Masters Degrees (Worcester)

The University of Worcester’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a professional doctoral degree designed to enhance business leadership and professional practice. The programme is designed to provide an opportunity for business professionals to work creatively by analysing and synthesising research literature, and their own research evidence, to understand their own professional contexts more critically and to find solutions to key challenges in their working environment. In doing so it is envisaged that our students will become (and ultimately lead) communities of practice for their profession.

Differences from the PhD award

The Professional Doctorate award is distinct from the PhD award in the following respects:
• There is a considerable weighting given to a taught component which comprises an integral and key part of the programme, and the assessment of the taught component contributes directly towards the final award.
• The thesis produced by Professional Doctorate students will make an original contribution to knowledge within the relevant area or areas of professional practice.
The benefits of the DBA are both organisational and personal. Research-led insights are likely to impact greatly on practice; the professionals undertaking the DBA developing as a result.

Why Worcester?

Our DBA programme offers you:
• Academic rigor: gain a deeper understanding of your chosen subject area with a challenging combination of research training and supervised research.
• A wide variety of research interests: we have a strong mix of academics with a high degree of professional and personal experience enabling you to get the most out of both the taught and research element of your programme.
• Excellent supervision: benefit from a professional and challenging relationship with your supervisory team, drawn from experienced professionals working at the forefront of their disciplines.
• Resources: access to the University of Worcester’s virtual resources and to the state-of-the-art library facilities at the £60 million new library.
• Networking opportunities: because of the way that the taught element is structured and organised, the programme offers the enrichment opportunity of working alongside health and education professionals, forming a ‘community of practice’.

The benefits to your organisation

• Access to vital ‘cutting edge’ thinking.
• The ability to significantly enhance your organisation’s innovative capacity.
• The opportunity to offer senior business professionals the chance for further career development.

Course aims

The DBA Programme aims to develop business professionals’ ability to integrate rigorous academic/critical analysis with practical relevance and application to enable them to become more effective evidence-based practitioners and to contribute to the development of their profession through the furtherance of knowledge.

Course delivery

The Professional Doctorate is designed for busy working professionals so the taught programme begins with a one-week workshop followed by ten in depth teaching blocks delivered either by face-to-face meetings or by virtual tutorial, delivered over an 18 month period, to complement your workload.
The taught programme is shared across our three Professional Doctorate Programmes, therefore offering you the opportunity to work alongside professionals in the health and education disciplines.
Although the delivery is described as ‘taught’, at DBA level the delivery is about a process of professional critical engagement between academic staff and participants. The learning process includes lectures, facilitated discussions and participant presentations, as well as online interaction and workshops focusing on aspects of professional culture and the research process. These activities are informed not only by knowledge and skills relevant to the modules, but are importantly based around the research questions and issues brought to the programme by those involved.
The research stage of your programme usually takes 2-3 years to complete and will culminate in the production of a 50,000word thesis that will be examined by viva voce. It is expected that you will commence the thesis stage of the programme following notification that you have passed the taught element of the programme. Your research may be suitable for publication, as journal articles or a book.

Module summary

• The Researching Professional
The purpose of this module - stretching across the length of the taught component of the professional doctorate - is to consider, in a holistic sense, the nature of ‘knowledge’, its generation and management in various contexts, and the relationship of this to your professional culture, identity and role. The multiple factors - at a macro, meso and micro level - which shape knowledge and organisational cultures will be critically explored. How knowledge is constructed and used, as well as how evidence and research informs, shapes and reshapes practices and professional self-identity within this, will all be critically evaluated within this module.

• Project Development, Planning and Management
This module develops further the rationale for your doctoral research project, drawing appropriately on relevant literature, conceptual or theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches. A key aspect of the module is a focus on the practical aspects of conducting a piece of research. Specifically the module will equip you with the knowledge, skills and capabilities to plan, initiate, manage and write your doctoral research project.

