Professional Doctoral Programme (PDP)

The PDP Programme affords senior managers the opportunity to undertake research on issues and problems of direct relevance to their own professional interests and organisational requirements.  This research is transformational.  Participants will be challenged to change managerial practice, including their own, as well as to understand it.  The programme prepares participants for advanced professional leadership by enhancing reflective practice skills, by extending the breadth and depth of their specialist knowledge and by developing their research skills.

The Programme is divided into two phases, taken in parallel: the taught phase and the research phase.  In the taught phase, participants undertake coursework, which will aid them in the process of refining and developing their research.  In the research phase, participants complete their doctoral theses guided by an academic supervisor.

The Taught Phase
The taught phase is of two years’ duration, during which participants take four modules.  These modules aim to develop advanced specialist academic knowledge, to refine intellectual enquiry, to explore professional practice and to develop a range of practical research skills. 

The Research Phase
In this phase, the participants engage further on the development of their research into a completed body of work, the thesis.  All participants will be assigned an academic supervisor at the beginning of the programme.  Supervisors will assess progress and give guidance to help the participant fulfil the requirements for successful completion of the thesis.  Participants will present their research to date, every six months, to a Review Board.

Application Procedure
Applications for the Professional Doctoral Programme are made through the Postgraduate Applications Centre.

As part of this application, applicants are required to submit a research proposal of at least 3,000 words in length. This research proposal should include the following information:

• A broad outline of the nature of the intended research
• A rationale for choosing this area
• A review of the academic literature(s) pertinent to the proposed research
• A discussion of the applicant's professional experience relevant to the proposed research
• Demonstration of access to one or more organisations as a context for the proposed research, such as letters from key players within these organisations.
• A discussion of how the proposed research might benefit both the applicant and the participating organisation.

Guidelines for Writing a Research Proposal for Doctoral Applications (pdf - 23kb)

Your application should include the following:

• A completed application form
• A research proposal of no less than 3,000 words in length
• Evidence of support from organisation(s) participating in proposed research
• A passport-sized photograph

Short-listed applicants will be called for an interview. Interviews will take place in the first three weeks of September.

Entry Requirements
Minimum entry requirement is a second class Masters degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. In addition, applicants must hold or have held a position involving managerial responsibility for at least four years. They must also have the full support of their organisation for the research they propose to undertake.

Further information on this programme

“I have participated on the PDP since October 2007. The programme has been of great assistance to me in my career as a management consultant working with Irish manufacturing SMEs. The programme has sharpened my analytical skills significantly and has also allowed me consider a broader range of alternative perspectives on many issues. I have found that the intensive engagement with the literature and theory which is required for the programme has provided my clients with an enhanced level of knowledge and resource in a practical and effective manner. The workshop element of the programme was outstanding and delivered with great commitment and professionalism by the staff of DCU Business School.”

Lorcán Ó hÓbáin, Managing Director, Syrom Systems Ltd.

“The Professional Doctorate Programme was an attractive option for me, as it combined gaining a substantial qualification, with continuing to manage my company. Particularly in the current economic environment, holding a Doctorate of Business Administration offers both distinct professional advantage- as well as important competitive edge.

The module-led approach on the Programme was excellent for combining experience-in-practice with academic theory.

I would highly recommend the Professional Doctorate Programme at DCUBS to any executive professional looking to enhance their career. If you demand an impeccable standard of teaching and supervision, as well as access to cutting edge research, you will find yourself at home in DCUBS.”

Louise Chalkley, Managing Director, Archaeological and Heritage Management Services Limited