Doctor of Professional Practice

• Ready to undertake a substantial piece of research over at least three years?
• Ideal for those who have already gained a Masters level qualification and want to take a further step into Doctorate level work-based research
• Learning is self-paced, guided by two highly qualified Academic Mentors.
• Are you willing to devote at least three years to the project (approx. 23 hours per week over 52 weeks if studying full-time).
• Ideal for those in paid or unpaid work, or self-employed. 

Overall, the Doctor of Professional Practice requires learners to:

• create new knowledge that will contribute to practice. The Doctor of Professional Practice design parallels the key principles of doctorate level study, whereby it is a research degree with a significant research element (including a 50,000 word practitioner thesis). This research is conducted within a workplace setting.

You will achieve this new knowledge by:

• exploring the literature relevant to the field of study (academic, practitioner, policy)
• design research projects using relevant methodological frameworks
• applying relevant research methodologies
• applying relevant ethical understanding to their research
• understanding, considering and critiquing the beliefs and values that influence their own professional practices.

A graduate is able to:

• systematically and critically reflect on experience, theory and practice as a means of creating new knowledge
• employ contemporary, specialised personal cognitive, technical and research skills in a discipline area or organisational field to independently and systematically frame projects and proposals
• demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a leading practitioner in their field. 

The Doctor of Professional Practice is a competitive entry programme, with a limited numbers of candidates accepted in any one year.    

Prospective candidates must have:

• a Master’s qualification at the standard of Excellence or Credit, or the equivalent (eg A or B grade, Honours 1 or 2), 
• and evidence to the satisfaction of the Research and Post-Graduate Committee to demonstrate: 
• extensive professional experience of an appropriate kind, relevant to the stated field of practice (for example 7-10 years);  
• ability and willingness to successfully undertake a self-managed academic process; 
• an established professional relationship and/or employment/self-employment with the opportunity to undertake projects, inquiries or other work-based activity; 
• demonstrated academic writing and researching skills at postgraduate level. 

Additionally, acceptance as a doctoral student will be after developing a research proposal and undertaking an interview with representatives of the Doctor of Professional Practice programme committee. 

It will also depend on the availability of academic mentoring in the area of the candidate’s research interests.  

• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes. 

This doctorate is a single cohesive programme comprising two phases, considered as Courses. Candidates enrol initially in Course One, and on successful completion of specific outputs are approved to enrol in Course Two.

How is the programme delivered?

The Doctor of Professional Practice is based on the learner undertaking independent study. Learners will be assisted and supported by a team of doctorally-qualified, and experienced Academic Mentors. 

• The candidate will be assisted by a Lead Academic Mentor and a second Academic Mentor.
• The candidate will be encouraged to seek out a Professional Mentor in their workplace, profession, iwi or community.
• Academic Mentoring is based on up-to-date knowledge and current research findings
• Academic Mentors are flexible regarding days/times they can meet with learners. 
• Academic Mentors are actively engaged in research which informs their roles in the Doctor of Professional Practice.
• Learners are supported by online resources, meaning those who are working or not based in Dunedin are fully supported. 

Course information

Course 1: Articulating Practitioner Research

This Course has two main outcomes:

The Review of Learning, in which the candidate reviews their professional experience and learning, drawing on evidence from their history, to support their claim to be able to work at doctoral level.  Approx 5,000 word paper.

The Learning Agreement, in which the candidate critically evaluates a range of appropriate methods and approaches to develop a proposal for a research programme intended to have a significant impact on their workplace or organisation, and potentially have impact nationally and internationally.  Approx 15,000 -  20,000 - word Learning Agreement

Course 1 Workload (approx one year if studying full time)

Course 2 - The Practitioner Research Enquiry

The Practitioner Research Enquiry is structured by the candidate into a series of projects (framed within, or emanating from the research plan) to enable candidates to demonstrate the successful use of resources to produce sustainable outcomes that affect or influence others within and beyond the candidate’s organisation. Projects are expected to result in knowledge creation that adds to the organisation’s intellectual and structural value, leading to an increase in the organisation’s overall capability.

• Approx 50,000 word Practitioner Thesis
• Panel presentation.
• Reflective activity.
• Public presentation.

Course 2 Workload (approx two years if studying full time)

1. If you want to find out a little more about this programme, send us an enquiry and we'll be in touch! 

2. If you know that you just want to apply, click on the light blue APPLY button in the top right section of this page and complete our online application form. In the application process, you will be asked to submit an Expression of Interest. This should be based on the following template - Expression of Interest Guidance - Doctor of Professional Practice

• APPLY