Doctorate in Health Sciences DHSci

Duration: Four–six years part-time 

Attendance:
First semester - Wednesday pm.
Second semester - Wednesday am. In the second year mainly distance learning apart from induction sessions and the remaining years independent research with supervision

Start date: September 2013

• Honours degree, normally 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant subject  Two years of relevant practice or experience
• Current employment in the specific area of professional practice relevant to the Doctoral study
• You must provide a suitable practice adviser for one period of Doctoral study
• You will be invited to attend an interview day as part of the application process
  

  English language requirements: IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Learning and teaching within the DHSci aims to develop independent researchers who are able to integrate theoretical knowledge of research into professional practice. You will be actively engaged in the pursuit of original knowledge in your professional field. Assessment in phase one is via a number of different methods including assignments and presentations. In addition you will develop and maintain a scholarly portfolio supported by your supervisory team.

The DHSci is structured in two phases. Phase one consists of taught research modules totalling 120 Level 7 credits. These modules maybe taken over a period of two–four years, but must be completed before phase two begins. The modules are:

Research Designs in Health (30 credits)
develops a critical understanding of socio-political aspects of research, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different research designs and to plan a research project

Research Dilemmas and Strategies (30 credits)
is designed to develop advanced and specialist knowledge in the fields of research strategies and philosophical assumptions underlying research decisions

Making Sense of Quantitative and Qualitative Data (30 credits)
develops advanced and specialist knowledge in the fields of both quantitative and qualitative methods

Advanced Statistics and Data Analysis (15 credits)
is designed to extend basic understanding of numerical data analysis. The module will enable students to have a greater familiarity with the diverse analytical techniques as applied to statistics

Research into Practice (15 credits)
will give you the opportunity to focus on managing your research from start to finish with a requirement to cost your research project, consideration of funding opportunities and the need to demonstrate how you would disseminate your research through publication and presentation

The research modules are designed to enable you to gain a complete understanding of research design, methodology, and methods, as a prerequisite to undertaking an independent research study applied to a particular practice discipline. You must achieve 60 per cent in each taught module in order to progress to phase two. If you choose to step off the course during phase one you may be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science Research (60 credits) or Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science Research (120 credits)depending on achievement of the appropriate number of credits.

Phase two consists of an independent research study leading to a thesis of 50,000 words and examined at doctoral level, in part by viva voce (oral exam).Phase two builds on the work undertaken in phase one and leads to the production of original work of publishable quality. Phase two will take a minimum of two years to complete. If you step off the course or cannot complete the DHSci you may be eligible for the award of Master of Science (MSc) Health Science Research.

All staff who support students on the DHSci are professionally qualified in the allied health professions (nursing, midwifery, speech and language therapy, audiology and biomedical science).Teaching staff have expertise in a variety of research methodologies and methods appropriate to health service research.

The DHSci is a research degree culminating in an independent research study examined at doctoral level. As such it is the highest award a university can confer, equivalent to a PhD.

This course enables senior practitioners to further enhance their careers in the areas of research, management, and education. Clinical practitioners holding the DHSci will be equipped with the highest level of research skills and will be enabled to apply research to their own practice. The DHSci enables senior practitioners to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the practice discipline and to be at the forefront of policy making for the future benefit of patients and clients.

The course has been developed with senior practitioners across all health trusts and has the support of the Education Commissioning Unit of the East Midlands Strategic Health Authority along with the Department of Health, recognising professional doctorates as the preferred mode of doctoral study for senior practitioners who wish to remain at the forefront of clinical practice.

UK/EU
Full-time	N/A
Part Time
Phase 1 15 credits	£572
Phase 1 120 credits	£3160
Phase 2 Independent Research	£9152
International
Full-time	£12,200

UKPASS is the postgraduate equivalent of UCAS and gives you a simple and efficient way to apply online. It allows you to search for a course and guides you through the application process. Using UKPASS you can apply for up to ten courses for free.

You can create your application in your own time, so you can consider, research and complete each section at your own speed. You can track your applications as they progress, and can also receive and reply to offers online. Apply online with UKPASS|

You will need to attach qualification transcripts, references and evidence of English language (if you are an overseas student) with your UKPass application. If these documents are not attached to your original application, this will delay the process of your application. 

 

• Master’s in Research (Applied Health Studies) MRes
• Master’s by Research MA/MSc
• Applied Health Studies MA