Social and Public Policy Cardiff University

Overview

The professional doctorate in Social and Public Policy from Cardiff University , is a part-time doctoral research degree. It is fully equivalent to the PhD, but substantially different from it in that it is strongly professionally oriented, focussing on ‘applied’ rather than ‘pure’ research.

Key facts

While the PhD generally prepares candidates for a research-based career, the professional doctorate is a more in-service orientated degree, addressing the career needs of practising professionals, particularly those in or who aspire to senior positions within their professions. The linkages between research-based knowledge and its application in a wide range of professional settings are central to this doctorate.

The SPPD taught modules are designed to respond to the developmental needs and interests of those employed within UK regional government and local authorities, as well as research institutions (both statutory and independent) with a professional interest in social and public policy. 

The modules prepare students to make informed judgements on complex issues such as the successful construction and operation of ‘multi-level’ and ‘inclusive’ governance and its implications for policy-making; negotiating the requirements of equal opportunities legislation; and administration responsibilities in public policy settings. The modules draw on a range of theoretical perspectives and explore empirical studies that relate to the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Career prospects

Typically professional doctorate candidates are employed when they study with us, although current employment is not a condition of entry.

Graduates are able to further their careers within their employment settings or move beyond these into, for example, Higher Education, policy and planning, and/or research development and management