Course Details
Available: Part- Time
Duration: 4 Year
Qualification: NFQ Level 10 Major Award
Faculty: Science and Engineering
Course Type: Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.
Contact(s):
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 (DEng) recognise the existence of research activities which can be described as professional practice. The context for this DEng 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 DEng award.
This qualification is aimed at those pursuing professional rather than academic careers. The DEng acknowledges that significant research takes place within the practitioner’s workplace, therefore, the context for this DEng programme is the practitioner workplace and the focus is on solving real-world problems faced in the daily work-place.
The DEng 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 Doctorate programme is to produce a qualification which, whilst being equivalent in status and challenge to a DEng, is more appropriate for those pursuing professional rather than academic careers. The DEng 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 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.
| Principal Engineer - Doctorate in Engineering Module Content & Timeline | ||
| Semester Number | Module Code | Module Title |
| Year 1 | ||
| 1 of 12 Summer School | ES8002 | Research Integrity |
| LA8013 | Research Ethics | |
| CM8003 | Research Networking | |
| TL8003 | Planning & Publication | |
| TL8013 | Developing Ideas & Writing | |
| CS8013 | Digital Research Management | |
| Year 2 | ||
| 2 of 12 Autumn | CS8012 | Research Methods for Professional Practice 1 |
| PT8012 | Dissertation 1 | |
| 3 of 12 Spring | CS8022 | Research Methods for Professional Practice 2 |
| PT8002 | Data Strategies & Analysis Techniques 1 | |
| PT8022 | Data Strategies & Analysis Techniques 2 | |
| 4 of 12 Summer | PT8013 | Dissertation 2 |
| PT8003 | Summer Report 1 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| 5 of 12 Autumn | PT8023 | Dissertation 3 |
| 6 of 12 spring | CS8007 | Research Impact and Dissemination |
| PT8024 | Dissertation 4 | |
| 7 of 12 Summer | PT8053 | Dissertation 5 |
| PT8043 | Summer Report 2 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| 8 of 12 Autumn | PT8005 | Dissertation 6 |
| 9 of 12 Spring | CS8009 | Workshop/Conference |
| PT8016 | Dissertation 7 | |
| 10 of 12 Summer | PT8073 | Dissertation 8 |
| PT8063 | Summer Report 3 | |
| Year 5 | ||
| 11 of 12 Autumn | PT8007 | Dissertation 9 |
| 12 of 12 Spring | PT8008 | Dissertation 10 |
| Summer | Thesis Submission | |
| Exam Board | ||
| Graduation | ||
- Alongside your modules you will be participating in a 'Community of Practice (CoP). This is an important component of the programme and your participation will be of benefit. It includes:
- Compiling and uploading individual and group reflective reports
- Forum for peer support and networking
- 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
€6159 per year. Application of €35 when submitting your application.