Masters/Doctor of professional studies - HSCE/S&T

Why choose the Masters/Doctor of Professional Studies at Middlesex?

The Masters and Doctor of Professional Studies (MProf and DProf) have been developed with specialist pathways to reflect the complex developmental work of senior professionals an expansive range of specialisms. The programme is delivered as a partnership between the Faculties of Health, Social Care and Education, and Science and Technology. Professional Doctorates have the equivalent status of a PhD and are designed as research-based qualifications for busy working professionals as part-time independent studies. Postgraduate researchers on this programme have the ambition and drive to create impact in their chosen field of practice. The projects undertaken are based on cutting-edge issues that can contribute new knowledge and are catalysts for change.

Our programme supports new knowledge that is created through disciplinary, multidisciplinary interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary (Mode 2) study that focuses on the professional development of the practitioner as well as the complex issues that are being addressed through the research project. This programme is for advanced practitioners who wish to undertake research within their own professional context but we share as a community a commitment to diversity, inclusion and social justice. The experiential projects are distinctive in that you are placed at the centre of your research investigation, and therefore your work will be highly applicable to your professional development and career progression. You will begin by critically reflecting on your practice, before designing and undertaking a practice–based research project which makes a substantial contribution to your organisation and field.

Specialist pathways include:

This M/DProf degree works with disciplinary, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary theory and knowledge. Areas of supervisory practice expertise include Health, Public Health, Social Work and Social Care, Education (Schools, Further Education, Apprenticeships, Higher Education, and Lifelong), Risk, Environment, Biomedical Science Psychology, and Sports Science and many new pathways now being created in high-level professional practice.

Course Highlights

• The programme enhances your capacity as a reflective and reflexive practitioner, enabling you to undertake critical practice-based research at Masters and Doctoral level.
• Your study pathway and projects are tailored to meet your individual needs and research interests. The M/DProf programme is a good investment for your career, organisation, and area of practice.
• You will have the opportunity to undertake research training with experienced supervisory staff who will guide your programme and support your doctoral studies.

MProf/DProf by Public Works

It is also possible to complete a shorter MProf or DProf by Public Works. This approach is suitable for senior individuals who have achieved a substantial amount of research and development at the appropriate level and which is available within the public domain.

The award of MProf or DProf is based upon submission of a critical commentary on the public works. The candidate is supported by an academic adviser and consultant in the same way as the conventional award.

What will you study on the Masters/Doctor of Professional Studies?

The Doctorate is supported at Stage 1 and Stage 2 with specific research training and group sessions to engage with your professional values, leadership capabilities, and ability to become the principal investigator for your research project. Every candidate has a Director of Studies and Second Supervisor who work with you on your final stage research project completion and oral examination. Our programme aims to provide the expertise needed to develop your professional knowledge and

For more information and informal discussion contact Dr Paula Nottingham (PGR Lead) who can discuss your interests and help direct further inquiries.

Ongoing in-house journal

Our ongoing in-house journal may be of interest: see journal here. 

We encourage practitioner scholars to publish their research and engage in knowledge exchange as a part of their doctoral journey.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Fees and funding

The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year.

UK students¹

Part-time students: £6,400 (flat fee per year)

International students²

Part-time students: £9,050 (flat fee per year)

Additional costs

The following course-related costs are included in the fees:

• All printing and copying required for your study
• Self-service laptops available for loan for a maximum of 24 hours
• Audio-visual equipment available for loan, including digital stills cameras, digital video recorders, digital audio recorders.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.