• Research Methods and Design
This module will reflect on the variety of methods available to complete doctoral level research. You will discuss relevant and appropriate knowledge and skills required, including literature searching at doctorate level, critical reading, identifying and defining the research question, methodological and analytical processes involved in completing the research process, and research ethics associated with particular methods. You will be introduced to a variety of research methods dependent on the interests, circumstances and expertise of the participant cohort. Throughout this module, you will have the opportunity to compare and contrast research paradigms and approaches, consider the implications for your own research question and develop a design, including the formation of a research question.

How to apply

We are now recruiting for a January 2018 start. All applicants must complete the application form http://www.worc.ac.uk/professionaldoctorate and submit this to the University of Worcester’s Research School. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2017 with interviews being held at the end of November.

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The University of Worcester’s Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) is a professional doctoral degree designed to enhance health leadership and professional practice. The programme is designed to provide an opportunity for health professionals to work creatively by analysing and synthesising research literature, and their own research evidence, to understand their own professional contexts more critically and to find solutions to key challenges in their working environment. In doing so it is envisaged that our students will become (and ultimately lead) communities of practice within their profession.
The Professional Doctorate award is distinct from the PhD award in the following respects:
• There is a considerable weighting given to a taught component which comprises an integral and key part of the programme, and the assessment of the taught component contributes directly towards the final award.
• The thesis produced by Professional Doctorate students will make an original contribution to knowledge within the relevant area or areas of professional practice.
The benefits of the DHSc are both organisational and personal. The evidenced-informed insights and new knowledge generated are likely to impact greatly: the participants undertaking the DHSc broadening and deepening their professional outlook.

Why Worcester?

Our DHSc programme offers you:
• Academic rigor: You will gain a deeper understanding of your chosen subject area with a challenging combination of research training and supervised research.
• A wide variety of research interests: We have a strong mix of academics with a high degree of professional and personal experience enabling you to get the most out of both the taught and research element of your programme.
• Excellent supervision: You will benefit from a professional and challenging relationship with your supervisory team, drawn from experienced professionals working at the forefront of their disciplines.
• Resources: Access to the University of Worcester’s virtual resources and to the state of the art library facilities at our new £60 million library.
• Networking opportunities: Because of the way that the taught element is structured and organised, the programme offers the enrichment opportunity of working alongside other health professionals, educational specialists and business executives forming a ‘community of practice’.

The benefits to your organisation

• Access to vital ‘cutting edge’ thinking.
• The opportunity to significantly enhance your organisation’s innovative capacity.
• The opportunity to offer senior health practitioners the chance for further career development.

Course aims

The DHSc Programme aims to develop health professionals’ ability to integrate rigorous academic/critical analysis with practical relevance and application to enable them to become more effective evidence-based practitioners and to contribute to the development of their profession through the furtherance of knowledge.

Course delivery

The Professional Doctorate is designed for busy working professionals so the taught programme begins with a one-week workshop followed by ten in depth teaching blocks delivered either by face-to-face meetings or by virtual tutorial, delivered over an 18 month period, to complement your workload.
Although described as a ‘taught’ programme, the DHSc is delivered through a process of critical engagement between academic staff and participants. The learning process includes lectures, facilitated discussions and participant presentations, as well as online interaction and workshops focusing on aspects of professional culture and the research process. These activities will be informed by participants’ knowledge, experience and contexts and focused upon exploring research questions and issues brought to the programme by those involved.
The research stage of your programme usually takes 2-3 years to complete and will culminate in the production of a 50,000 word thesis that will be examined by viva voce. It is expected that you will commence the thesis stage of the programme following notification that you have passed the taught element of the programme.

Module summary

• The Researching Professional
The purpose of this module - stretching across the length of the taught component of the professional doctorate - is to consider, in a holistic sense, the nature of ‘knowledge’, its generation and management in various contexts, and the relationship of this to your professional culture, identity and role. The multiple factors - at a macro, meso and micro level - which shape knowledge and organisational cultures will be critically explored. How knowledge is constructed and used, as well as how evidence and research informs, shapes and reshapes practices and professional self-identity within this, will all be critically evaluated within this module.
• Project Development, Planning and Management
This module develops further the rationale for your doctoral research project, drawing appropriately on relevant literature, conceptual or theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches. A key aspect of the module is a focus on the practical aspects of conducting a piece of research. Specifically the module will equip you with the knowledge, skills and capabilities to plan, initiate, manage and write your doctoral research project.
• Research Methods and Design
This module will reflect on the variety of methods available to complete doctoral level research. You will discuss relevant and appropriate knowledge and skills required, including literature searching at doctorate level, critical reading, identifying and defining the research question, methodological and analytical processes involved in completing the research process, and research ethics associated with particular methods. You will be introduced to a variety of research methods dependent on the interests, circumstances and expertise of the participant cohort. Throughout this module, you will have the opportunity to compare and contrast research paradigms and approaches, consider the implications for your own research question and develop a design, including the formation of a research question.

