Professional Doctorates

The suite of professional doctorates in the School of Social Sciences are part-time programmes designed for professionals and leaders across all sectors; private, public and not-for-profit and comprise:

• Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD)
• Professional Doctorate in Criminology and Criminal Justice (DCrim)
• Professional Doctorate in Social and Public Policy (SPPD)

Learners will engage in applied research, bringing established and cutting-edge theory to bear on their practical organisational issues. They will develop and enrich practice in their field, as well as contributing to our understanding of the underpinning theoretical base for the work.

This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to Research Student Admissions

1.1     

Doctoral degrees are awarded to students who have demonstrated:

• The creation and interpretation of new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extends the forefront of the discipline and merits publication.
• A systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice.
• The general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems.
• A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.

 Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

• Make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete data, and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at an advanced level, contributing substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas or approaches.

And holders will have:

• The qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments.

1.2

All students must enrol as students of Swansea University and pay the appropriate fees prescribed by the University. As enrolled students, they must comply with the University’s academic and general regulations.

1.3

Normally students may not concurrently be enrolled on another award bearing programme in this or any other university/institution.

However, in certain circumstances, a student may be admitted on a research degree while still enrolled on another award bearing programme where:

• The student has completed any taught modules of the other award bearing programme and is preparing for submission of a dissertation;
• The student is no longer liable for fees for the other award bearing programme;
• The student is a member of staff and is contractually required to be enrolled on the PGC tHE as a condition of employment.

The Chair of the Regulations, Quality and Standards Board should be consulted for any other exceptions. 

1.4

All students are required to monitor the allocated University email account throughout the candidature period, as all electronic correspondence from the University will only be sent to the student’s University email account. All students are strongly advised to use the allocated University email account when communicating with the University.

1.5     

The level of study of the research degree governed by these regulations shall be at Level 8 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ Level 8).

 This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to Research Student Admissions.

2.1     

Applicants for the SoSS professional doctorate must normally hold an undergraduate degree from an approved university and have achieved a minimum classification of upper second (2:1) or equivalent. Applicants will also normally have, or be studying for, a master’s degree or similar FHEQ Level 7 qualification at an approved university.

*Approved universities include all UK and most major international universities. For a full list, please contact study.

In addition to above applicants will normally be expected to have a minimum of three years’ relevant experience in a professional role.

Applicants will be interviewed by two representatives of the programme leadership team (normally including the programme director) and will be expected to demonstrate the drive and intellectual ability to undertake the programme.

2.2     

All applicants whose native language is not English must provide evidence of competence in English language sufficient for research study. Students will be required to provide proof of their English Language qualifications before being permitted to enrol fully with the University.

2.3     

The decision as to whether an applicant should be admitted to a proposed programme of research shall rest with the relevant Executive Dean or nominee in consultation with the Programme Director or nominee. Decisions should be based on the following factors:

• Whether the School is satisfied that the applicant is of the required academic standard to complete the programme of research proposed, irrespective of the student’s qualification;
• Whether the applicant’s chosen research topic is appropriate for study in the depth required for the degree;
• Whether adequate supervision could be provided by an appropriate member of staff in accordance with paragraph 7;
• Whether there are appropriate resources and facilities in place to support the proposed programme of research;
• Whether it appears reasonable that the proposed programme could be completed in the prescribed minimum period.

2.4     

All students must matriculate within the first three months of candidature in accordance with the general University regulations governing Matriculation.

2.5     

All students are required to comply with the University’s Guide to Research Student Admissions.

This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to Research Student Admissions

3.1     

A student may study for the SoSS professional doctorates as a part-time student, by pursuing research either at the University (Method A) or externally (Method C). 

3.2     

The SoSS professional doctorates may not be conferred as an honorary degree.

3.3     

A student shall follow a programme of directed study, including periods of approved professional/industrial practice and training (taught element) approved by the appropriate programme director, together with a programme of research (research element) for the duration prescribed.

3.4

The taught element shall consist of a number of modules up to a maximum of 180 credits approved by the taught Progression and Awards Board.

The taught element of the SoSS professional doctorates comprises five modules taken over three years, based on a blend of lectures, workshops, on-line seminars and summer schools. 

3.5   

The research element of the programme shall consist of the production of a research thesis. The doctoral thesis is developed in parallel under guidance from a doctoral supervisor allocated at the start of the programme.  Students will be supported by the programme director, their personal tutor, supervisor and a dedicated team of academic and professional services staff, together with speakers from a wide variety of sectors.

