Professional Doctorate in Social and Public Policy, SPPD

The Professional Doctorate (SSPD) is a part-time doctoral research degree, equivalent to the PhD but different in that it is professionally orientated to focus on ‘applied’ research, rather than ‘pure’ research. The programme has been designed for experienced practitioners and managers working at senior levels within their chosen profession and provides the opportunity to examine leading theories and research in a professional context. Based in the School of Social Sciences the SPPD draws on the expertise from a range of disciplines including Education, Politics, Sociology, Social Policy, Economics, and Philosophy which combine to offer a programme which is both integrated and multi-disciplinary.

The SPPD at Swansea is research led throughout, supported by academics with international reputations for excellence. The taught modules are designed to support you to systematically acquire a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of research and practice, as well as an understanding of advanced research methods. Throughout your academic experience, you will receive increased contact with cutting edge research, augmenting an understanding of a wide range of issues with support from the Programme Director and your supervisor via online and in-person meetings.

The structure of the SPPD comprises a taught phase which includes five modules taken over three years, and a research phase, during which time you will produce a doctoral thesis. During the research phase you will undertake your own research, to be presented and defended during a viva voce examination, as with other doctoral programmes. The programme has been designed to be flexible to fit around the commitments of working professionals with a blend of in-person and on-line delivery which is scheduled well in advance.

The programme allows minimum candidature of six years and a submission date of seven years. Why Swansea? When you join our thriving community of postgraduate research students, you’ll become part of a supportive and friendly environment where we are dedicated to understanding some of society’s most challenging issues.

According to the most recent Research Excellence Framework in 2021, over 81% of the research in Education, Sociology and Social Policy was of international or world-leading quality. We have a wide range of expertise which includes, but is not limited to: As a student at our School of Social Sciences, you will benefit from a dynamic and supportive research environment with many opportunities to make connections across disciplines and develop links with organisations and policymakers both in the UK and abroad. As such, you can be confident that your research will inform and be informed by the wider health and social care environment.

Postgraduate training is available to enhance academic, personal and professional development, as well as research seminars, workshops, and international conferences. Based in the School of Social Sciences, on our stunning Sing