Foundation Year leading to Masters/Doctorate in Professional Studies
Introduction
The programme is about recognising and developing individual professionalism at the highest level. It is especially designed for senior professionals wishing to work at the cutting edge of the areas of their expertise. So if you are a prospective candidate we hope you will find the programme and invigorating, and right for your professional and educational needs.
At Doctorate level the programme also provides a framework for extending the knowledge base of your professional sphere of activity and making a significant impact within it, for example by formulating and implementing a major improvement or strategic policy shift in your organisation and / or professional sphere.
Key Questions about the programme
Are MProf/DProf qualifications equivalent MPhil/PhD research degrees?
MProf/DProf qualifications are ‘applied’ alternatives to traditional research degrees, MPhil/PhD. Similar in rigour to conventional research degrees they are at the same time different in approach.
The MProf/DProf programme focuses on advanced learning which enables candidates to attain excellence in professional practice and / or achieve significant organisational impact.
Previous advanced professional work that you have done may count towards your MProf/DProf programme.
The programme is project-based and candidates must be able to demonstrate how their
project work will enhance the knowledge base of their organisation and / or relevant professional groups.
It is likely that the outcomes may include the publication of some of your project work.
What areas can I focus on for the MProf/DProf?
The University encourages creative proposals from prospective MProf/DProf applicants. Programmes are individually tailored to meet your needs. Your programme must have the potential to make a significant impact upon your work and professional practice and be of value to others through innovative, often strategic project work.
What experience do I need?
This programme is for individuals who already have substantial professional experience and are working at a senior level. You will be able to demonstrate a capability to undertake major project work of a research and development nature. Normally you will already hold a Master’s degree.
Study Routes
Master or Doctorate in Professional Studies (MProf/DProf) with additional English language for academic purposes
Study mode (in first year)
· Full time at Grafton College over a period of one year which is divided into three terms
· Estimated weekly study time: 40 hours per week which includes 20- 22 contact hours with staff at the college.
· Learning support and learning material are increasingly available on-line.
* RAL: A RAL portfolio is an extended statement with accompanying evidence about your past and current learning. It is the means by which you argue case you may deserve academic credit for previous learning. This is likely to apply to advanced professionals in mid to senior management positions who have undertaken major project work.
Structure and content
There is an option to complete the first year and gain a postgraduate certificate with the possibility of continuing the Master or Doctorate programme at a later stage.
For those going on to do the MProf/DProf Normal timescale: 3-6 years ( for the full Doctorate programme) depending on whether a substantial claim can be made for the Recognition and Accreditation of Learning (RAL)*. The first year at Grafton College if successfully completed can exempt candidates from the first two or three modules.
The M/DProf programme has two parts
Part One:
Part one involves reviewing and extending candidates’ capability within a professional context.
You will study three modules:
· Professional Review: evaluating, and ultimately demonstrating, your professional capabilities for MProf/DProf work – including an opportunity to claim credit for relevant and appropriate previous learning (this is delivered at Grafton)
· Research Methodology: planning and designing your major work-based project
· Programme Planning: including a detailed project plan.
Part Two:
Part two consists of one or two large-scale research and development projects and can be undertaken mainly by distance learning.
Product
The result, or product, of your project(s) can take various forms so long as you have an accompanying substantive critique containing appropriate analytical reflection - you are not required to submit a thesis.
Typical product forms are a written report or other piece of documentation, or a book.
Advice and Supervision
At the start of your study programme, you will be assigned an Advisor for the entire study period: 3-6 years. For part two you will also receive further guidance and support from a team of consultants who have expertise in your field of study.
MProf and DProf Research Methodology
MProf and DProf Programmes:
Study options and progression routes
A distinctive characteristic of the MProf/DProf programme structure is the Recognition and Accreditation of Learning (RAL)
Previous Research and development work you have done may count towards either a MProf or a DProf award. The appropriateness, and possible extent, of RAL is discussed at the interview stage.
Benefiting employers and organisations
MProf/DProf study provides direct and significant benefits to employers and professional organisations, including opportunities to sponsor major change management initiatives at corporate or departmental level. The MProf/DProf programme is ideal for this purpose, since candidates work on a strategic basis, either individually or in groups.
The programme creates new knowledge for professional use - through research and development projects undertaken during the programme. To maximise their potential for professional impact, research and development projects are drawn up by candidates in consultation with their employer. Projects are an ideal vehicle for adding value to an employing organisation and professional sphere of activity, both through implementation and documentation.
The programme also offers opportunities to develop and improve corporate policies for organisational learning.
How to apply
To study for a Masters or Doctorate in Professional Studies you need to demonstrate that you are capable of undertaking substantial self-directed research and development work at an advanced level.
You will normally be working at senior professional level or the equivalent, and you will usually hold a masters degree. We may be able to accept evidence of substantial equivalent professional experience as an alternative.
Making an application
To apply for the programme you must submit
· A complete application form
· A copy of your current CV
· A short statement of 750-1000 words which includes:
Your reasons for wanting to study for a MProf/DProf
Your professional scope for doctoral-level project activity
An indication of possible project work
An indication of the research and development methodologies you may use.
In the first instance please note that your application must be for an MProf/DProf (as is the case in applications for a PhD, where registration is initially for an MPhil and can be followed by transfer to a PhD).
