Engineering - Professional Doctorate (PDEng)

Course Details

Course Code(s):

PHENGITPCD

Available:

Part-Time

Intake:

Summer

Course Start Date:

May

Duration:

4 Year

Award:

PdEng

Qualification:

NFQ Level 10 Major Award

Faculty: Science and Engineering

Course Type: Professional/Flexible

Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Claire Gallery
Email: Claire.Gallery@ul.ie

Name: Doctorate in Engineering.
Email: pdeng@ul.ie

Express Interest

Brief Description

How a professional doctorate differs from a traditional doctorate

The traditional doctorate (PhD) focuses on preparing candidates for an academic career and is thus focused on training people to rigorously address scientific problems which can result in a contribution to knowledge that can be published in the peer‐reviewed scientific literature.

Professional doctorates (PDEng) recognise the existence of research activities which can be described as professional practice. The context for this PDEng programme is the practitioner workplace and the focus is on solving real‐world problems faced in the daily work‐place. The scope of these problems can be sufficiently large to be addressed in a significant piece of research planned and conducted over a period of time and which can ultimately result in a PDEng award.

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(M) Microcreds available:

Modules listed within the Programme Content with an (M) beside them are MicroCreds and can be taken independently.

This qualification is aimed at those pursuing professional rather than academic careers. The PDEng acknowledges that significant research takes place within the practitioner’s workplace, therefore, the context for this PDEng programme is the practitioner workplace and the focus is on solving real-world problems faced in the daily work-place.

The PDEng programme will equip students with a diverse knowledge of technology principals, disruptive inventions and new designs, processes and techniques, as well as substantial knowledge at the cutting edge of industry and the forefront of academic research. Through problem-solving, heuristics, theory of inventive problem solving, technical analysis and critical evaluation, apprentices will gain the ability to significantly contribute to the creative process.

The aim of a Professional Doctorate programme is to produce a qualification which, whilst being equivalent in status and challenge to a PDEng, is more appropriate for those pursuing professional rather than academic careers. The PDEng acknowledges that significant research takes place within the practitioner’s workplace. Candidates are required to make a contribution to both theory and practice in their field, and to develop professional practice by making a contribution to (professional) knowledge.

How it Works

This four year programme is structured for blended delivery of online learning and face to face sessions which minimizes time ‘off the job’. You must successfully completed the qualifier module (PP8001) to be offered a place on the PDEng. The programme includes:

The PP8001 is the Professional Portfolio qualifier. This will give you an understanding of the structure of the Professional Doctorate; how to develop a professional portfolio and how to deliver a unique contribution to professional knowledge. You will be required to identify a problem that is significant to your industry or profession and to propose an appropriate approach to solving this problem.
270 credits of work. The bulk of the credits, 180 are allocated to the output of your in-company research. This is delivered as a dissertation as is the culmination of your work.
12 modules delivered over four years combining traditional distance education with online learning and approximately 4 day face-to-face per semester.
A dedicated supervisor(s) to support participants.
Participation in a Community of Practice. This will allow participants to interact and engage in peer-to-peer learning activities.

This programme is for professionals who wish to:

Evaluate the relevance of current and emerging theories and practices within your area.
Formulate effective solutions to complex, real-world problems common to your field.
Apply current research to practical problems in the workplace.
Design rigorous research that expands the professional body of knowledge in your field.

Students will have successfully completed the Qualifier Module (PP8001) (M) in the Spring before starting the programme.