This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to Research Degree Candidature and the University’s Guide to Transfer and Withdrawal of Research Students.

4.1     

A student must pursue a programme of supervised study, including research and generic skills development as a part-time student. The minimum periods of supervised study from the date of enrolment are set out in the University’s Guide to Research Degree Candidature.

Period of Study for SoSS Professional Doctorates

Mode of study:  Part Time

Minimum period of candidature:  6

Maximum submission: 7

 4.2

SoSS professional doctorate students will normally be expected to study the whole programme at Swansea University and will not be permitted to transfer credits for the taught element from other institutions or from other programmes within Swansea University.  At the discretion of the Executive Dean or nominee (Programme Director), exceptional cases may be considered on an individual basis. In such cases the applicant will be expected to submit an application for admission in the normal way. Students transferring in from another institution would, on the recommendation of the relevant Executive Dean or nominee, have the period of study at the other institution recognised. Students who transfer in from another institution will normally be required to complete at least one year (full-time equivalent) of minimum candidature. The University will seek written confirmation from the original institution that there are no objections to the transfer of the student.

4.3

Students may in some cases apply to, or be required by, the Student Cases Board to transfer programme of study as set out in the University’s Guide to Transfer and Withdrawal of Research Students. In such cases the University will determine a revised minimum registered period. Students must also have support from their supervisory team and Faculty/School. 

4.4

Before a student considers transferring to another institution it is important that they discuss this with their supervisors and/or Head of Faculty/School or nominee, and makes an appointment with Education Services, so that possible alternatives are considered before a final decision is made. International students are strongly encouraged to consult the International Student Advisory Service before making a final decision, as this may have implications with regards to immigration status. Students are prohibited from transferring candidature to another institution after the minimum period of candidature has expired.

This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to Research Degree Candidature.

5.1      

All students are required to submit a thesis by the maximum submission date as set out in paragraph 1 of the University’s Guide to Research Degree Candidature, current at the time of admission and as stated in the formal Offer Letter.

5.2     

Where a student fails to submit a thesis by the maximum submission date the University may require the candidature to be terminated.

This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to Suspensions and Extensions for Research Students and the University’s Guide to Transfer and Withdrawal of Research Students.

6.1     

Under exceptional circumstances a student may be required to undertake a  suspension of candidature (see Guide to Suspensions and Extensions for Research Students) due to academic, disciplinary, or financial reasons. In such cases the student will be informed that their study has been suspended and will be notified of the reasons for the suspension. Where appropriate, the student will be given a return to study date and informed of any conditions that must be met before they can resume study.

6.2     

Under exceptional circumstances students may request a suspension of candidature or an extension to candidature. All requests for suspensions of candidature and extensions to candidature should be made in accordance with paragraph 2 of the University’s Guide to Suspensions and Extensions for Research Students.

6.3     

Where a student undertakes a suspension of candidature, as outlined in paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 above, a return to study date must be specified at the time of suspension.

6.4     

Where a student fails to resume study by the return to study date, the student will be considered to have withdrawn from the programme as set out in paragraph 7 of the University’s Guide to Transfer and Withdrawal of Research Students.

6.5     

Established research students that have completed a year or more of their full-time research study but have exceeded the maximum suspension time allowed, would usually be required to withdraw by the Student Cases Board; however, in exceptional circumstances, these students may be permitted to subsequently re-apply to be re-enrolled at the same stage of the previous research (within a maximum time period of 2 years from the date of withdrawal). Only under these circumstances may a student be allowed a reduced candidature period.

This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to Postgraduate Research Supervision.

7.1     

Students shall be supervised, on a regular and continuing basis in accordance with the procedures for postgraduate supervision as set out in the University’s Guide to Postgraduate Research Supervision.

7.2     

Every student will have a supervisor appointed by the student’s Executive Dean or nominee. The supervisory team shall consist of at least two internal supervisors who are eligible for appointment as set out in the University’s Guide to Postgraduate Research Supervision. One supervisor will be designated as the first/primary supervisor.

7.3     

The internal supervisors must be members of staff at Swansea University as set out in the University’s Guide to Postgraduate Research Supervision. The first/primary supervisor will have main responsibility for reporting progress to the School Progression and Award Boards, as set out in paragraph 8.

This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to Progress Monitoring of Research Students.