How to apply

We are now recruiting for a January 2018 start. All applicants must complete the application form http://www.worc.ac.uk/professionaldoctorate and submit this to the University of Worcester’s Research School. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2017 with interviews being held at the end of November.

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The University of Worcester’s Doctor of Education (EdD) is a professional doctoral degree designed to enhance education leadership and professional practice. The programme is designed to provide an opportunity for education professionals to work creatively by analysing and synthesising research literature, and their own research evidence, to understand their own professional contexts more critically and to find solutions to key challenges in their working environment. In doing so it is envisaged that our students will become (and ultimately lead) communities of practice within their profession.
The Professional Doctorate award is distinct from the PhD award in the following respects:
• There is a considerable weighting given to a taught component which comprises an integral and key part of the programme, and the assessment of the taught component contributes directly towards the final award.
• The thesis produced by Professional Doctorate students will make an original contribution to knowledge within the relevant area or areas of professional practice.
The benefits of the EdD are both organisational and personal. The evidenced-informed insights and new knowledge generated are likely to impact greatly: the participants undertaking the EdD broadening and deepening their professional outlook.

Why Worcester

Our EdD programme offers you:
• Academic rigor:You will gain a deeper understanding of your chosen subject area with a challenging combination of research training and supervised research.
• A wide variety of research interests:We have a strong mix of academics with a high degree of professional and personal experience enabling you to get the most out of both the taught and research element of your programme.
• Excellent supervision: You will benefit from a professional and challenging relationship with your supervisory team, drawn from experienced professionals working at the forefront of their disciplines.
• Resources:Access to the University of Worcester’s virtual resources and to the state of the art library facilities at our new £60 million library.
• Networking opportunities: Because of the way that the taught element is structured and organised, the programme offers the enrichment opportunity of working alongside health professionals and business executives forming a ‘community of practice’.

The benefits to your organisation:

• Access to vital ‘cutting edge’ thinking.
• The opportunity to significantly enhance your organisation’s innovative capacity.
• The opportunity to offer senior educationalists the chance for further career development.

Course aims

The EdD Programme aims to develop education professionals’ ability to integrate rigorous academic/critical analysis with practical relevance and application to enable them to become more effective evidence-based practitioners and to contribute to the development of their profession through the furtherance of knowledge.

Course delivery

The Professional Doctorate is designed for busy working professionals so the taught programme begins with a one-week workshop followed by ten in depth teaching blocks delivered either by face-to-face meetings or by virtual tutorial, delivered over an 18 month period, to complement your workload.
Although described as a ‘taught’ programme, the EdD is delivered through a process of critical engagement between academic staff and participants. The learning process includes lectures, facilitated discussions and participant presentations, as well as online interaction and workshops focusing on aspects of professional culture and the research process. These activities will be informed by participants’ knowledge, experience and contexts and focused upon exploring research questions and issues brought to the programme by those involved.
The research stage of your programme usually takes 2-3 years to complete and will culminate in the production of a 50,000 word thesis that will be examined by viva voce. It is expected that you will commence the thesis stage of the programme following notification that you have passed the taught element of the programme.

