qualification, you can go straight onto Level 8.

We offer both full-time and part-time options (three years or five years), as well as September and January start dates.

The Professional Doctorate is an ideal platform if you’re looking to pursue medical research, build your profile through published research papers or leadership opportunities.

Full-time study

You can choose to study the course full-time over three years if you enter the programme at Level 7. In this case you are expected to complete 180 credits at Level 7 in the first year of the programme. This will then follow by completing 360 credits at Level 8 over the remaining 2 years.

If you enter the programme at Level 8, the whole duration is 2 years.

You’ll get to pursue a piece of practical, real-world research for your thesis. The course is delivered online with optional face-to-face contact sessions on campus.

The flexible programme means you can tailor it to your own specialism, so it goes hand in hand with your day job. We attract a wide range of clinical practitioners, including doctors, nurses, healthcare scientists and those from allied health professions such as podiatrists and physiotherapists.

Students’ projects have ranged from investigating the use of assistive technology to the assessment of the effect of exercise intervention in aging population. You could be delving into health-related data and clinical science, healthy lifestyles, medical devices, diagnostics and other aspects of applied health.

Most students choose to carry out the research in their own workplace. You will have access to our specialist facilities on campus as well, including labs for gait analyses and biomechanics, human performance and physiology, sports therapy and strength and conditioning.

We have designed a bespoke approach, with opportunities for one-to-one meetings with staff.

The course delivery team also emulates the best interdisciplinary professional practice. It means we bring together expertise from across the University.

You’ll be supported by our research-active academics, who are producing world-leading research in areas such as clinical biomechanics and health inequalities. Our strong health research portfolio also includes midwifery and nursing, along with innovative work exploring, healthcare and spirituality, and empowering patients.

The programme is structured so there are two main entries. You can join us at Level 7 and decide whether to complete a certificate, MRes or the Professional Doctorate. If you already have a Masters qualification, you can go straight onto Level 8.

We offer both full-time and part-time options (three years or five years), as well as September and January start dates.

The Professional Doctorate is an ideal platform if you’re looking to pursue medical research, build your profile through published research papers or leadership opportunities.

Full-time study

You can choose to study the course full-time over three years if you enter the programme at Level 7. In this case you are expected to complete 180 credits at Level 7 in the first year of the programme. This will then follow by completing 360 credits at Level 8 over the remaining 2 years.

If you enter the programme at Level 8, the whole duration is 2 years.

You’ll get to pursue a piece of practical, real-world research for your thesis. The course is delivered online with optional face-to-face contact sessions on campus.

The flexible programme means you can tailor it to your own specialism, so it goes hand in hand with your day job. We attract a wide range of clinical practitioners, including doctors, nurses, healthcare scientists and those from allied health professions such as podiatrists and physiotherapists.

Students’ projects have ranged from investigating the use of assistive technology to the assessment of the effect of exercise intervention in aging population. You could be delving into health-related data and clinical science, healthy lifestyles, medical devices, diagnostics and other aspects of applied health.

Most students choose to carry out the research in their own workplace. You will have access to our specialist facilities on campus as well, including labs for gait analyses and biomechanics, human performance and physiology, sports therapy and strength and conditioning.

We have designed a bespoke approach, with opportunities for one-to-one meetings with staff.

The course delivery team also emulates the best interdisciplinary professional practice. It means we bring together expertise from across the University.

You’ll be supported by our research-active academics, who are producing world-leading research in areas such as clinical biomechanics and health inequalities. Our strong health research portfolio also includes midwifery and nursing, along with innovative work exploring, healthcare and spirituality, and empowering patients.

The programme is structured so there are two main entries. You can join us at Level 7 and decide whether to complete a certificate, MRes or the Professional Doctorate. If you already have a Masters qualification, you can go straight onto Level 8.

We offer both full-time and part-time options (three years or five years), as well as September and January start dates.

The Professional Doctorate is an ideal platform if you’re looking to pursue medical research, build your profile through published research papers or leadership opportunities.

Full-time study

You can choose to study the course full-time over three years if you enter the programme at Level 7. In this case you are expected to complete 180 credits at Level 7 in the first year of the programme. This will then follow by completing 360 credits at Level 8 over the remaining 2 years.

If you enter the programme at Level 8, the whole duration is 2 years.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Professional Doctorate Healthcare Science

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Professional Doctorate Healthcare Science

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Professional Doctorate Healthcare Science

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Professional Doctorate Healthcare Science

Part-time study

You can choose to study the course part-time over three years if you enter the programme at Level 7.  In this case you are expected to complete 180 credits at Level 7 in the first two years of the programme. This will then follow by completing 360 credits at Level 8 over the remaining 3 years.

