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).
You will:
focus on a major independent study which will help you develop professionally and personally in your working role
gain high-calibre research skills to generate new insights for the benefit of your own organisation and the health and social care community at large
learn from academic staff who are active in the health and social care sectors and in research
take a structured approach to studying at doctoral level, supported at every stage by an academic team who have a breadth and depth of knowledge around health and social care
fit your studies around your personal commitments: we offer a flexible route to complete a doctoral award, with a minimum registration period of four years, to a maximum of eight
study from anywhere in the world and study alongside other students from across the globe
if you’re a working professional committed to extending your understanding and improving your practice, the Doctor in Health and Social Care Practice is an excellent choice
Health in its broadest sense
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. The programme is relevant to registered health and social care professionals who have practice experience and now wish to progress their career by studying and completing doctoral study.
Our students work in health and social care environments or academia, building from their established practice career to investigate an area that will contribute original knowledge and facilitate career progression.
Research with real impact
This is an intellectually challenging programme which will stimulate your professional thinking. We will equip you to undertake a substantial, robust research project in the context of your own practice.
Directly relevant to your working role, your independent study enables you to create and interpret new professional knowledge, support innovative approaches and improve quality. It yields significant benefits for your organisation and your own potential for further career development.
Structured for success
The first two years of the programme are designed to build your skills and confidence to engage in doctoral level study and to research your professional field.
Individual tutorials offer essential guidance to steer your progress and thought-provoking seminar groups enable you to share experiences with fellow students from a wide range of backgrounds. This provides a firm foundation for your independent research as you develop your thesis with the support of a team of supervisors.
Although the minimum registration period for the programme is four years, doctoral study requires commitment; completing the programme over five to six years (with a maximum registration period of eight years) is more common.
What you will study
To complete the DPrac Health and Social Care Practice, you will need to undertake the postgraduate taught (PGT) phase which entails two x 60 credit modules. This is followed by the postgraduate research (PGR) phase of your doctoral studies where you will complete the 420 credit Independent Scholarship by working closely with your director of studies and supervisor to complete your research project.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Discovering Online Learning webinar: July 2025
Thursday, 10 July 2025 12.00 - 13.00
During this hour long webinar, we'll take you through how online learning works and what you can expect as an online student with the University of Derby. The webinar includes a 40 minute presentation and an opportunity to take part in a Q&A.
The teaching and research supervision phase are delivered entirely online.
The two years of the taught phase of the programme combine self-study with asynchronous interactions to enhance your learning. You will be given access to instructional materials each week and complete the activities at your own pace. Our online learning resources include multimedia resources, and live tutorials that are recorded so you can revisit them.
You will access all the study materials, seminars, and tutorials through our virtual learning environment. This will enhance your learning experience, as you will learn both with and from your peers and the academic staff.
Academic rigour and expertise
The programme is delivered by research active tutors and supervisors who have expertise across health and social care sectors, and regularly publish their work, meaning you will have access to the latest thinking and challenge your perceptions.
The programme draws on the cutting-edge health and social care research for which the University is renowned. The University's Academic Themes demonstrate how research is a collaborative effort with individual postgraduate research (PGR) projects addressing one or more academic theme.
Our staff conduct influential studies on a range of topics across the health and social care sector and provide consultancy to external organisations. This means your learning will be underpinned by innovative ideas which are changing the face of the health and social care professions.
How you are assessed
Assessments provide a variety and range of tasks which go beyond the requirements of the academic essay. These facilitate professionals such as yourself in articulating and disseminating your expertise.
Over the course of the whole programme, you will undertake the following:
An analysis of the nature of practitioner research within professional practice
A reflective literature review focused on your area of study
Undertaking a small-scale project from which you will develop a presentation, poster and article reporting your project
A research proposal detailing what you plan to investigate in the independent research stage, why and how
A viva voce examination of a professionally researched thesis
Pace of study
The DPrac is a part-time online programme which can be completed in a minimum of 4 years, however typically it would take 5 to 6 years to complete. The maximum registration period is 8 years.