PDEng in Engineering Module Content & Timeline
Year 1
Summer			CM8003 - Research Networking: Developing an Academic Profile This module introduces students to the theory and practice of networking, providing students with an understanding of the formal and informal channels that can be used to communicate research outputs and relevance. Researchers must articulate the implications of their research for multiple audiences and networking is a crucial skill in raising the profile of both the individual and their research project. This module supports students as they investigate the networks in their specific disciplines and helps them to develop a personal strategy for communicating their research, building their network and raising their academic profile.
			CS8013 - Digital Research Management Digital research data involves all files created on a computer, with several different file formats such as pdfs, jpegs, mp3, Mp4, wav, etc. As publishing research is rapidly growing online; the need to academically apply digital research management tools are essential for acquisition, access, preservation and the retrieval of digital research data. In developing the above skills the learner will be provided with the transferable skills necessary for professional careers outside a university setting, along with the necessary conduit skills required for projects and research project publications within an academic environment.
			ES8002 - Research Integrity The purpose of this module is to allow students to appreciate the requirement for research integrity, the scope of research integrity, the principles of good research, and the many forms of research misconduct. This module allows students to appreciate the requirement for integrity and ethical practice in research. The module informs students on the European code of conduct for research integrity, and uses examples and discussion of research misconduct to foster good research practice. It includes current University procedures on research misconduct, and closely examines issues of appropriate research data and information collection and storage, research authorship and plagiarism.
			LA8013 - Research Ethics The aim of the module is to present researchers with an opportunity to examine the ethical complexities, which arise in the process of conducting research involving human participants. Participants will learn to identify and analyse ethical issues relating to study design and rationale, consent processes and protection of personal information in the fields of education research, health sciences research and psychology.
			TL8003 - Planning Research And Publication The purpose of the module is to help early researchers successfully plan and manage their research process in order to lead to excellent scholarship in their research endeavours. Researchers will develop the cognitive, metacognitive, affective and social skills required to negotiate the early stages of the research and writing process effectively. The activities will engage students in a range of strategies to develop an effective research, writing and publication strategy.
			TL8013 - Developing Ideas And Arguements: Writing Into Academic Communities The purpose of this module is to encourage writers to examine how they use writing to identify and develop their ideas in the process of responding to the ideas of others as they identify and organise their argument. Additionally, this module examines how context determines both conceptual and formal textual choices and how strategic choices either motivate or stifle a student's progress toward a draft that is both coherent and cogent enough to warrant a move into a more reader-based writing mode, where revision occurs.
Year 2
Autumn			CS8012 - Research Methods For Professional Practice 1  The main purpose of research can be classified according to three criteria (Braa & Vidgen 1999): - Prediction - Understanding – Change. On successful completion of this module students will be able to: Describe the context in which research takes place and understand the types of research associated with a professional doctorate such as the D.Eng. This will set the foundation for subsequent tailoring of research to the precise organisation context and problem setting.
			PT8012 - Dissertation 1 In this module, Research Methods for Professional Practice 2, we review the central topics of Research Methods for Professional Practice 1, and explore applied research methods in more detail. This module enables students to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the context in which their research takes place, 2. Explain the broad range of research approaches that are available, 3. Demonstrate how best to choose and refine their research approach to suit the organisational context.
			PT8002-Data Strategies And Analysis Techniques For Research 1  To introduce students to the fundamentals of data collection and analysis strategies to support their research methodologies. This module will enable students to: 1. Describe the key elements of data collection 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate analysis tool for a given design situation 3. Describe the key elements and tools used in analysis 4. Evaluate designs based on detailed statistical analysis 5. Develop appropriate design experiments for prototype assessment 6. Demonstrate and understanding of the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders of research project
			PT8022-Data Strategies And Analysis Techniques For Research 2  To assist students in developing robust studies to progress research utilising advanced design of experiments, and advanced analytical techniques. Students will: 1. Describe the key elements of data collection, 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate analysis tool for a given research situation, 3. Evaluate the key elements and tools used in analysis, 4. Evaluate research based on detailed statistical analysis, 5. Develop appropriate design experiments for exploratory & confirmation studies
Summer			PT8013 - Dissertation 2
Summer			PT8003 - Summer Report 1 Students will produce a substantial document detailing the development of the research project(s) at this point and will be required to present his/her work to their peers in a discussion group and to a review panel.
Year 3
Autumn			PT8023 - Dissertation 3
Spring			CS8007 - Research Impact and Dissemination  To demonstrate students abilities to apply their learning experiences within their professional settings and to present the outcomes in dissertation format. Subsequent to submission of her/his dissertation, the student prepares a paper of approximately 5,000 words on substantive issues and/or significant findings arising out of her/his doctoral research, paying particular attention to the implications for educational leadership and management. These papers will then be forwarded for consideration to an appropriate research publication.
			PT8024 - Dissertation 4
Summer			PT8053 - Dissertation 5
			PT8043 - Summer Report 2 Through self-directed learning, and research within his/her profession, the student will produce a substantial document detailing the advancement of the research project(s) at this point, with the requirement to present his/her work to their peers in a discussion group and to a review panel.
Year 4
Autumn			PT8005 - Dissertation 6
Spring			CS8009 - Research Conference/Workshop The conference/workshop allows the researcher to present and participate in conferences or workshops which have an established reputation and are appropriate to their research area. Participants will have exposure to other researchers, practitioners, government and/or regulatory authorities and academic institutions. The event will allow peer review of the student's research and also provide exposure to other research ideas and approaches. Students are required to fully prepare and attend a conference/workshop and present a paper, of approximately 3000 words, ready for publication on the topic of their research. The student will also be required to present the paper to a selected audience.
Spring			PT8016 - Dissertation 7
Summer			PT8073- Dissertation 8
Summer			PT8063 - Summer Report 3 Through self-directed learning, and research within his/her profession, the student will produce a substantial document detailing the advancement of the research project(s) at this point with the requirement to present his/her work to their peers in a discussion group and to a review panel.
Year 5
Autumn			PT8007 - Dissertation 9
Spring			PT8008 - Dissertation 10
Summer			Thesis Submission Exam Board Graduation

(M) A MicroCred is a single module within a larger further award (eg. Certificate, Diploma, Masters). By taking a micro-credential you may be eligible to apply for a credit exemption should you progress to study for a further award.

Candidates would typically hold a 2.1 honours degree in a relevant area and five years’ experience.
The successful completion of the qualifier module (Professional Portfolio PP8001) prior to being offered a place on the programme. More information on the Qualifier Module can be found here

What to Include with your Application
Delays in receiving these documents will affect the progress of your application.

Photo or Scanned original copy of your transcripts for all years of study. (Graduates of UL need only provide us with their Student ID number.)
Photo or Scanned copy of passport to verify ID and full legal name.
A copy of your most recent CV.
Applicants who do not have English as their first language may satisfy English Language requirements:
If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts
AND
• English language competency certificate

For more information Click Here

2022/3:

EU - €6,284

Non- EU - €14,456

2023/4:

EU - €6,950

Non- EU - €18,078

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

This programme is also offered under Generation Apprenticeship, up to 80% of fees will be covered for those who apply under the apprenticeship route. For further information, please email apprenticeships@ul.ie.

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.