Module summary

- The Researching Professional The purpose of this module - stretching across the length of the taught component of the professional doctorate - is to consider, in a holistic sense, the nature of ‘knowledge’, its generation and management in various contexts, and the relationship of this to your professional culture, identity and role. The multiple factors - at a macro, meso and micro level - which shape knowledge and organisational cultures will be critically explored. How knowledge is constructed and used, as well as how evidence and research informs, shapes and reshapes practices and professional self-identity within this, will all be critically evaluated within this module.
- Project Development, Planning and Management This module develops further the rationale for your doctoral research project, drawing appropriately on relevant literature, conceptual or theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches. A key aspect of the module is a focus on the practical aspects of conducting a piece of research. Specifically the module will equip you with the knowledge, skills and capabilities to plan, initiate, manage and write your doctoral research project.
- Research Methods and Design This module will reflect on the variety of methods available to complete doctoral level research. You will discuss relevant and appropriate knowledge and skills required, including literature searching at doctorate level, critical reading, identifying and defining the research question, methodological and analytical processes involved in completing the research process, and research ethics associated with particular methods. You will be introduced to a variety of research methods dependent on the interests, circumstances and expertise of the participant cohort. Throughout this module, you will have the opportunity to compare and contrast research paradigms and approaches, consider the implications for your own research question and develop a design, including the formation of a research question.

How to apply

We are now recruiting for a January 2018 start. All applicants must complete the application form http://www.worc.ac.uk/professionaldoctorate and submit this to the University of Worcester’s Research School. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2017 with interviews being held at the end of November.

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Advancing Practice MSc at the University of Worcester is a multidisciplinary programme that is open to experienced healthcare professionals seeking to develop a critical appreciation of health and social care within a global context.

Our flexible, postgraduate, modular scheme enables you to study at your own pace, and can provide an opportunity to facilitate a personally focused course to meet individual needs and interests.

Key Features

- At Worcester we offer maximum support. We know what it’s like to balance work, family and study
- Modules designed to develop your skills as an autonomous practitioner, working in advanced and specialist roles with high levels of accountability, supporting educational and practice development and enhancing competent leadership skills to manage service delivery
- A number of awards and pathways are available.
- Suitable for practitioners and managers from many healthcare disciplines

Study options

The course is modular and can be studied full time or part-time in a maximum of 6 years.

Each module you achieve will give you 20 credits, you need a total of 180 for the whole MSc. Most modules are run during the day in a variety of different formats, some are half days and some full days. Modules usually occupy about 6 days but in some modules some of these days are replaced by online or independent learning. Most modules (but not all) are run over a 15 week period, however some of the modules are double modules (40 credits) and run over 2 semesters or through the summer.

Teaching approach

The course uses a combination of formal lectures small group and practical work, including clinical simulation as well as the clinical placements which allow the integration of theory and clinical learning.

How to apply

Please apply directly to University of Worcester via their online application form. Application support and guidance is also available on the University website.

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The University of Worcester welcomes applications to undertake research towards MPhil and PhD degrees in Business.

Research at Worcester has grown significantly in the last 10 years as the University itself has expanded. As a research student you will join a vibrant student community in our Research School and become part of our dynamic research environment.

You will have the opportunity to be supervised by leading researchers in your field and take advantage of our rich Researcher Development programme which will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to complete your research degree but also enhance the skills you will need in any future career.

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The University of Worcester welcomes applications to undertake research towards MPhil and PhD degrees in Computing.

Research at Worcester has grown significantly in the last 10 years as the University itself has expanded. As a research student you will join a vibrant student community in our Research School and become part of our dynamic research environment.

You will have the opportunity to be supervised by leading researchers in your field and take advantage of our rich Researcher Development programme which will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to complete your research degree but also enhance the skills you will need in any future career.

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With a broad range of modules, this masters level Management course gives you a thorough understanding of how businesses function and of the complex organisational issues that managers encounter.

Offering up-to-the minute study of the very latest global trends and techniques in successful leadership and management, this one-year full-time programme includes an optional 6-month internship, introductory bursary, access to our Future Leaders' Programme and membership/additional qualifications from the prestigious Chartered Management Institute.

The Worcester MSc Management is grounded in the most recent and emerging contexts such as global shifts in economic power, hyper-competition, new consumer behaviours, virtual space communication, climate change and fast-paced innovation in technology. You will learn how to develop sustainable strategies to attract key talent, maintain competitive advantage, manage change and create a supportive organisational culture. A particular feature of this programme is the opportunity to specialise in a particular aspect of modern management to suit your interests and future career plans – eg financial decision-making; coaching and mentoring or corporate reputation management.