If you enter the programme at Level 8, the whole duration is 3 years.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Professional Doctorate Healthcare Science

Part-time study

You can choose to study the course part-time over three years if you enter the programme at Level 7.  In this case you are expected to complete 180 credits at Level 7 in the first two years of the programme. This will then follow by completing 360 credits at Level 8 over the remaining 3 years.

If you enter the programme at Level 8, the whole duration is 3 years.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Professional Doctorate Healthcare Science

Part-time study

You can choose to study the course part-time over three years if you enter the programme at Level 7.  In this case you are expected to complete 180 credits at Level 7 in the first two years of the programme. This will then follow by completing 360 credits at Level 8 over the remaining 3 years.

If you enter the programme at Level 8, the whole duration is 3 years.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Professional Doctorate Healthcare Science

Part-time study

You can choose to study the course part-time over three years if you enter the programme at Level 7.  In this case you are expected to complete 180 credits at Level 7 in the first two years of the programme. This will then follow by completing 360 credits at Level 8 over the remaining 3 years.

If you enter the programme at Level 8, the whole duration is 3 years.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Professional Doctorate Healthcare Science

Course content

The programme at Level 7 includes taught, self-directed and self-selected components, which are assessed with a focus on the application and impact of learning.

Level 7 Modules:

  • Developing Leadership and Project Management skills (40 Credits)
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodologies (40 Credits)
  • Research Ethics and Governance (40 Credits)
  • Critical Appraisal and Translational Research (40 Credits)
  • Elective (Negotiated content) Module (20 Credits total)

The programme at Level 8 entails an extended piece of research, together with the supporting modules that you need to perform this research to the highest standard. Your research, presented as a thesis, will be examined through viva by experts in the field.

In most cases the research topic will be a practical problem relevant to your profession and field of practice and can be carried out in your own organisation.

Level 8 Modules:

  • Literature Review and Research Proposal (40 Credits)
  • Developing Advanced Clinical Research Practice and Dissemination (40 Credits)
  • Doctoral Research Thesis and viva (280 Credits)

The programme at Level 7 includes taught, self-directed and self-selected components, which are assessed with a focus on the application and impact of learning.

Level 7 Modules:

  • Developing Leadership and Project Management skills (40 Credits)
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodologies (40 Credits)
  • Research Ethics and Governance (40 Credits)
  • Critical Appraisal and Translational Research (40 Credits)
  • Elective (Negotiated content) Module (20 Credits total)

The programme at Level 8 entails an extended piece of research, together with the supporting modules that you need to perform this research to the highest standard. Your research, presented as a thesis, will be examined through viva by experts in the field.

In most cases the research topic will be a practical problem relevant to your profession and field of practice and can be carried out in your own organisation.

Level 8 Modules:

  • Literature Review and Research Proposal (40 Credits)
  • Developing Advanced Clinical Research Practice and Dissemination (40 Credits)
  • Doctoral Research Thesis and viva (280 Credits)

The programme at Level 7 includes taught, self-directed and self-selected components, which are assessed with a focus on the application and impact of learning.

Level 7 Modules:

  • Developing Leadership and Project Management skills (40 Credits)
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodologies (40 Credits)
  • Research Ethics and Governance (40 Credits)
  • Critical Appraisal and Translational Research (40 Credits)
  • Elective (Negotiated content) Module (20 Credits total)

The programme at Level 8 entails an extended piece of research, together with the supporting modules that you need to perform this research to the highest standard. Your research, presented as a thesis, will be examined through viva by experts in the field.

In most cases the research topic will be a practical problem relevant to your profession and field of practice and can be carried out in your own organisation.

Level 8 Modules:

  • Literature Review and Research Proposal (40 Credits)
  • Developing Advanced Clinical Research Practice and Dissemination (40 Credits)
  • Doctoral Research Thesis and viva (280 Credits)

The programme at Level 7 includes taught, self-directed and self-selected components, which are assessed with a focus on the application and impact of learning.

Level 7 Modules:

  • Developing Leadership and Project Management skills (40 Credits)
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodologies (40 Credits)
  • Research Ethics and Governance (40 Credits)
  • Critical Appraisal and Translational Research (40 Credits)
  • Elective (Negotiated content) Module (20 Credits total)

The programme at Level 8 entails an extended piece of research, together with the supporting modules that you need to perform this research to the highest standard. Your research, presented as a thesis, will be examined through viva by experts in the field.

In most cases the research topic will be a practical problem relevant to your profession and field of practice and can be carried out in your own organisation.

