An RCSI student listens attentively)

StAR Professional Doctorates


School of Postgraduate Studies

Course details

RCSI is pleased to announce eight StAR Professional Doctorate programmes:

  • Professional Doctorate in Nursing
  • Professional Doctorate in Pharmacy
  • Professional Doctorate in Physiotherapy
  • Professional Doctorate in Positive Health
  • Professional Doctorate in Health Professions Education
  • Professional Doctorate in Health Sciences
  • Professional Doctorate in Population Health Sciences
  • Professional Doctorate in Dental Science

If you are a healthcare professional with a record of leadership in nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, physiotherapy or positive health, our StAR Professional Doctorate programmes offer you the opportunity to make a positive impact on your professional area of expertise and progress your career, all while remaining in practice.

These programmes blend the practical skills you demonstrate in the workplace with training in advanced research skills and methodology, data analysis, research ethics and leadership; culminating in a research thesis which will make an original contribution to knowledge or practice in your profession.

The programmes are designed as multi-modal, allowing for remote and in-person learning. There will be a series of tutorials, workshops, lectures and online resources that enable flexible learning as well as required on campus days at RCSI’s St Stephen’s Green campus for specific one-day workshops.

These Professional Doctorate Level 10 NFQ major awards are accredited by RCSI and the National University of Ireland.

RCSI StAR Professional Doctorates programme information PDF | 1035.3 KB

What you will study

Year 1 of your programme will require you to complete four taught modules as part of the Professional Doctorate. These modules are designed to help you formulate and plan your research project, which will be your main focus during years 2 to 4.

In addition to the core modules, you will be required to complete an Academic Integrity Workshop as part of year 1.

Each module requires one in person day.

  • Module 1: Advanced Research Methods
  • Module 2: Systematic and Scoping Reviews for Evidence Appraisal and Synthesis
  • Module 3: Research Ethics and Integrity
  • Module 4: Leadership Development

All four modules are delivered in a multimodal format, combining online and in person learning. You are required to attend RCSI for the in person module days, as well as for induction and progress review days. In addition to the core modules, you will also be required to complete an Academic Integrity Workshop as part of year 1.

You must successfully pass all modules and attend all in person sessions in order to progress to year 2 of the programme. Alongside the core modules, you will have access to additional training and workshops offered by RCSI throughout the programme. At the end of Year 1, you will submit a full research proposal, which you will develop in collaboration with your RCSI supervisor.

Years 2 to 4 are spent primarily in your workplace, where you will focus on gathering, analysing, and interpreting data for your thesis. During this period, you are expected to actively progress your research project under the guidance of your RCSI supervisor. Attendance at academic conferences and engagement in scholarly dissemination activities. Professional Doctorate awards also require successful examination in a viva voce examination.

If you would like to discuss choosing a supervisor, please contact the relevant person in your field:

Duration

The programme is for a minimum of four years.