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You should note that that:

• Level 7 Modules (Part I-III) can be taken in any order, subject to agreement by your supervisor and the Programme Director.  
• You will need to complete and pass Methods of Enquiry 1 before taking MoE2.
• You will need to complete and pass Methods of Enquiry 1 and Foundations of Professionalism before commencing the OFS, and must also complete and pass MoE1 before starting data collection for their research study.          
• You will need to complete all taught modules and the OFS before the final compilation of your research thesis.  
• The research thesis and OFS are intended to fit within your existing workload, with additional study as required to prepare the final thesis and study document for assessment.

Methods of Enquiry 1 and 2

MoE1 starts by providing a broad overview of research methodology, including basic research methods, literature searching, critical analysis of papers, developing a research proposal and writing a project report, a journal article or a thesis. MoE 2 progresses to provide a detailed examination of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and statistical techniques, allowing students to select methodologies of most value to their research plans.

Foundations of Professionalism

This module will allow students to explore the concepts that surround professionalism, professionalisation and professions. For those who have already undertaken a professional certificate with a module focused on professional skills, it will build on these foundations. Students will explore literature from a variety of traditions dealing with professionalism, and, depending on their background, current interests and roles, and building on relevant debates, develop their own original, critical appreciation of professional thinking and professional attitudes and behaviours. Considerations will include socio-political attitudes and values, including the “legitimacy” of professions, rationalisation and ways of thinking, ethics across the full spectrum of professional responsibilities, inter-professionalism and inter-professional communication and working, characteristics of successful organisations, leadership and team-working, and the implications of all this for self. The latter will include self-awareness, consideration of identity, allegiances and professional and personal values and development.

Organisation-Focused Study

The OFS is a small-scale scholarly study usually based on the doctoral student’s own institution. This calls for particular skills in research and negotiation, and raises some of the complex issues of ‘insider research’. Students are first required to develop a detailed research proposal with a clear statement of the professional context in which the research will be undertaken. They should also show how the proposed study will contribute to their professional understanding and development and to the organisation on which their research has focused.

Research Thesis

The thesis must consist of the student’s own account of his/her investigations and must indicate in what respects they appear to advance the understanding of the chosen subject, and how the research has contributed to the student’s professional development and role. It must: make a “distinct contribution to knowledge, affording evidence of originality by the discovery of new facts and/or by the exercise of independent critical power”; demonstrate the candidate’s capability to pursue original research in the field of study based on a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline; demonstrate the candidate’s understanding of professionalism and his/her own professional role and the contribution of the thesis to his/her own professional development. In the professional doctorate context students should bear in mind that the ‘new facts’ are likely to be in the professional domain ('professional knowledge or insight'). The thesis is expected to comprise a series of 4-5 separate studies connected by a common theme, which should be presented as separate chapters with an overall introduction and discussion.  

You need to have:

• A veterinary degree registrable with the RCVS
• You must have at least two years work experience and currently work in the veterinary sector.
• Before you apply you need to identify a work-place supervisor.

Subject to the discretion of the Programme Director applicants with other degrees, or prior equivalent experience, may be considered.

Candidates possessing a European/American/ RCVS Diploma or an ºÚÁÏÉç MVetMed degree may enter through the alternate entry route and transfer in 90 credits at Level 7.

English Language Requirements

You must be able to communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing.

If English is not your first language you must take an  test (from the British Council). You need to achieve an overall score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each sub-test. (Please note, Clinical Training Scholarship positions will require an overall score of 7.5 with a minimum of 7 in each sub-test). The test result must have been obtained within 2 years of the start-date of the course. For further information see English Language Proficiency .

When Can I Start?

Start dates can be flexible but are usually September, January and June each year.

What Happens After I Apply?

Once you have formally applied through our online form these are the next steps:

• we will check your eligibility
• your project outline will be considered and we will look to find a suitable academic supervisor for you to work with. 
• evidence of any prior learning will be considered by a panel who will agree the number of credits of accredited prior learning (APL) applicable 
• your workplace supervisor may be contacted to confirm that they are happy to support you
• you will have a panel interview (we do this for all research students)
• once all these steps have been completed satisfactorily a conditional offer, with an agreed start date, is made

Further information on the course including the Professional Doctorate Programme Specification, Professional Doctorate Assessment Regulations, and Research student Code of Practice can be found HERE

Professional Doctorate Student Handbook 2018/19

Tuition Fees

Tuition fee amounts are subject to increase each academic year, please be aware of this when making your calculations and planning how much money you will require.