Equivalent to a PhD, Professional Doctorates are increasingly recognised as the route of choice for industry professionals. The Professional Doctorate programme offers a part-time framework, and content is delivered through a series of key workshops associated with each module. You'll use your industry experience and current workplace knowledge to produce a substantive piece of research, while becoming part of a thriving community of postgraduate research and taught students here at NTU.
As well as having an individual director of study to support you, you'll also have access to our Creative and Virtual Technologies Research Lab.
Professional Doctorates available in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment
- Doctor of Architecture (DArch)
- Doctor of Design (DDes)
- Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
- Doctor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (EngD)
- Doctor of Engineering in Construction Management (EngD)
- Doctor of Real Estate (DRealEst)
- Doctor of Surveying (DSurv)
Who is this route designed for?
Our Professional Doctorates are particularly suited to those in employment, working in a related industry. The part-time structure enable flexibility of study to fit around employment. The expected length of your studies will extend according to how much time you commit to the Doctorate.
The Professional Doctorate is particularly suited to mid-career professionals, as this route requires typically five to seven years' work experience in a related field. We also offer a PhD/MPhil research route which is suitable for high-achieving graduates.
Student profiles
What you'll study
-
Year One
Module one Research proposal and project plan (20 D-level points) Term one: Two-day workshop including Introduction to the Professional Doctorate and Project Identification and Planning. Module two Literature review and conceptual framework (100 D-level credit points) Term two and three: Two two-day workshops -
Second and third year
Module three Research project one (60 D-level credit points) Terms one and two: Two x two-day workshops Module four Research project two (60 D-level credit points) Terms one and two: Two x two-day workshops -
Third and fourth year
Module five Thesis / Report and critical reflection (120 D-level credit points) Terms one - three: Two day workshop including research design, analysis and outcomes. There will also be a chance to reflect on the process.
How you’re taught
The Professional Doctorate is delivered through a series of key workshops associated with each module.
Each student will have an individual director of study who will provide you will individual tutorial support, and you will be entitled to a specified number of hours for supervisory meetings.
Your individually framed project will be supported through our research groups, ensuring access to the forefront of research, knowledge, theory and practice within our subject areas.
Doctor of Architecture (DArch)
The Innovative and Sustainable Built Environment Technologies (iSBET) research group is an internationally leading multidisciplinary engineering research group that helps to advance the knowledge in the field of innovative and sustainable built environment technologies and management. Their work supports economic competitiveness and quality of life within the research areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, green buildings and innovation in design and management.
You will also have to access our virtual reality laboratory facilities.
Doctor of Design (DDes)
With links to four research groups, DDes research addresses a broad range of subjects representing cutting edge design investigation and provides a rich opportunity for diverse research. DDes research also considers medical pursuits in the wider domain, such as bio-product design. The Design for Health and Wellbeing Research group brings together academics, clinicians, surgeons, healthcare companies and other medical professionals.
Doctor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (EngD)
Doctor of Engineering in Construction Management (EngD)
The School offers professional doctorate support in routes that align strongly with our research groups and subject areas in Civil Engineering and Construction Management, including Lead Construction Management. The Centre for Lean Projects is concerned with developing improved management and delivery of projects for businesses throughout the life of a project, with the aim of maximising value and minimising waste.
Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
This route offers the opportunity to study in development and application of engineering situations in a range of contexts including:
- construction engineering
- renewable energy
- mechanical and manufacturing engineering
Doctor of Real Estate (DRealEst)
The Real Estate Investment Finance and Development (REEID) research group in the School is an internationally recognised research group that undertakes world-class analysis of real estate markets and urban development. The group's research is relevant to the wider society and this is evidenced by funding that the group has received from both private and public sectors.
Careers and employability
By providing you with the opportunity to advance your academic, research and technical skills, Professional Doctorates are considered to have a substantial impact on employment prospects in both immediate and longer term.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- A good honours degree (First or 2.1) awarded by a recognised university in an appropriate subject (or equivalent); and
- A Masters level qualification*, awarded by a recognised university in an appropriate subject (or equivalent).
Other requirements
Typically, you should have a minimum of seven years industry professional experience in a field relevant to the area of study.
As you’re applying for a Research degree (MPhil, PhD and Professional Doctorates), you will need to submit a statement about the subject you wish to research. Please see the NTU Doctoral School pages for more information about this.
