Professional courses

Course structure

A central feature of this programme is that you will be studying with the same cohort of people over the whole four years. The interaction that this provides will give you the opportunity to work, learn and develop together. This avoids the sense of isolation that some PhD students experience.

It is accepted that for most professionals it will not be possible to attend all of the workshops so we also use an online learning environment to make best use of technology to keep in touch.

A professional doctorate at the University of Portsmouth is achieved in two distinct stages with the second stage being divided into two parts.

Stage 1

This stage comprises 180 M level credits which is the direct entry level to Stage 2

Stage 2

This stage comprises Parts 1 and 2.

Part 1 (years 1 and 2)

This is the 'taught' component of the course and last for two years. During this part you will earn 120 D level credits in assignment work.

Outline

• Professional development and review
• Advanced research techniques in criminal justice
• Publication and dissemination in criminal justice
• Criminal justice project proposal

Part 2 (years 3 and 4)

This part comprises the professional research and development, leading to a thesis of 40,000 words. This will earn 240 D level credits and is mainly independent study and research combined with supervision meetings and opportunities to meet with your peers to review and gain critical comment on your progress.