Module 1b: Critical Analysis and Review of Research Literature (in specialist
area of choice)
Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) available.
Maximum 2 years part time.
Can lead to Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in advanced professional
practice as a holding or exit point.
Level 2
Individualised Learning Plan based on candidate/employer needs leads to
Module 2.
Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) available.
Maximum 2 years part time.
Can lead to Master's degree in advanced professional practice as a holding or exit point.
Level 3
Individualised Learning Plan based on candidate/employer needs leads to Modules 3, 4, & 5.
APEL available, up to a maximum of 50% overall.
It is possible to combine modules into a larger project.
Maximum 4 years part time.
Leads to Professional Doctorate (Educational Psychology).
The modular structure is explicitly intended to be highly flexible.
Practitioners who are employed part-time and/or have family commitments are likely to
find this structure particularly helpful.
Much modular work is likely to be based on practical project and development
work operating in professional contexts.
This structure conforms to the requirements of the new Scottish
Credit and Qualification Framework. It is also in line with
the Sorbonne and Bologna Agreements. The Economic and Social Research
Council now recognises Professional Doctorates.
All modules are assessed through a written product
of 15,000 words (more variable for APEL submissions).
APEL is available for up to 50% of modules. Experienced practitioners with
a track record of successful applied research and development work
and/or publications may find this considerably reduces the demands
of the programme, but the previous work must be at doctoral level.
The relative contributions of any collaborators in the underpinning development work must be
recorded in a jointly signed statement.