Accreditation of Prior Certified / Experiential Learning AP(E)L
Applications from candidates without standard entry qualifications (or equivalents), but who have a strong industry / practice experience are encouraged to apply. Applications will be taken on a case-by-case basis. Applications without a formal qualification will be required to evidence their expertise which can be mapped against learning outcome achievement for a current relevant master's award within the School portfolio, and which indicates the potential to work at doctoral level in a professional context.
* Holding a Masters degree (even in a relevant subject area) does not mean automatic entry to a doctoral route without thorough consideration regarding the currency of the Masters award. You may be required, where a need is identified to supplement knowledge or experience, or to fill knowledge gaps, to undertake specified Masters level modules (to a maximum of 60 Masters level credit points) which must be passed in order to demonstrate full achievement of the 180 Masters level entry requirement. These will be undertaken under NTU's continuing professional development framework on a module by module basis. You will need to successfully clear the Masters level modules as stipulated before enrolling on a Professional Doctorate.
What are we looking for?
- A good honours degree (First or 2.1) awarded by a recognised university in an appropriate subject (or equivalent); and
- A Masters level qualification*, awarded by a recognised university in an appropriate subject (or equivalent).
Other requirements
Typically, you should have a minimum of seven years industry professional experience in a field relevant to the area of study.
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our degrees. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
As you’re applying for a Research degree (MPhil, PhD and Professional Doctorates), you will need to submit a statement about the subject you wish to research. Please see the NTU Doctoral School pages for more information about this.
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests.
- For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
- If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Accreditation of Prior Certified / Experiential Learning AP(E)L
Applications from candidates without standard entry qualifications (or equivalents), but who have a strong industry / practice experience are encouraged to apply. Applications will be taken on a case-by-case basis. Applications without a formal qualification will be required to evidence their expertise which can be mapped against learning outcome achievement for a current relevant master's award within the School portfolio, and which indicates the potential to work at doctoral level in a professional context.
* Holding a Masters degree (even in a relevant subject area) does not mean automatic entry to a doctoral route without thorough consideration regarding the currency of the Masters award. You may be required, where a need is identified to supplement knowledge or experience, or to fill knowledge gaps, to undertake specified Masters level modules (to a maximum of 60 Masters level credit points) which must be passed in order to demonstrate full achievement of the 180 Masters level entry requirement. These will be undertaken under NTU's continuing professional development framework on a module by module basis. You will need to successfully clear the Masters level modules as stipulated before enrolling on a Professional Doctorate.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.
To apply for this course you'll need to complete and application form, produce a research proposal, provide appropriate references and then submit your application to the Graduate School. Further information can be found on the NTU Doctoral School pages.
As you’re applying for a Research degree, you may like to have a look around our Research pages. This may help you to spot academic staff, research areas or projects that interest you. Writing your application Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
For more information, please contact the Graduate School Administrator by email or telephone +44 (0)115 848 8154
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.
To apply for this course you'll need to complete and application form, produce a research proposal, provide appropriate references and then submit your application to the Graduate School. Further information can be found on the NTU Doctoral School pages.
As you’re applying for a Research degree, you may like to have a look around our Research pages. This may help you to spot academic staff, research areas or projects that interest you. Writing your application Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
For more information, please contact the Graduate School Administrator by email or telephone +44 (0)115 848 8154
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Fees and funding
Fees for 2021 entry
The fees for 2021 entry are yet to be confirmed.
The fees for 2020 below are for reference only. Fees will increase each year in line with inflation.
| Study route | Home (UK/EU students) | International |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time (per year) | £2,900 per year | £6,625 per year |
Funding your studies
There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies, and from the University.
There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which is paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduate funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by calling +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Fees for 2021 entry
The fees for 2021 entry are yet to be confirmed.
The fees for 2020 below are for reference only. Fees will increase each year in line with inflation
| Study route | Home (UK/EU students) | International |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time (per year) | £2,900 per year | £6,625 per year |
Funding your studies
We offer prestigious scholarships to new international students holding offers to study at the University.
- For more information on these and other opportunities for funding please visit our international scholarships page.
- For information on how to pay your fees to the University please visit our international fee payment page.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by calling +44 (0)115 848 2494.