Level 8 Modules:

  • Literature Review and Research Proposal (40 Credits)
  • Developing Advanced Clinical Research Practice and Dissemination (40 Credits)
  • Doctoral Research Thesis and viva (280 Credits)

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Qualitative And Quantitative Research Methodologies 40 credits
Research Ethics And Governance 40 credits
Show 1 optional module
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Doctoral Research Thesis And Viva - Part Pa - Part Time 120 credits
Literature Review And Research Proposal 40 credits
Year 4 compulsory modules
Year 4 compulsory modules
Doctoral Research Thesis And Viva - Part Pb - Part Time 80 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Negotiated Module 20 credits
Qualitative And Quantitative Research Methodologies 40 credits
Research Ethics And Governance 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Critical Appraisal And Translational Research 40 credits
Developing Leadership And Project Management Skills 40 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Doctoral Research Thesis And Viva - Part Pa - Part Time 120 credits
Literature Review And Research Proposal 40 credits
Year 4 compulsory modules
Year 4 compulsory modules
Doctoral Research Thesis And Viva - Part Pb - Part Time 80 credits

Entry requirements

To enter the Programme at Level 7, you’ll normally need an undergraduate (Bachelors) degree or equivalent in a related field/discipline. However, if you don’t meet this requirement, prior related experience will be considered. For the modules at Level 7 there is a provision for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To enter the Programme at Level 8, you’ll normally need a postgraduate (Masters) degree or equivalent in a related field/discipline. However, if you don’t meet this requirement, prior related experience will be considered.

If your first language is not English, you’ll need an IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each discipline.

To enter the Programme at Level 7, you’ll normally need an undergraduate (Bachelors) degree or equivalent in a related field/discipline. However, if you don’t meet this requirement, prior related experience will be considered. For the modules at Level 7 there is a provision for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To enter the Programme at Level 8, you’ll normally need a postgraduate (Masters) degree or equivalent in a related field/discipline. However, if you don’t meet this requirement, prior related experience will be considered.

If your first language is not English, you’ll need an IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each discipline.

To enter the Programme at Level 7, you’ll normally need an undergraduate (Bachelors) degree or equivalent in a related field/discipline. However, if you don’t meet this requirement, prior related experience will be considered. For the modules at Level 7 there is a provision for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To enter the Programme at Level 8, you’ll normally need a postgraduate (Masters) degree or equivalent in a related field/discipline. However, if you don’t meet this requirement, prior related experience will be considered.

If your first language is not English, you’ll need an IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each discipline.

To enter the Programme at Level 7, you’ll normally need an undergraduate (Bachelors) degree or equivalent in a related field/discipline. However, if you don’t meet this requirement, prior related experience will be considered. For the modules at Level 7 there is a provision for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To enter the Programme at Level 8, you’ll normally need a postgraduate (Masters) degree or equivalent in a related field/discipline. However, if you don’t meet this requirement, prior related experience will be considered.

If your first language is not English, you’ll need an IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each discipline.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO

Facilities

Libraries

We have Libraries and service desks at both sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Our experienced and friendly staff can answer your IT queries, help you to access resources, show you how to research for your assignments and help with referencing.

Careers

The course is aimed at clinical and healthcare professionals who are seeking to develop leadership skills in their chosen area. It is also suitable for those who are looking to refocus or change their career path. 

The course can also provide the graduate with necessary skill sets to pursue an academic or research career in the healthcare sciences or related fields.

The programme is vocationally focused award and adapted to address the needs of a broad range of clinical practitioners including physicians, surgeons, and related healthcare professionals and scientists such as those working in life science industries e.g. biomedical and clinical sciences, biologics, bio-pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and companion diagnostics, clinical trials, medical devices, process transfer technologies and contract research organisations. Other related areas will be assessed on application but may include bioanalytical and forensic services.

The programme is also suited for Allied Health Professionals such as: Physiotherapists, Prosthetists and Orthotists, Podiatrists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Sports Therapists, Sports and Exercise Scientists and Strength and Condition instructors/ coaches together with Physical Activity Scientists. Professionals within Clinical Bioinformatics, Physical Sciences and biomedical Technology and Physiological Sciences are also encouraged to apply.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

All module content can be delivered online. Face-to-face contact sessions on campus are optional.

Depending on the modules you study, teaching may be delivered through a range of activities, for example through webinars and presentations, interactive lectures and group or individual tutorials.

Throughout the course you have direct access to the University’s research facilities, by prior arrangement.

All module content can be delivered online. Face-to-face contact sessions on campus are optional.

