Course summary
The PhD by Practice Portfolio provides a route for experienced health and social care practitioners, educators, and policy makers to achieve a Doctoral level qualification based on the contribution that they have made to their field of practice. This programme requires participants to bring together their existing work through the production of a portfolio and written commentary which demonstrates the original and significant contribution that they have made to their field of practice. This can, but does not have to, include a substantial research component.
Assessment method
This programme is assessed by the submission of a portfolio of selected work, a 15,000 word commentary, and normally an oral examination (viva voce). Portfolio The works selected for the portfolio should be focused and coherent. They may include papers, chapters, books, policy documents, educational programmes, service transformation projects, and reports to name some example. All of the work chosen should be publicly available. The works selected should normally have been undertaken during a minimum period of three years and need to have contemporary relevance. The volume of work needs to be comparable with that expected from a three-year full time PhD. 15,000 Word Commentary The commentary needs to set out the proposed basis for the award by placing the work in its wider context. The commentary shall be up to 15,000 words in length and constitute a critical review including; An abstract of the portfolio as a whole including the key theme(s) A summary of each of the materials submitted including the aims and objectives of the work An overview of interrelationship between the materials and how they sit within the broader discipline area and existing literature A critical reflection of the techniques used to conduct the work A critical discussion of the impact of the projects in practice A critical review of the original contribution the work makes to the field of practice Conclusions and recommendations for future work. The commentary should achieve a depth of scholarship comparable to that required for the award of PhD by thesis. Oral Examination An oral examination will normally take place within four months of submission of the portfolio and commentary. Candidates will be examined by two external examiners and one internal examiner, and the process will be overseen by an independent viva chair. Following the examination and recommendation made by the examination team it may be necessary to undertake some amendments to the portfolio and/or commentary in order to satisfy the criteria for the award.
Entry requirements
A minimum upper second class honours degree in a related subject or registered professional qualification. Must be currently practising in a health, social work, or social care environment, or School/Faculty in a higher education institution. If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each element.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £4668 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £4668 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £4668 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £4668 | Year 1 |
| International | £16700 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Full time and part time postgraduate research students will be invoiced the published set fee each academic year enrolled, up to the point of thesis submission.
Upon first enrolment, the full set fee is payable.
All continuing students are required to re-enrol on their anniversary of their first enrolment. The relevant set full time or part time fee is payable by all continuing students on re-enrolment.
A reduced 'writing-up' fee in the 12 month period prior to thesis submission may be applicable subject to your progress. After your Viva Voce examination, additional fees will be payable if a second Viva Voce examination is required.
Research students may be required to pay additional fees in addition to cover the cost of specialist resources, equipment and access to any specialist collections that may be required to support their research project. These will be informed by the research proposal submitted and will be calculated on an individual basis. Any additional fees will be outlined in your offer letter, prior to accepting your place at the University of Lincoln.
Provider information
University of Lincoln
Brayford Pool
Lincoln
LN6 7TS