To achieve your Professional Doctorate, you will need to complete two taught 60-credit modules in year one and year two and an Independent Research for Practice module (420 credits) from year three onwards.
The academic year is made up of three 10-week terms, known as trimesters. The postgraduate taught 60-credit modules are therefore taken over the whole academic year (three trimesters) and we recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete 20-credits per 10-week trimester. During the independent research phase of the DPrac, you can schedule your work around your calendar to complete the programme at your own pace within the maximum 8-year registration.
Who will teach you
Dr Alan R Williams
Programme Leader
Dr Alan R Williams
Dr Alan R Williams joined the University as Academic Lead in April 2019. He led the online nursing and health portfolio and since August 2022 leads the professional doctorate in the College. Alan is a Registered Nurse (Adult and Mental...
David Sheffield is a Professor of Psychology at the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care. He is also Head of Research and Director of Professional Psychology Programmes at the University of Derby Online Learning. He also super...
Caroline teaches a range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules on our Psychology programmes. She supervises PhD students and is an active researcher. Caroline's research is focused on two broad areas and she leads on research conce...
Dr Fiona Holland leads the health and well-being pathway on the MSc Behaviour Change and also teaches on the undergraduate Psychology degree and on the MSc Health Psychology. Fiona also leads on academic enterprise for the department, ...
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. The doctorate is often a stepping stone from a mid- career education professional to health and social care roles such as, becoming a director of services, nurse, midwifery or allied health professional consultant, senior academic role, or leadership position in a national or international organisation.
Utilise our Careers and Employment Service
Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for three years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.
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
Details of your proposed sample, data collection methods, methods of analysis, ethical considerations, and location of your proposed study
An overview of any relevant experience you already have in the areas you want to research
The process of selecting Doctorate applicants is very competitive. Please ensure you spend time reading on your topic area and existing research, interrogating the literature, and refining your proposal.
We are not permitted to comment on your proposal. Do consider sharing your research proposal with an active research staff or colleague to seek feedback prior to submitting your application and proposal for the online DPrac.
Please note: All suitable applicants will be interviewed. The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Fees and funding
‡2025/26 for new entrants
Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.
UK/EU fee: £3,300 per year
International fee: £3,300 per year
About your fees
This figure would be the total cost of this course based on the fee in the current academic year. However, please note that fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase if your course lasts longer than one year.
If you are required to undertake any associate study or additional study as a condition of your offer for the programme, please be aware that the cost for this may be in addition to the programme cost stated above.
UK/EU fee: £3,300 per year
International fee: £3,300 per year
Please note that the instalment calendar for this programme is as follows:
Trimester in which course begins
Initial payment up front (25%)
2nd payment (25%) due
3rd payment (25%) due
4th payment (25%) due
Total payment made (100%)
Autumn
Enrolment = £825
1 November = £825
1 February = £825
1 May = £825
£3,300
Please note: that any costs incurred as part of your Research Study are not included within your course fees.
The minimum registration period for the DPrac is four years, though it is more common as a part-time student to complete in five to six years. Fees are payable each year, though there may be a reduction when you have submitted your thesis and awaiting examination.
Please note: that any associated costs (conference attendance, publication charges, field work, travel, laboratory access etc) related to your doctoral study are not included within your course fees.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.
Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.
Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.
Joining the programme later may harm your chances of success on your course. It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time.
Undergraduate and postgraduate taught deadlines
Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching and enrolment deadline date.
If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date. Please check your individual course page for further details.
All applications will be reviewed by the University and suitable applicants will be invited to for an interview that will be held on Microsoft Teams.
Documents to support your application.
In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:
Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
Proof of your qualifications such as copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications
Your up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Two references - these can be sent electronically and can either be on signed letter headed paper or sent directly from your referees’ professional email address:
a satisfactory academic or employer reference from someone able to comment positively on your capability to study at the level of the programme you have applied for. It is your responsibility to obtain this reference, we do not contact your referees
Evidence of registration as health professional e.g. NMC or HCPC registration
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