Depending on the modules you study, teaching may be delivered through a range of activities, for example through webinars and presentations, interactive lectures and group or individual tutorials.

Throughout the course you have direct access to the University’s research facilities, by prior arrangement.

All module content can be delivered online. Face-to-face contact sessions on campus are optional.

Depending on the modules you study, teaching may be delivered through a range of activities, for example through webinars and presentations, interactive lectures and group or individual tutorials.

Throughout the course you have direct access to the University’s research facilities, by prior arrangement.

All module content can be delivered online. Face-to-face contact sessions on campus are optional.

Depending on the modules you study, teaching may be delivered through a range of activities, for example through webinars and presentations, interactive lectures and group or individual tutorials.

Throughout the course you have direct access to the University’s research facilities, by prior arrangement.

Assessment

The taught modules will be assessed individually. There may be more than one element of assessment for a module that should be submitted for each module on or before the submission date set for each piece of assessment. The pass mark for all taught modules is 50%.

For the Doctoral Research Thesis, the submission of the thesis comprising up to 50,000 words that is approved by the Principal Supervisor is required. The assessment of Thesis will be through Viva that is oral examination of the thesis by external and internal examiners.

The taught modules will be assessed individually. There may be more than one element of assessment for a module that should be submitted for each module on or before the submission date set for each piece of assessment. The pass mark for all taught modules is 50%.

For the Doctoral Research Thesis, the submission of the thesis comprising up to 50,000 words that is approved by the Principal Supervisor is required. The assessment of Thesis will be through Viva that is oral examination of the thesis by external and internal examiners.

The taught modules will be assessed individually. There may be more than one element of assessment for a module that should be submitted for each module on or before the submission date set for each piece of assessment. The pass mark for all taught modules is 50%.

For the Doctoral Research Thesis, the submission of the thesis comprising up to 50,000 words that is approved by the Principal Supervisor is required. The assessment of Thesis will be through Viva that is oral examination of the thesis by external and internal examiners.

The taught modules will be assessed individually. There may be more than one element of assessment for a module that should be submitted for each module on or before the submission date set for each piece of assessment. The pass mark for all taught modules is 50%.

For the Doctoral Research Thesis, the submission of the thesis comprising up to 50,000 words that is approved by the Principal Supervisor is required. The assessment of Thesis will be through Viva that is oral examination of the thesis by external and internal examiners.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

Feedback on marked work will be provided within 20 working days after the submission date. This will be in the format of formal written feedback with points focused on areas of the work you have excelled in and also areas that you could improve on. Your mark will be available through your private Portal in Virtual Learning Environment and there will be narrated remarks through your document that will give you very specific constructive feedback.

Feedback on marked work will be provided within 20 working days after the submission date. This will be in the format of formal written feedback with points focused on areas of the work you have excelled in and also areas that you could improve on. Your mark will be available through your private Portal in Virtual Learning Environment and there will be narrated remarks through your document that will give you very specific constructive feedback.

Feedback on marked work will be provided within 20 working days after the submission date. This will be in the format of formal written feedback with points focused on areas of the work you have excelled in and also areas that you could improve on. Your mark will be available through your private Portal in Virtual Learning Environment and there will be narrated remarks through your document that will give you very specific constructive feedback.

Feedback on marked work will be provided within 20 working days after the submission date. This will be in the format of formal written feedback with points focused on areas of the work you have excelled in and also areas that you could improve on. Your mark will be available through your private Portal in Virtual Learning Environment and there will be narrated remarks through your document that will give you very specific constructive feedback.

Your study time will include scheduled activities on virtual learning environment (Blackboard), independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices, but could look like the following for a 40 credit module:  

  • Contact Hours: (26 hours)
    • 18 hours taught sessions comprising of:
      • 6 hours Lectures
      • 6 hours Group work
      • 6 hours Workshops
    • Online tutorial and discussion board (8 hours)
  • Independent Study Hours: (374)
    • 274 hours reading and researching
    • 100 hours assignment writing

Your study time will include scheduled activities on virtual learning environment (Blackboard), independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices, but could look like the following for a 40 credit module:  

  • Contact Hours: (26 hours)
    • 18 hours taught sessions comprising of:
      • 6 hours Lectures
      • 6 hours Group work
      • 6 hours Workshops
    • Online tutorial and discussion board (8 hours)
  • Independent Study Hours: (374)
    • 274 hours reading and researching
    • 100 hours assignment writing

Your study time will include scheduled activities on virtual learning environment (Blackboard), independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices, but could look like the following for a 40 credit module:  

