Professional Doctorate via Study Centres

Language

English

Duolingo English Test: 120

TOEFL® iBT: 92

IELTS: 6.5

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Sunderland, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Business Administration

Overview

The Professional Doctorate via Study Centres from University of Sunderland is the same level of academic qualification as a PhD (level 8) and is designed for experienced professionals who wish to undertake a programme that is applied in nature and of practical value to their career.

Key Facts

• The programme recognises that real-world problems inhabit a space that is dynamic, multi-faceted and complex, and acknowledges this reality by adopting a multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to reflect the professional world. The programme also incorporates the concept of self-reflection, critical reflective practice, and research methodology, with a practical approach to addressing workplace issues and making a distinctive contribution to the profession.
• The University of Sunderland is pleased to offer DBA and DProf programmes at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), an institution of higher education with academic programmes accredited to postgraduate level, by the University Council of Jamaica. University of Sunderland academic staff will visit Kingston, Jamaica to deliver the first stage of the course at UCC. In addition, qualified UCC faculty members will collaborate with University of Sunderland Directors of Study in supervising the research of doctoral candidates. This programme is also available on campus at Sunderland and our London base.

Course structure:

• Following successful completion of all five modules, you will work independently on your chosen research topic with support from your academic supervisors. During this phase of the programme, you will have the opportunity to attend a series of optional study days that cover a variety of topics to help you with your studies.
• The final submission for the Professional Doctorate is either a report together with a portfolio of supporting evidence (totalling 80,000 words) or a thesis which will normally be around 80,000 words. The exact nature of your submission is decided in discussion with your Director of Studies. All candidates must also undergo a viva voce examination.

Programme Structure

Modules include:

1 to 6 months:

• Framing Professional Identity
• Practice-based Research

7 to 12 months:

• Planning And Contextualisation

13 to 18 months:

• Practice-based Research 2
• Critical Debate in Professional Practice

19 to 72 months - research phase

• Professional Doctorate

Admission requirements

Academic requirements

GPA: Upper Second Class

English requirements

Duolingo English Test: 120

TOEFL® iBT: 92

IELTS: 6.5

Other requirements

General requirements

• The normal entry requirement for a research degree is a UK honours degree (first or upper second class) or a UK Masters degree or a qualification which is regarded as equivalent.
• If English is not your first language, you will need an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component: reading, writing, listening and speaking (or equivalent).
• You will be asked to write a 2-3 page proposal
• You must write your personal statement (included in the application form)

Along with your application form, you must upload the following documents:

• Research proposal
• Qualification certificates
• IELTS certificates, if applicable
• Two references, one of which must be academic

Tuition Fees

Additional Details

• Please contact the study centre directly for information on fees for this course

Living costs

Sunderland

United Kingdom

1,425-2,704 AUD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Scholarships

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Professional Doctorate via Study Centres.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

• Global Leaders Scholarship — Provided by university, Grant 6000 GBP, Deadline Not specified, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
• Alumni Loyalty Scheme — Provided by university, Grant Various benefits, Deadline Anytime, Merit-based, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
• We Care Postgraduate Bursary — Provided by university, Grant 2500 GBP, Deadline Anytime, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
• Robson Art and Design Master's Award — Provided by university, Grant 1000 GBP, Deadline Anytime, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
• Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Independent provider, Grant Various benefits, Deadline 07 Oct 2026, U.S. government
• ServiceScape Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 30 Nov 2026, ServiceScape
• ACES Scholarships — Independent provider, Grant 3500 USD, Deadline 15 Nov 2026, ACES Education Fund
• Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Independent provider, Grant Various benefits, Deadline Not specified, Merit-based, OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
• Scholarships for PhD Students — Independent provider, Grant 19000 GBP, Deadline Not specified, Merit-based, Junhua Li
• Boustany Astronomy PhD Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant Various benefits, Deadline 28 Feb 2027, Merit-based, Boustany Foundation
• Amberscholar Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant 6000 USD, Deadline 31 Jan 2027, Merit-based, Amber Scholar
• $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 31 Oct 2026, Merit-based, IvyPanda
• Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 01 Mar 2027, Voice Talent Online
• Dream Chaser Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant 1000 USD, Deadline 13 Jan 2027, Merit-based, Salvado Law
• Scholarship for students with disabilities — Independent provider, Grant 3000 USD, Deadline 31 Dec 2026, Need-based, Anonymous Hope Fund
• Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – University Bids — Independent provider, Grant 22500 GBP, Deadline Not specified, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
• CIAPS Commonwealth Scholarships for Postgraduate Professional Studies — Independent provider, Grant 1000 USD, Deadline Not specified, CIAPS
• The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — Independent provider, Grant 1500 USD, Deadline Not specified, IELTS from 6 to 9
• Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — Independent provider, Grant 12000 USD, Deadline 11 Jan 2027, The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme