Professional doctorates

What is a professional doctorate?

A professional doctorate is a research degree specifically designed for experienced professionals.

It is equivalent to a PhD but focuses on equipping you with theoretical knowledge and research skills which can be applied to your professional practice or industry.

You’ll still earn the title of doctor when you complete your degree.

Some parts of your professional doctorate will be the same as any other PhD. You’ll still have a personal supervisor for support and guidance as you work on your research. And you’ll still have classes and seminars to attend, and research to conduct.

You’ll be able to study part-time, so you can continue work while doing your degree.

Professional doctorates are usually assessed by a combination of coursework and a doctoral thesis detailing an independent research project.

Professional doctorates offered at Manchester Met

We offer professional doctorates in:

Clinical Science (five years, part-time)
Education (six years, part-time)
Health and Social Care (six years, part-time)

Entry requirements

You will normally need:

a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent
a masters degree in a relevant subject area, usually completed in the last five years - or evidence of having written at that standard
at least four years working in a professional role

Each doctorate will have its own entry requirements. Be sure to confirm your eligibility before applying by checking the subject pages.

How to apply

Visit the subject pages for further guidance:

Clinical Science (Opens The Manchester Academy for Healthcare Scientist Education website. Details are in the Higher Specialist Scientist Training Programme section.)
Education
Health and Social Care

Get in touch

If you have any questions about applying for a doctoral degree, please email pgradmissions@mmu.ac.uk