The Professional Doctorate is a flexible, practice-based research degree designed for experienced professionals who want to make a meaningful impact in their field. Unlike a traditional PhD, this programme is tailored for working professionals who are ready to undertake rigorous research directly within their own professional context.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Professional Doctorate (PD)
Before you apply, it is important to consider carefully the area and type of research you wish to undertake, as this will form the basis of your application and shape your study journey.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
A PhD is a well-known type of doctorate focused on academic research. It’s typically more theoretical and aims to generate new knowledge in a specific field. While earning a PhD grants you the title 'Doctor,' it’s not limited to medicine - it spans many disciplines. In general, PhDs are more academic, whereas other doctorates may be more practical and career-focused, such as those in medicine or engineering.
Professional Doctorate (PD)
Professional doctorates are designed for vocational fields like education, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing. These programs often combine taught modules with a smaller-scale research project and may be accredited by professional bodies such as the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) and the British Psychological Society (BPS). They focus on applying research directly to professional practice.
Research Degrees at 19¶¶Òõ
Use the search and filters to find topics that interests you. Once you have selected a suitable topic, use this as a foundation to write your research proposal. If you wish to study a research degree topic not listed, or if you would like to study something similar to a topic covered, you are welcome to submit a speculative application including your own research proposal.
Duration options
Full time
- Minimum - 30 months
- Maximum - 48 months
Part time
- Minimum - 42 months
- Maximum - 72 months
*students who require a student visa to enter and study in the UK will receive an initial 3 year visa.
Entry Requirements
Normal entry requirements are a Master's degree or first or 2:1 honours degree in the relevant subject discipline from a UK or overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding qualifications other than those above shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
English Language Requirements
Generally, an IELTS (or equivalent) at 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each component/element is required for Doctorate degrees at 19¶¶Òõ.
In order to undertake a research degree, it is essential that you can read and interpret academic journal articles, communicate effectively and write at a Master's Level.
Further information about the forms of evidence of English language proficiency we accept:
Your Application
What to include
- A research proposal to indicate the potential area of research. Proposals are scanned by Turnitin (the leading academic plagiarism checker), as part of the process in considering your application
- A personal statement to explain why you wish to study in the UK at Robert Gordon University, why you wish to study this particular course, and how this study forms part of your future career and goals
- Two appropriate academic references to ensure that we can independently assess your academic strengths and weaknesses in relation to your proposed topic. They should not be references which you have used for a previous application and should be from people who have actually taught you or supervised your work at Master's/Honours level. For Professional Doctorate applications, it is acceptable for one of your academic references to come from the workplace
- Copy of degree certificate(s) together with a transcript or mark sheet for each degree qualification
- Copy of your current CV
You will also be required to complete other personal data sections which include educational history as well as declarations around current residence location and right to study.
When to Apply
The admission points for research degree applicants are September and January of each academic session. Any application which misses the appropriate deadline will automatically be considered for the next relevant entry point.
If you receive a conditional offer, please allow sufficient time for meeting those conditions, prior to enrolment.
If you have any questions about this, please contact University Admissions on researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk
What happens next?
After submitting your application to the University, it may take up to 4 weeks during peak periods before you will be contacted. This is to allow the Academic School time to look through your application and identify a potential supervisory team.
It may be helpful to contact an academic member of staff to discuss your application as they will be able to advise you on its merits and whether or not the University could possibly support you.
Contacts
If you would like more information or have any other questions about Research Degrees, please email
Additional Information
Academic Technology Approval Scheme
Do I Need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate?
An ATAS clearance certificate is a mandatory requirement for some Postgraduate Research, Postgraduate Master's and some Undergraduate students in science, engineering or technology disciplines.
You will NOT require an ATAS certificate if you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, are exempt from UK Immigration Control, are a UK, EU or US citizen or a dual national with a valid visa for an exempt country or category.
Should the course you choose to study at Robert Gordon University require an ATAS certificate, we will notify you.
Compulsory PgCert Researcher Development Course
You must undertake the Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) Researcher Development course at the same time as your research degree, as this is a compulsory requirement. There are two modules, delivered individually at an appropriate time in your study journey and attendance for each module delivery is essential, either in-person on campus or virtually online, depending on study mode. Each module is delivered by a combination of seminars and private study and provides you with an excellent opportunity to network with fellow peers. It will help to underpin your research degree by assisting with the registration process, and potential progression from MRes to PhD (if appropriate), as well as strengthen your core and professional research skills.
How am I supported?
You are supported through your supervisory team, which is led by a Principal Supervisor who has responsibility for supervising and supporting your research on a regular and frequent basis.
In addition, the supervisory team will normally include 1 or 2 other individuals, both internal or external, who will provide you with a range of expertise and knowledge to support your studies.
What training opportunities are available?
Both the Graduate School and your host School will offer a number of relevant training events during the course of your studies. If you are based at a distance, this may be offered online.
Additional training opportunities are available through the Department for Academic Quality & Learning Enhancement (AQLE). Courses are offered on teaching and demonstrating as well as viva preparation and are available to enrolled/registered research degree students at the University.