Courses

Programme Specification

DPROF Educational Professional Practice

Academic Year 2024/25

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title

DPROF Educational Professional Practice

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Doctorate in Educational Professional Practice

Programme Code

EDU-DOC-S

UCAS Code

HECoS Code

100549 - Environmental impact assessmen - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

Mode of Study

Part Time

Type of Programme

Research

Length of Programme

Part Time - 8 Academic Years

Total Credits for Programme

540

Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution	Stranmillis University College
School/Department	Stranmillis University College
Quality Code https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code Higher Education Credit Framework for England https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england	Level 8
Subject Benchmark Statements https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf	Education Studies (2015)
Accreditations (PSRB)
No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

N/A

Programme Specific Regulations

Throughout the taught modules students will acquire specific research skills training and will be able to avail of the training courses from the Graduate School (subject to MoA amendment).

At the end of completion of the four taught modules the students will be required to Differentiate to assess whether the student can go on to study for the Doctorate or whether they should move to the MPhil pathway.

Students will continue skills training as required and will undertake research and fieldwork, taking an Annual Progress Review, in line with PGR study regulations.

In their final year the student will complete data analysis and write up. The student will submit their Thesis and take a Viva Voce.

Progress Evaluation
Students must successfully pass all four taught modules, or equivalent, before proceeding to thesis stage. Before embarking on thesis students must submit an initial project summary and research plan, to be approved by the supervisory team, for independent Initial Review by the Director of Research and Scholarship or nominee. The reviewer shall determine the feasibility of the project and the research plan, outlining any required amendments, and taking account of the required timeframe for the degree.
In line with the Study Regulations for Research Degree Programmes, students will be required to adhere to Annual Progress Review.

Stepping-off /Exit points
Students who do not meet doctoral benchmarks will be given the opportunity to avail of a recognisable Masters sooner rather than later.

Following Differentiation in each research year the exit route will be determined as the requirement to submit a thesis for MPhil or continue to Professional Doctorate.

Following the oral examination of a student’s thesis, the joint examiners’ report will recommend one of the following options:

a. that the degree of DOCTORATE IN EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE be awarded as the thesis stands.

b. that the degree of DOCTORATE IN EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE be awarded, subject to minor corrections being made to the thesis.
(Students must normally complete minor corrections to the satisfaction of the internal examiner within three months from the examiners’ written notification of the minor corrections required.)

c. that the degree of DOCTORATE IN EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE be awarded, subject to minor revisions being made to the thesis.
(Students must normally complete minor revisions to the satisfaction of the internal examiner within six months from the examiners’ written notification of the minor revisions required.)

d. that the thesis be revised and resubmitted for the degree of DOCTORATE IN EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE at a later date. When making this decision, examiners may also propose one of e, f or g below as a possible alternative. The student must confirm the preferred option.
(Students must normally complete major revisions and resubmit the thesis for re-examination, within twelve months of the examiners’ written notification of the major revisions required.)

e. that the degree of MPhil be awarded as it stands.

f. that the degree of MPhil be awarded, subject to minor corrections being made to the thesis.
(Students must normally complete minor corrections to the satisfaction of the internal examiner within three months from the examiners’ written notification of the minor corrections required.)

g. that the degree of MPhil be awarded, subject to minor revisions being made to the thesis.
(Students must normally complete minor revisions to the satisfaction of the internal examiner within six months from the examiners’ written notification of the minor revisions required.)

h. that the student be permitted to revise and resubmit the thesis for MPhil at a later date.
(Students must normally complete major revisions and resubmit the thesis for re-examination, within 12 months of the examiners’ written notification of the major revisions required.)

i. that no research degree be awarded.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

Educational Aims Of Programme

On completion of the programme the student will be able to:

promote doctoral level research knowledge and skills which will enable the graduate to critically engage with the evidence base of the profession as a contributor, as well as a consumer.

use a range of critical lenses to reflect on complex issues related to contemporary educational professional practice

apply critical thinking and robust methodological research approaches to make a contribution to the body of knowledge;

design, manage and deliver original research in educational professional practice, selecting and justifying appropriate methodological processes while recognising, evaluating and minimising the risks involved

exercise the highest professional standards in research and research integrity, enhancing ethical professional practice

use a range of innovative, research-based communication and networking skills to influence professional practice and policy across a range of educational contexts

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Understand the doctoral research process by distinguishing prior learning experience/professional background from the academic rigour required at doctoral level

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of four core modules using lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework (written assignment/s) and as per module outline.

Understand how to write and think critically at doctoral level including understanding of sophisticated conceptual frameworks and research paradigms

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of four core modules using lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework (written assignment/s) as per module outline.

Apply a sophisticated literature research strategy incorporating a comprehensive and targeted critique of literature related to their research

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of four core modules using lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and continued development throughout completion of Doctorate.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework (written assignment/s), and Doctoral thesis.

Understand research methods, analysis, interpretation and translation of research evidence and its application

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of four core modules using lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and continued development throughout completion of Doctorate.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework (written assignment/s), and Doctoral thesis.

Apply critical responses to existing theoretical discourses, methodologies and practices, and suggest new concepts or approaches.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of four core modules using lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and continued development throughout completion of Doctorate.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework (written assignment/s), and Doctoral thesis.

Demonstrate an ability to design and undertake a substantial investigation to address areas of theory and/or practice autonomously.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of four core modules using lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and continued development throughout completion of Doctorate.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework (written assignment/s), and Doctoral thesis.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate an ability to construct and represent their ideas in oral and written formats commensurate with the learning outcomes at doctoral level.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of four core modules using lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and continued development throughout completion of Doctorate.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework (written assignment/s), and Doctoral thesis.

Demonstrate an ability to communicate and apply complex theoretical perspectives

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of four core modules using lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and continued development throughout completion of Doctorate.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework (written assignment/s), and Doctoral thesis.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate a sophisticated application of accrued knowledge throughout the taught modules to enhance understanding of policy, theoretical frameworks and practice developments relevant their area of expertise

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of four core modules using lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and continued development throughout completion of Doctorate.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework (written assignment/s), and Doctoral thesis.

Apply knowledge and understanding of evidence-informed practice and multi-disciplinary work in the student’s own area of focus

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of four core modules using lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and continued development throughout completion of Doctorate.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework (written assignment/s), and Doctoral thesis.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Write at doctoral level in subject specific areas and where applicable, apply such insights to their professional and/or research practice;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of four core modules using lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and continued development throughout completion of Doctorate.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework (written assignment/s), and Doctoral thesis.

Use critically reflective practice and evidence-based approaches to examine and develop their professional and/ research activities;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of four core modules using lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and continued development throughout completion of Doctorate.

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework (written assignment/s), and Doctoral thesis.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title	Module Code	Level/ stage	Credits	Availability		Duration	Pre-requisite			Assessment
				S1	S2			Core	Option	Coursework %	Practical %	Examination %
Interrogating Educational and Professional Practice	DPP1001	1	30	YES	--	10 weeks	N	YES	--	70%	30%	0%
Systemic Approaches to Education and Professional Practice	DPP1002	1	30	--	YES	10 weeks	N	YES	--	70%	30%	0%
Research Design in Educational Policy and Practice	DPP1003	2	30	YES	--	10 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Researching Professional Practice	DPP1004	2	30	YES	--	10 weeks	N	YES	--	70%	30%	0%
Doctoral Research Thesis	DPP1005	3	420	YES	--	40 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%

Notes

Two taught modules of 30 CATS each as above.

Pre-requisite - Modules 1-4
Total of 540 CATS points for programme. Four taught modules of 30 CATS each, as above, followed by a thesis of 420 CATS.