The role of the Professional Doctorate in developing professional practice.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aims to reflect on, and analyse, one particular approach to the award of a Professional Doctorate.


BACKGROUND
The concept of the 'Professional' Doctorate offers opportunities for the development of work-based skills which transcend professional boundaries. There is now an established basis for Professional Doctorates with many Universities offering a qualification of this nature.


METHODS
It commences with a consideration of what the Professional Doctorate is, the philosophy of the Professional Doctorate and how it can impact on professional practice.


RESULTS
The key issues are underpinnings of the Professional Doctorate which is concerned with Mode 2 knowledge and the ways in which the Professional Doctorate can enhance and develop practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Conclusions are then drawn which the authors believe will be of use to those managing, developing and studying on, Professional Doctorate programmes.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study then explores the issues which the authors have experienced over the past 5 years in running the scheme and highlights the potential benefits of the professional doctorate for organizations.
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wharncliffe Street, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK. John.fulton@sunderland.ac.uk
John
J
Fulton
Judith
J
Kuit
Gail
G
Sanders
Peter
P
Smith
D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D019359:Knowledge; D007857:Leadership; D009729:Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D012933:Social Identification