8.1     

The Faculty/School is required to confirm the candidature of a student to the Research Progression and Awards Board within three months of the initial enrolment of the student.  In doing so, the Faculty/School is confirming that the student has fulfilled the specified administrative requirements and is academically prepared, considered to be of the appropriate academic standard and possesses the capability to undertake the agreed research project (see the Guide to Progress Monitoring of Research Students for more details).

8.2      

If a Faculty/School is unable to confirm the candidature of a student within three months of initial enrolment, the student may be required to suspend or withdraw from the programme.

8.3     

A student’s progress throughout the Taught Phase of the programme shall be monitored on a regular basis by their personal tutor, the programme director and the taught progression board.

A student’s progress in minimum candidature of the Research Phase shall be monitored on a regular basis by the Progression and Awards Board in order to decide whether the student be permitted to progress. Progress will be monitored at specific stages as detailed in the University’s Guide to Progress Monitoring of Research Students.

8.4     

Students who go beyond their minimum candidature will continue to be monitored on a regular monthly basis by the Progression and Awards Board until the submission of the thesis or the end of the candidature.

8.5     

If a student’s progress is deemed to be unsatisfactory by the Progression and Awards Board, the student may be required to transfer on to another programme, or required to withdraw from the programme.

8.6     

In the case of paragraphs 8.2 and 8.5 above, affected students shall have the right to seek an appeal against progression decisions in accordance with the Swansea University Accuracy of Published Marks procedures or Academic Appeals procedures.

This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to the Submission and Presentation of a Thesis for Research Students.

9.1  

Students conferring for the degree of SoSS Professional Doctorate shall be examined for the research phase as follows:

• Thesis embodying the methods and results of the research project, presented in accordance with the University’s Guide to the Submission and Presentation of a Thesis for Research Students.
• Oral examination (viva voce).

9.2 

The word limit for the SoSS Professional Doctorate is 60,000 for the main text.  The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

9.3  

The Executive Dean may delegate the administrative tasks concerning the submission and examination of a thesis to a member of their staff and shall also nominate a Chair of the Examining Board. The Chair should be a member of staff of the School with appropriate experience who has not been otherwise directly involved with the supervision of the student.

9.4  

The Examining Board may require the student to sit a written examination.

Taught Phase - Progression

9.5  

In relation to the taught element of the programme students are required to sit examinations and submit assignments by the specified deadlines. Failure to sit an examination or submit work by the specified date will result in a mark of 0% being recorded.

Students who are unable to meet their submission deadline for good reason may apply for consideration of extenuating circumstances, in accordance with the Extenuating Circumstances policy. 

9.6  

The pass mark for all taught modules shall be 50% and there shall be no condoned failures.

9.7  

Students shall be given one opportunity to redeem failed taught credit.

9.8

Students are expected to redeem failed credit at the next available opportunity during the designated supplementary resit period. 

9.9

Students who pass the module at the second attempt/re-sit shall obtain an uncapped mark.

9.10

Failure of a module(s) at the second attempt shall result in the School recommending to the taught Progression and Awards Board that the student either:

• Be required to withdraw from the programme with an exit award if eligible;
• Be required to withdraw from the programme and the University.

Continuation from Years 1 to 2 and Years 2 to 3

Students who accumulate 60 credits at the progression point, automatically qualify to continue to the next year of study.

Students who accumulate 30 credits at the progression point, but fewer than 60 credits may continue to the next year of study provided that: 

• Failure in the module is redeemed at the next available opportunity during the designated supplementary resit period.

Students who fail 60 credits at the first attempt will have one further opportunity to redeem failure, within the designated supplementary period.  Continuation to the following year will be contingent on a successful outcome.

Failure of a module(s) at the second attempt shall result in the School recommending to the taught Progression and Awards Board that the student either:

• Be required to withdraw from the programme with an exit award if eligible;
• Be required to withdraw from the programme and the University.

Progression from Year 3 (Taught Phase) to Years 4-6 (Research Phase)

Students who accumulate 60 credits at the progression point, automatically qualify to proceed to the research phase of study.

• Students who fail to accumulate 60 credits at the progression point, will be required to redeem failure at the next available opportunity during the designated supplementary resit period.

In order to be eligible to progress from the Taught to the Research Phase, students must have accumulated 180 taught credits.