  • Contact Hours: (26 hours)
    • 18 hours taught sessions comprising of:
      • 6 hours Lectures
      • 6 hours Group work
      • 6 hours Workshops
    • Online tutorial and discussion board (8 hours)
  • Independent Study Hours: (374)
    • 274 hours reading and researching
    • 100 hours assignment writing

Your study time will include scheduled activities on virtual learning environment (Blackboard), independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices, but could look like the following for a 40 credit module:  

  • Contact Hours: (26 hours)
    • 18 hours taught sessions comprising of:
      • 6 hours Lectures
      • 6 hours Group work
      • 6 hours Workshops
    • Online tutorial and discussion board (8 hours)
  • Independent Study Hours: (374)
    • 274 hours reading and researching
    • 100 hours assignment writing

Independent learning

Most of the content is delivered online which allows you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching the resources in the library
  • Preparing coursework

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

Most facilities can be accessed fully online and are suitable for distance learning.

Most of the content is delivered online which allows you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching the resources in the library
  • Preparing coursework

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

Most facilities can be accessed fully online and are suitable for distance learning.

Most of the content is delivered online which allows you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching the resources in the library
  • Preparing coursework

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

Most facilities can be accessed fully online and are suitable for distance learning.

Most of the content is delivered online which allows you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching the resources in the library
  • Preparing coursework

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

Most facilities can be accessed fully online and are suitable for distance learning.

Staff

You'll be taught by staff who have a range of academic and industry experience. 

Ian Davies

Associate Professor

My expertise is within clinical pathology laboratories and the use of biomedical investigations in the diagnosis and investigation of disease. I'm Module Coordinator for Professional Practice for Biomedical Scientists and Cellular Pathology.

Ian's profile

Nachiappan CHOCKALINGAM

Professor Of Clinical Biomechanics

As Professor of Clinical Biomechanics, I direct the Movement Analysis Laboratory and lead the biomechanics team and research at Staffordshire University. I am also an Affiliate Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta

Nachiappan's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 20 January 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for Professional Doctorate-Full-time, blended learning, January start
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £6,300 per year of study £6,300 per year of study

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for Professional Doctorate-Full-time, blended learning, January start
Study option
Full-time

For the course starting on 20 January 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for Professional Doctorate-Full-time, blended learning, January start
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £3,150 per year of study £3,150 per year of study

For the course starting on 19 January 2026 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for Professional Doctorate-Full-time, blended learning, January start
Study option
Part-time

For the course starting on 15 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for Professional Doctorate-Full-time, blended learning, January start
Study option
Part-time

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:

Depending on the subject of your doctoral research, there may be further cost related to special clothing for lab use. The course includes access to the University library, although you may be charged for obtaining resources that are not currently available there.

Your travel, rent and living costs aren’t included in your tuition fees. To find out more, explore the accommodation pages on our website.

Depending on the subject of your doctoral research, there may be further cost related to special clothing for lab use. The course includes access to the University library, although you may be charged for obtaining resources that are not currently available there.

Your travel, rent and living costs aren’t included in your tuition fees. To find out more, explore the accommodation pages on our website.

Depending on the subject of your doctoral research, there may be further cost related to special clothing for lab use. The course includes access to the University library, although you may be charged for obtaining resources that are not currently available there.

Your travel, rent and living costs aren’t included in your tuition fees. To find out more, explore the accommodation pages on our website.

Depending on the subject of your doctoral research, there may be further cost related to special clothing for lab use. The course includes access to the University library, although you may be charged for obtaining resources that are not currently available there.

Your travel, rent and living costs aren’t included in your tuition fees. To find out more, explore the accommodation pages on our website.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Our students

I felt the course was designed to support my professional development and the modules were constructed to improve my research skills

I have recently completed The Professional Doctorate in Healthcare Science degree and was incredibly pleased with the programme from beginning. I felt the course was designed to support my professional development and the modules were constructed to improve my research skills, which slowly built my knowledge in the various aspects of research. The University staff were extremely helpful at all stages of the course, providing guidance throughout the modules.

The research module was extensive and personalised to my area of work and interest. It also brought together the skills I had learnt in the previous modules. I had regular access to my supervisor and my thesis is likely to result in three high quality publications that will, hopefully, influence other healthcare professionals.

Having completed my Professional Doctorate, I am still working with Professors from Staffordshire University to develop further clinical research and look forward to more collaboration with Staffordshire University in the future.

Dr Mark Price Dip Pod Med BSc(hons) MSc DHSc MRCPod FRCPodS

Consultant Podiatric Surgeon, Doctor of Healthcare Science

Apply

Applications are not currently available for this course.

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021