Programme Aims
The programme aims to equip professionals with the tools to systematically acquire and comprehend extensive knowledge in their field, deliver a critical stance towards professional practice, analyse specific issues using a deep understanding of relevant social science research, produce high-quality work for peer review and publication, and make a substantial contribution to the field through research-based thesis.
Programme Structure
The programme comprises key elements:
- Entry and confirmation of candidature
- Taught methodology
- Main body of research
- Thesis and viva voce
The programme consists of two phases: a taught phase, comprising five taught modules, and a research phase, during which students will produce a doctoral thesis.
The taught modules are skills based and are carefully structured to enhance your abilities to undertake independent research.
The taught modules take place on campus at Swansea University, and you will normally take two modules each year. First year modules include: The Philosophy and Ethics of Social Science Research and Understanding and Presenting Research Literature. Second year modules include: Applied Doctoral Research Methodologies and Methods and The Presentation and Analysis of Data. Module 5 of year three is Preparation for Thesis.
After successful completion of five modules, you will then move on to the research stage for years 4 to 6, during which you will undertake original research, to be presented and defended during a viva voce examination, as with other doctoral programmes.
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Programme Structure
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Taught Phase
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Year One
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Semester 1
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Semester 2
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Module 1
The Philosophy and Ethics of Social Science Research
(30 credits)
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Module 2
Understanding and Presenting Research Literature
(30 credits)
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Year Two
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Semester 1
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Semester 2
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Module 3
Applied Doctoral Research Methodologies and Methods
(30 credits)
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Module 4
The Presentation and
Analysis of Data
(30 credits)
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Year Three
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Full Academic Year
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Module 5
Preparation for Thesis
(60 Credits)
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Research Phase
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Years 4-6
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Doctoral Thesis
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Assessment
Students are assessed in a variety of ways, through the taught modules and the preparation of a doctoral thesis.
Knowledge and understanding are assessed through a variety of assessment methods which include assignments, presentations, formal reports, and projects.
The programme offers students a hybrid approach to studying:
- In Person Teaching Methods – including lectures, workshops, group work, practice-based learning and case study discussions/examples.
- Independent Study Methods – including the use of reflective journals, pre-recorded material, and online collaboration methods and reading lists to conduct autonomous learning.
- Students also have opportunities to request detailed written feedback reports from tutors, which enables continuous learning growth and research development.
- It is recognised that where learners are returning to education post experience, assessment support may be required. Assessments in the DCrim have been designed with this in mind and factors in a high level of student input; students will choose the focus of study in all assessments, which are of individual interest, and build on their current background of professional knowledge and be supported in developing their own research interests.
Learning and Development
The programme aims to create an enhanced and fully integrated student experience by developing a sense of community around the degree.
Teaching in the formal taught sessions will be interactive, including small and large group discussions, supported by appropriate digital technology to ensure participation of value. Learning will also be supported by ongoing communication and support from Module Co-ordinators via Canvas and the monthly online meetings.
Throughout the taught modules, students will be encouraged to relate content to their own contexts, leading to practice engaged research. Furthermore, teaching and learning within each module will be constructed based on their individual needs, academics will include their own professional experience and research interests to support the focus of their content. This diversity in the materials alongside the teaching and the concomitant learning will take a variety of forms.
During the time between the teaching weeks, much of the learning will be self-directed but students will also be in monthly contact with the Programme Director and have online access to discussions with Module Co-ordinators. All modules will be supported by individual (Online, Virtual Learning Environment) Canvas sites, allowing both students and staff to add content.
Swansea University also offers a comprehensive researcher development programme for postgraduate researchers, aimed to develop the skills, knowledge, and attributes to excel in research and future careers.
Students will have opportunities to attend relevant events as part of the School’s Research seminar series and will be encouraged to engage with all the support available for research students.
Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- Demonstrate the systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge of the organisational and/or professional context through critical evaluation of relevant literature at the forefront of their field.
- Create, interpret, analyse, and develop new knowledge that extends the discipline and adds value to the organisational and/or professional context through original research or other advanced scholarship.
- Disseminate new knowledge gained through original research or other advanced scholarship clearly, effectively and in an engaging manner using a variety of appropriate media.
- Apply research skills, critically, and subject theory to the practice of research.
- Critically reflect in relation to the work completed to provide new or refined insights into the organisation and/or professional practice.
Intellectual
- Show critical understanding of relevant literature within their organisational and/or professional context.
- Show a critical understanding of the application of research to practice.
- Conceptualise, design, and implement an applied project for the generation of new knowledge within the organisational and/or professional context, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems.
- Critically analyse the methodological, theoretical, and ethical dimensions of research and show a critical awareness of potential limitations and constraints.
- Apply sound ethical principles to research, with due regard for the integrity of persons and in accordance with professional codes of conduct.
Practical
- Select appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies to enable them to conduct research leading to the generation of original knowledge in relation to their professional practice.
- Conduct in-depth and effective searches of relevant literature, research and other sources and critically evaluate the results.
- Communicate complex research findings clearly, effectively with a multi-disciplinary cohort of students to gain and share insights with others.
- Contribute to the development of professional practice by the dissemination of their understanding through a variety of formats.
- Manage complex research tasks independently, and deal with problematic situations as they arise.
- Exercise professional standards in research and research integrity, including ethical, legal, and health and safety aspects.
Transferable Skills
- Exercise personal responsibility within a largely autonomous project.
- Respond appropriately within complex and unpredictable situations, taking into consideration ethical, professional, and legal responsibilities of their professional and research contexts.
- Demonstrate a reflective, thoughtful, and flexible approach to their research, professional development, and application to their own area of practice.
- Provide authoritative solutions when presented with complex practical or ethical problems within a professional context.
- Manage change effectively, prioritise time, resources and workloads and respond to changing professional demands to complete projects within a specified time frame.