9.11

The results of assessments shall be viewed and approved by the Faculty/School Examining Board in the attendance of the programme external examiner who shall be nominated and appointed in accordance with the procedures detailed in the Swansea University Code of Practice for External Examiners. The programme external examiner may also be responsible, or partly responsible, for other taught programmes or elements of research programmes.

9.12  

The Director of the programme shall be responsible for collating the results of the taught element and presenting the results of all students to the taught Progression and Awards Board.

9.13  

Students who are required to withdraw from the University shall be given the opportunity to appeal through the Swansea University Accuracy of Published Marks procedure or Academic Appeals procedure.

This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to the Submission and Presentation of a Thesis for Research Students and the University’s Guide to the Examination of Research Students.

10.1  

Students shall notify of their intention to submit a thesis for examination, at least three months prior to the expected date of submission.

10.2  

On completion of the minimum candidature period, a student shall be permitted to submit copies of a thesis for examination in accordance with the University’s Guide to the Submission and Presentation of a Thesis for Research Students.

10.3  

In addition to copies of the thesis submitted according to paragraph 10.2 above, all students must also submit an electronic copy of the thesis prior to examination. An updated electronic copy of the thesis should be submitted after examination if any corrections or amendments have been made.

10.4  

Any student who is following a programme of research at the University may choose to submit a thesis or other work in either English or Welsh. A student who wishes to be assessed in a language (i.e. either English or Welsh) which is not the main language of tuition/assessment for the programme concerned is required to notify the Student Cases Board before the end of the minimum period of candidature. Arrangements will be put in place as outlined in the University’s Guide to the Examination of Research Students. Also, requests to be assessed in Welsh must be submitted via the Faculty/School before the end of the minimum period of candidature to enable translation arrangements to be undertaken.

10.5  

In cases where it may be considered appropriate for a thesis to be submitted in a language other than English/Welsh for academic reasons or where submission of the thesis in another language is a requirement of the specific programme, permission may be given by the Student Cases Board where a reasoned case has been submitted for approval. The Student Cases Board shall not, however, give approval to requests based upon the student’s lack of ability to produce work for submission in either English or Welsh.

10.6  

On notification of intention to submit, the Executive Dean or nominee shall nominate members of the Examining Board which shall be constituted in accordance with paragraph 12 below and as set out in the University’s Guide to the Examination of Research Students. The student shall be informed of the names of the proposed members of the Examining Board. The appointment of members of the Examining Board shall be confirmed by the Postgraduate Research Committee.

10.7  

Students who are resubmitting a thesis which has previously failed to satisfy the Examiners shall be required to submit the modified thesis in accordance with the University’s Guide to the Submission and Presentation of a Thesis for Research Students. The student may also be required to pay an additional resubmission fee.

This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to the Submission and Presentation of a Thesis for Research Students and the University’s Guide to the Examination of Research Students.

11.1  

A thesis submitted for a higher degree of the University shall normally be openly available and subject to no security classification or restriction of access.

11.2  

Notwithstanding paragraph 11.1, the University may be permitted, on a special recommendation approved by the Executive Dean or nominee, to place a bar on access to a student’s work for a period of up to five years. An application for a bar on access should be made to the Executive Dean or nominee prior to the examination of the thesis.

 This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to the Examination of Research Students.

12.1  

All Examining Boards for students shall consist of the following individuals:

An independent Chair, who will be the Executive Dean or a member of staff with appropriate experience nominated by the Executive Dean. The Chair of the Examining Board is required to chair the oral examination and any meeting of the examiners.

An external examiner or examiners appointed in accordance with the University’s Guide to the Examination of Research Students.

An internal examiner appointed in accordance with the University’s Guide to the Examination of Research Students.

12.2  

The Chair of the Examining Board shall be independent in the examining process and shall be responsible to the Postgraduate Research Committee for the conduct of the examination.

12.3  

The student’s supervisors, or any member of staff involved in the supervision of the student, shall not be permitted to be part of the Examining Board, but may be invited by the Chair of the Examining Board, with the express prior written permission of the student, to attend the oral examination in an advisory role. An adviser may speak only when invited to do so by the Chair.

12.4  

In the case of a student who is a member of staff of the University at the time of the examination, the Examining Board shall consist of the following individuals:

A Chair, as described in paragraph 12.1 a) above.

Two external examiners appointed in accordance with the University’s Guide to the Examination of Research Students.

