Doctor of Professional Studies in Health and Social Care at University of Chester

This course is designed to support graduate professionals working across diverse health and social care sectors to conduct doctoral research in this complex and evolving arena. Research into health and social care is of major importance in the current social and economic climate. This increases the demand for practitioners who are able to effectively lead, innovate and evaluate service provision with a limited resource allocation.

Duration: 5 years  |  Study mode: part-time  |  Intake: October 2026, October 2027  |  Location: Chester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research methodologies, social theory, philosophy, cultural practices and policy form the major themes around which the modules and teaching is structured. The self-selected doctoral thesis will require you to apply the knowledge and skills that you have gained during the taught components of the course. Core modules include Research Proposal, Research Methods, Introduction to Doctoral Studies, Thesis Module, Philosophy of Research and Theoretical Frameworks, Research Engagement and Scholarly Influence.

Career pathways

Generally, all the students who apply or who are currently undertaking this programme are employed within the health and social care arena.

Official programme page