Programme Structure

Expectations and deadlines are explicitly built into the structure of the doctorate with significant scaffolding and support along the way. The entire project is thus developed around the idea of collaboration and mutual support, which is best explained through a brief overview of the proposed structure.

In the first two years of study, the doctoral candidates will be expected to work through eight modules. These will take place online and ensure that candidates are supported from the beginning to engage with the reading and writing tasks at the doctoral level and to support the students in developing the ability to make a “contribution at the frontiers of a discipline or field” (HEQSF 2013, p.41). To make such a contribution, candidates need to have a firm grasp of current debates and concepts such that they can identify where the frontiers of the field are. These modules also ensure that the scholars become well versed in the broader issues of quality and social justice beyond whatever narrower focus their own PhD study comprises.

For each module, candidates will be expected to undertake a series of activities and to submit an assignment. Each online module will be facilitated by two or three members of the project team. The online tasks include such activities as presenting an analysis of the core readings and making connections between the module concepts and their proposed research focus. The modules will utilise Moodle and Zoom as the platforms.

Each module will include an assignment of a fairly significant piece of written work (3000 to 6000 words), which will be subject to peer-review. Peer-review not only benefits the person receiving the feedback to strengthen their work, but also inducts candidates into this important academic practice. The students will also be provided with formative and summative feedback on each assignment from the module facilitators. The assignments not only build the candidates’ abilities to work at doctoral level and develop an understanding of the literature underpinning their own PhD studies, they also build towards their particular dissertation work.

The whole process is supported by the CHERTL PhD programme's use of 'Doc Weeks' on campus three times a year which offer seminars, workshops, progress presentations and more.