12.5  

The Chair of the Examining Board shall be responsible for ensuring that the internal examiner(s) and the external examiner(s) receive copies of the thesis to be examined as well as any other relevant documents as set out in the University’s Guide to the Examination of Research Students.

This section should be read in conjunction with the University’s Guide to the Submission and Presentation of a Thesis for Research Students and the University’s Guide to the Examination of Research Students.

13.1  

The Examining Board shall be required to conduct an oral examination of students for research degrees in all cases. In the case of a student who is allowed to re-submit within 12 months, a second viva would normally be expected. However, in exceptional cases, the requirement for a second oral examination may be waived where a detailed case for waiving the oral examination has been provided in the written report by the Chair of the Examining Board. The written report will have to be agreed and be counter-signed by all members of the Examining Board.

13.2  

All oral examinations would normally take place at Swansea University within six months of the date of submission of the thesis. Any exceptions would either have to be agreed as an exception or agreed to reflect the nature of the circumstances.

Provided these guidelines are followed, students can, in consultation with their Supervisory Team, request to have their viva examination take place either in-person or online. Students should indicate their preference for the format of their viva voce using the Notice of Intention to Submit form.  

Where a student requests that their viva takes place in-person, consideration must be given to travel or UKVI restrictions relating to the External Examiner. Due to certain implications this may cause, hybrid or online may, therefore, be the only feasible solution. In cases where the student has requested an in-person viva but not all members of the panel are able to attend, then a hybrid option will be permitted. This means that some panel members will be present in-person and others will join online.

Where a student requests that their viva takes place online (either fully or hybrid), the preferred online method will be via the University supported Zoom platform, but other platforms may be used in agreement with all participants. 

Wherever possible, the student’s preference for the format of the viva will take precedent. If a circumstance arises where the panel cannot reach an agreement on whether the viva examination takes place in-person, online or hybrid, the Postgraduate Office will assess the situation and make a final decision. 

13.3  

A student requiring special provision for the oral examination is required to notify the Progression and Awards Board prior to the submission of the thesis. Arrangements will be put in place as outlined in the University’s Guide to the Examination of Research Students. 

13.4  

A student’s supervisors shall have the right to convey to the Chair of the Examining Board any concerns relevant to a student’s research project, the resulting thesis or its examination which the supervisors consider the Board should take into account prior to reaching its decision. The supervisors shall convey these concerns, in writing, both to the Chair and to the student as soon as practicable after the presentation of the thesis and, in any event, early enough to allow the student sufficient time prior to the examination of the thesis (including any oral examination) to consider the points made and prepare a response.

13.5  

The oral examination shall be conducted in accordance with the University’s Guide to the Examination of Research Students. The recommendation of the Examining Board shall be presented to the Progression and Awards Board for confirmation.

14.1  

A student who is enrolled on a SoSS Professional Doctorate but is subsequently unable or is not permitted to progress to completion may, depending on the level of study achieved, qualify for one of the following awards of the University:

Student may exit with eligibility for:

15.1  

For Aegrotat guidance regulations refer to the Aegrotat Degree Regulations.

For Posthumous guidance regulations refer to the Posthumous Degree Regulations.

16.1  

Students who are not recommended by the Examining Board for the award of the degree in respect of which they submitted their thesis may appeal against the decision reached and request an academic appeal. All appeals shall be conducted in accordance with the Swansea University Accuracy of Published Marks procedure or Academic Appeals procedure.

17.1  

Allegations of academic misconduct shall be considered in accordance with the Academic Misconduct procedures and regulations. Allegations of academic misconduct received by the University after the degree has been conferred upon the student shall be considered by the degree awarding institution.

18.1  

Allegations regarding fitness to practise shall be considered in accordance with the Swansea University Fitness to Practise regulations.

19.1  

Students who feel dissatisfied with the teaching and learning, facilities or services provided by the University, or with the way the University, its students or its staff have acted or omitted to act, should follow the procedures set out in the Swansea University Complaints Procedure.

20.1

International students who need a visa to study in the University should be aware that their continued study at the University is dependent upon them meeting the conditions of their visa and the time-limits set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For more information please refer to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas.

20.2

Decisions taken by the University with regard to a student’s enrolment status, academic performance, progression and award shall be made in accordance with the University’s academic and financial regulations and shall not be informed by visa restrictions and time-limits set by the UKVI. However, continued study is conditional upon meeting the University’s requirements and holding a valid visa.

Students who have any concerns or queries regarding their visa should contact International@CampusLife.