A professional doctorate is a rigorous programme of advanced study and research, designed specifically to meet the needs of industry and professional groups. Professional doctorates foster excellence in professional practice by developing the capacity of individuals to lead development of knowledge in their professional contexts. The professional doctorate encourages close cooperation across the university/industry/profession interface and provides a framework for the integration of professional expertise and scholarly inquiry.
Professional doctorates usually consist of a blend of coursework and research. The coursework component is designed to build on candidates' professional expertise by exposing them to leading and challenging ideas in their fields. Research undertaken as part of the professional doctorate is geared to directing and informing change, and to making a difference in the workplace and/or professional context. Supported by expert facilitators, professional doctoral candidates bring the highest levels of systematic research knowledge and practice to professional projects.
Professional doctorates meet scholarly and university standards of
research practice. Applicants normally will have an honours degree or
postgraduate qualifications and substantial experience in the field.
The University of South Australia offers two types of professional doctorate. Some divisions offer a research professional doctorate that comprises at least two-thirds research. There are also coursework professional doctorates in which the research component is less than two-thirds research. The following professional doctorates are offered by the University of South Australia.
| Program code | Program name | Program Director(s) | Research:Coursework |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPCM | Doctor of Clinical Pharmacy |
Dr
Peter Hayball Stefan Kowalski |
50:50 |
| MPCS | Doctor of Communication | A/Prof Maureen Nimon | 67:33 |
| MPEU, MPEO | Doctor of Education |
Dr John Walsh A/Prof Phil Cormack |
67:33 |
| MPHS | Doctor of Human Service Research | A/Prof Dale Bagshaw | 67:33 |
| IPPM | Doctor of Project Management | A/Prof George Zillante | 50:50 |
| IPPG | Doctor of Psychology | A/Prof Jacques Metzer | 50:50 |
If you are interested in applying please contact the Program Director.
For more information go to UniSA
Higher Degrees by Research Policy and
Academic
Regulations for Higher Degrees by Research
Guidelines for examiners of the professional doctorate by research (RTF file)