Your time at university is an important investment in your future career potential and ability to compete for the most desirable graduate jobs. The employment prospects for Worcester graduates are excellent - 93% of our students are in work or further study within six months of graduation and we will work with you throughout your studies to prepare you for your future career.

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The MSc in Marketing combines marketing theory with critical and analytical approaches to management, equipping you to develop innovative value-adding marketing solutions.

With an optional 6-month internship, introductory bursary, and access to our Future Leaders' Programme, the one-year full-time MSc in Marketing combines marketing theory with latest practice and critical insights equipping you to develop innovative value-adding marketing solutions.

The Worcester MSC Marketing programme is a specialised and highly contemporary course in which you will study the very latest trends and developments in product and services marketing. You will explore shifting market and consumer behaviours; the hyper-competitive and turbulent nature of marketplaces; corporate reputation management, and how to effectively manage ever-changing technology via strategies for the physical place and the virtual space. You will develop as a sound decision-maker with the capability to create sustainable marketing strategies to safeguard long-term competitive advantage for an organisation.

Your time at university is an important investment in your future career potential and ability to compete for the most desirable graduate jobs. The employment prospects for Worcester graduates are excellent - 93% of our students are in work or further study within six months of graduation and we will work with you throughout your studies to prepare you for your future career.

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With an optional 6-month internship, introductory bursary, and access to our Future Leaders' Programme, the one-year full-time MSc Finance offers a highly-specialised and contemporary study of finance.

The Worcester MSc Finance focuses on corporate finance, financial risk management and banking – all set within relevant real-world contexts. You will explore UK money markets as sources of funding; review global investments; evaluate new international market opportunities; consider how to maximise investment returns in a competitive environment and mitigate global risk. You will hone your financial decision-making skills, enabling you to demonstrate your ability to optimise shareholder value, even in complex circumstances such as mergers and hostile takeover.

Your time at university is an important investment in your future career potential and ability to compete for the most desirable graduate jobs. The employment prospects for Worcester graduates are excellent - 93% of our students are in work or further study within six months of graduation and we will work with you throughout your studies to prepare you for your future career.

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The inspirational Worcester MSc Human Resource Management prepares you to become a successful business leader with the skills to manage an organisation’s most important resource – its people.

With an optional 6-month internship, introductory bursary, and access to our Future Leaders' Programme, this one-year full-time, specialist programme is designed to inspire you to lead and develop others, through effective management of resourcing, talent and change. This is a highly contemporary course, which brings you right up to date with latest emerging contexts, such as global shifts in economic power, climate change, employer branding, changing work patterns, and how to build an inclusive organisation that is rooted in both global diversity, best practices and intercultural competence.

Your time at university is an important investment in your future career potential and ability to compete for the most desirable graduate jobs. The employment prospects for Worcester graduates are excellent - 93% of our students are in work or further study within six months of graduation and we will work with you throughout your studies to prepare you for your future career.

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Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based, empirically supported psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), psychological trauma and other and other mental health conditions. The University of Worcester is the first academic institution in the world to offer an MSc EMDR Therapy programme of study in EMDR psychotherapy. This programme is validated by EMDR Europe and contains full EMDR Europe Training, along with a suite of other modules. This unique, groundbreaking course enables current mental health practitioners to further develop their conceptual and theoretical understanding in the field of psychological trauma and EMDR. The course can be studied full or part-time.

The MSc in EMDR is accredited by EMDR Europe both for the trainer and the training. As an EMDR Europe Accredited Trainer we have developed EMDR academic trainings in other academic institutions both nationally and internationally. Some of our EMDR Trainings have been undertaken as part of humanitarian assistance programmes in Pakistan, Poland, Indonesia, Thailand, Greece and Palestine. We have also carried out EMDR training for the Ministry of Defence, IAPT NHS services, and Charitable Organisations.

