Professional Doctorate in Design

About the course

The Professional Doctorate in Design (DDes) is aimed at academic staff in architecture and design broadly understood, in universities and institutes of higher education. It is a structured doctorate that can be undertaken part-time using a virtual research environment to deliver study materials and supervision. It is therefore ideal for candidates based overseas. The course directly addresses the international debate concerning the nature of research in creative disciplines and will equip successful candidates with a range of conceptual and practical tools with which to demonstrate leadership in this debate in their own fields. The course begins with a series of study and research skills, which provide a thorough grounding in the philosophical and theoretical issues surrounding notions of practice-led research and the relationship between academic and professional values. Once this phase has been completed, the candidate then undertakes an individual supervised research project in his or her own professional discipline. After successfully completing the doctorate the candidate will have the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue research and to contribute to the development of institutional and national structures for research in creative areas in their home countries.

Why choose this course?

• Aimed at academic staff in architecture and design broadly understood, in universities etc.
• Part-time doctorate that can be undertaken by candidates based overseas via a virtual research environment
• Directly addresses the international debate concerning the nature of research in creative areas
• Equips candidates with a range of conceptual and practical skills
• Structured assignments providing a thorough grounding in practice-led research and the relationship between academic and professional values individual supervised research in the candidate’s own area of professional expertise

Study routes

• Part Time, 6 Years
• Full Time, 3 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

After successfully completing the doctorate the candidate will have the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue research and to contribute to the development of institutional and national structures for research in creative areas in their home countries.

Teaching methods

The course directly addresses the international debate concerning the nature of research in creative disciplines and will equip successful candidates with a range of conceptual and practical tools with which to demonstrate leadership in this debate in their own fields. The course begins with a series of online study and research skills, which provide a thorough grounding in the philosophical and theoretical issues surrounding notions of practice-led research and the relationship between academic and professional values. Once this phase has been completed, the candidate then undertakes an individual supervised research project in his or her own professional discipline.

Work Placement

None.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Research DDES Y1

Optional

Fees & funding

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply