DPrac Doctorate in Health and Social Care Practice at University of Derby

Programme overview

The Doctor in Health and Social Care Practice (DPrac) online programme is ideal for registered health professionals working across a wide variety of health and social care environments (hospital, community, primary care, government, national organisations). Our Doctor in Health and Social Care Practice (DPrac) has a broad appeal: students may be working in clinical practice, in a managerial role or in academia.

Department: Health, Social and Community Work | Duration: Part-time: 4 years | Study mode: online (part-time) | Intake: September | Location: Derby, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Postgraduate Taught (PGT) core modules: Develop Strategies and Skills for Professional Doctoral Research and Study, Service and Practice Development. Postgraduate Research (PGR) core modules: Independent Scholarship for Professional Practice and Service Development.

Career pathways

Our students choose this programme as a crucial part of their personal and professional development. You will gain impressive skills in research, analysis, critical and strategic thinking which will enhance your performance in your current role while paving the way to further career opportunities.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

You should have a Masters or postgraduate award (or equivalent) in an relevant academic field.; You should be registered or accredited as a health professional with regulatory organisation relevant to your practice.; If English is not your first language you must have achieved an IELTS score of at least level 7.5; Your Research Proposal (containing the following detail): A working title; One or more research questions; An indication of what the general topic area and main aim/s of your study is/are; The reasons why your proposal will contribute to knowledge (theory, practice, policy, etc.). The proposal should show there is a genuine gap in the literature, as the doctorate study will need to be genuine, original, and contribute to the area you are proposing to study; An explanation if there is a problem / gap in your proposed subject of study; The benefits that your proposed research will bring; A literature review that offers an overview in the specific area proposed to contribute to; A brief research design

Domestic applicants: GBP 3,400 a year (2026/27). Total course fee for online study; same fee for UK/EU/international students Source

International applicants: GBP 3,400 a year (2026/27). Total course fee for online study; same fee for UK/EU/international students Source

Intake: September

Duration: Part-time: 4 years

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