Psychological Sciences at the University of Worcester is offering this taught Masters programme that will appeal to mental health practitioners as well as those from cognate disciplines in relevant professions seeking further postgraduate study and continuing professional development. The structure of the programme reflects this goal and allows students to study in accordance with the EMDR Europe Accreditation Competency-Based Frameworks for becoming an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner.

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Key features of this course:

-The opportunity to learn how to plan and deliver a professional evaluation in the context of the three pillars of sustainable development
- Increased understanding of what constitutes best practice in evaluation
- Valuable professional evaluation experience, demonstrable to prospective employers
- The chance to make a difference through a real world, team evaluation project
- Contact with experienced and effective evaluation and sustainable development practitioners

The Bulmer Foundation’s postgraduate courses are delivered in partnership between the University of Worcester and the Bulmer - Foundation and the PG Cert in Evaluation for a Sustainable Future may be taken over one or two years. Students are also welcome to take individual modules for personal or professional development.

Throughout the course each student is supported by a small team of academic staff and the input of expert practitioners. Students are also able to access a wide range of support and services through the University of Worcester.

Expertise in evaluation theory and practice is increasingly important today where social, environmental and economic impacts are of paramount importance in ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

The introduction of the Social Value Act (2012) means there is a greater emphasis on measurement and monetisation of outcomes and impacts for work commissioned by the public sector.

Third sector organisations and businesses are now required to provide robust evidence of the impacts of their work in order to secure and retain contracts.

In the business world, corporate social responsibility means that there is pressure on all companies to demonstrate their ethical and responsible practices.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Evaluation for a Sustainable future aims to provide a sound foundation in evaluation theory at the same time as allowing students to develop their professional skills through research and real-world projects.

Graduates of the programme are expected to go on to pursue or develop successful careers in a wide range of organisations, supporting them to be more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable and will be well positioned to play a key role in the move to a more sustainable future.

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At Worcester we were born to teach. The institution was founded in 1947 as a teacher training college with a mission to ‘win the peace through education’.

Few sights are as rewarding as that of the curious young mind in pursuit of knowledge, and few careers combine excellent professional prospects with the opportunity to inspire in others a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

At Worcester, our PGCE in primary education is led by experienced academic staff with extensive research profiles, meaning your learning is shaped by those helping to shape education itself. With a range of career-enhancing subject specialisms for you to choose from, and personalised support that is tailored to meet your needs, you have the ideal environment to hone your skills as an inspiring and innovative teacher.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education is an internationally respected route in to a career in teaching, but it is also the start of a journey like no other.

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At Worcester we were born to teach. The institution was founded in 1947 as a teacher training college with a mission to ‘win the peace through education’.

An education that awakens curiosity and ignites the imagination has the power to last a lifetime. At Worcester, you can develop the skills and experience you will need to become an innovative teacher, inspiring others to think creatively about their own futures.

The PGCE for secondary education is a well-established and internationally respected route in to teaching. With a supportive environment in which to develop your craft, and excellent professional prospects for the future, you have the perfect platform from which to launch your career.

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In modern times public health interventions have consistently made major contributions to social progress, yet at the start of the 21st century familiar public health problems still persist and new challenges are emerging.

The MSc Public Health at the University of Worcester is a postgraduate programme for health practitioners and professionals from the wider workforce who impact on public health. The course will develop your public health skills and establish an advanced knowledge base for your chosen field of public health practice, whether in the UK or internationally. Public Health requires an interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of health problems and the professional practice needed to address them, and meeting the new complex health problems of the 21st Century requires integration of thinking and practice across many disciplines.

Public Health at the University of Worcester is therefore an exciting progressive course that is relevant to both the ‘traditional’ public health workforce and a wide range of ‘allied’ professionals seeking to enhance their ability to impact on the public’s health. The course is structured so that applicants from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to gain a sound foundational knowledge base in contemporary public health practice that is of equal relevance to your career progress, whether in the NHS, internationally, in private health care organisations, in allied health sciences, or in third sector organisations. Having established this foundational knowledge, students can select option modules in order to maintain a broad based approach to public health, or choose options in a way that enables them to pursue more focussed interests in UK practice, international public health or health and sustainability.

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