DInfSci Doctor of Information Science
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The Professional Doctorate in Information Science (DInfSci) is a doctoral degree programme which allows experienced information professionals to research issues which arise from the practice of Information Science. Through the critical review and systematic application of appropriate theories and research methods to professional work environments, this programme allows you to increase your knowledge about practice, develop new research findings and improve your professional competence.
This programme has been designed for experienced professionals working in senior roles within the information profession. It offers a flexible and supportive method of study that allows you to continue in work whilst you study, develop a research programme that informs and enhances your own area of work, and study with some of the top Information Science researchers in the word. The DInfSci can be completed from wherever you are in the world.
Research areas
Our specialist themes are Data Science and Machine Learning, Information Behaviour, Interactive Information Retrieval, and Cultural Heritage.
Data Science & Machine Learning
Putting machine learning into practice is a necessary step towards developing systems that tailor the delivery of content to end-users in order to optimise their experience. Our group specialises in helping companies build the infrastructure for developing and developing data driven solutions. We employ state of the art algorithms to help facilitate the classification of documents, ranking and recommendation of content, analysing and measuring user behaviour and performance in order to extract value and actionable insights from customer interaction data -- facilitating the move to data-driven decision making.
Information Behaviour
Information Behaviour studies the wide range of ways in which people interact with information, from finding, creating, using, sharing, disseminating, and avoiding information. We conduct studies of behaviour in varied contexts, including education, health, cultural heritage, and work with many groups of information users, with a particular focus on marginalised groups to understand what barriers may be faced by those seeking information and how those barriers can be overcome.
Interactive Information Retrieval
Finding the right information is the key to success in the digital age. The Interactive Information Retrieval group specialises in understanding how people search for information and developing interactive search tools that support their information seeking and retrieval work tasks. The Interactive Information Retrieval group takes a holistic approach to studying users and their search behaviours, developing tools and interfaces that provide effective and efficient access to heterogeneous, unstructured multi-media collections of information.
Cultural Heritage
We work in information-related topics relating to the preservation, access, and management of cultural heritage. We are particularly interested in topics such as cultural heritage and well-being, visitor experience, meta-data management and sharing, and access to information and objects within libraries and museums. We also explore new directions in cultural heritage such as AI and decarbonisation, and invoke ideas from areas such as spirituality, education, and technology in our research.
Why Strathclyde
QS 2023 ranked Strathclyde as 4th in the UK and 22nd in the world for Information & Library Studies. We've been a leading school of information and library science in the UK for over 70 years. We're a member of the prestigious iSchools organisation, and the Strathclyde iSchool Research Group is one of the leading information science research groups in the UK.
We bridge theory and practice, and have worked collaboratively with a number of partners on funded research including:
- National Health Service (NHS) Scotland
- BAE Systems
- National Museums Scotland
- Barnardos
- National Galleries Scotland
- BiP Solutions Ltd
- National Library of Scotland
- European Space Agency
- Capita
- Microsoft
- Europeana
- NHS
- BBC
Course content
The course duration is a minimum of three years full-time or four years of part-time study. You'll normally undertake the research at your place of work and it should be relevant to your current position. The DInfSci can be conducted entirely remotely, and therefore is suitable for international applicants. Applicants who are closer to Strathclyde can attend physical events, such as seminars, as well as engage in distance supervision and training.
The DInfSci starts with a tailored programme of research preparation consisting of three stages.
The DInfSci can be undertaken full-time or part-time. As the DInfSci requires a significant amount of personal effort, it's best to speak to us about your own situation before you apply. We can advise on typical workloads and how your DInfSci plans may work alongside your other commitments.
Stage one: Literature & scholarship
Individual supervisory meetings and supporting material on how to conduct a literature search including use of specialist bibliographic databases will provide you with the means to create a solid academic foundation for your research programme. This stage will allow you to create a robust review of the academic and practitioner literature and be able to confidently articulate the knowledge gaps in your area of study.
Stage two Directed study on areas of specialist knowledge
This stage will allow you to define the area of professional practice which you wish to research. This stage will contain a mixture of analysis, scoping projects, and stakeholder interactions to define your research project and associated research questions. You may also choose from classes within our instructional programmes to supply additional skills and specialist knowledge.
Stage three Research methods
This stage will provide you with the required research skills for your research programme. You'll take our MSc level Research Methods course to understand the processes involved in designing a research project, be able to differentiate major research paradigms and methods associated with them, identify suitable research methods and instruments, plan a research project, create ethically sound research programme, and how to document your research.
Thesis
Having pass these three preparatory stages, you'll then undertake your individual research programme culminating in a thesis of around 60, 000 words.
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are per academic year unless otherwise stated.
Entrants may be subject to a small fee during the writing up period.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.
| Scotland | £4,786 |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £4,786 |
| Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
| International | £22,400 |
| Funding | Take a look at our funding your postgraduate research web page for funding information. You can also view our scholarships search for further funding opportunities. |
| Postgraduate research opportunities | Search for all funded and non-funded postgraduate research opportunities. |
| Fee information | The fee includes:
It excludes:
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| Additional costs | International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Part time students will pay pro-rata fees.
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Supervisors
| Name | Areas of expertise |
|---|---|
| Dr Leif Azzopardi |
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| Professor Gobinda Chowdhury |
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| Dr Martin Halvey |
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| Dr Perla Innocenti |
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| Dr Yashar Moshfeghi |
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| Dr Dmitri Roussinov |
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| Professor Ian Ruthven |
|
Postgraduate research at the Strathclyde Doctoral School
The Strathclyde Doctoral School offers a vibrant, student-centred research and training environment, dedicated to supporting both current and future research talent.
Bringing together all four of our faculties, it is committed to enhancing the student experience, increasing research outputs and opportunities, and ensuring that training is delivered at the highest standard.
As a postgraduate researcher, you will automatically become a member of the Strathclyde Doctoral School.
Support & development
Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PgCert RPD)
As part of your PhD, you will be enrolled in the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PgCert RPD).
This certificate is designed to enhance your research experience and recognize the skills and activities you develop as a research student.
It will help you build essential skills for both professional development and employability, including:
- Knowledge and intellectual abilities to conduct your research
- Personal qualities that will enable you to succeed in your research and future career
- Understanding the standards, requirements, and conduct expected of a professional researcher in your field
- The ability to collaborate effectively and communicate the impact of your research to diverse audiences
You will plan these activities alongside your doctoral studies, documenting and reflecting on your journey to success along the way.
Careers
The University Careers Service can help you with everything from writing your CV to interview preparation.
Student support
From financial advice to our IT facilities, we have a wide range of support for all students here at Strathclyde. Get all the information you need at Strathlife.
Apply
Entry requirements
You must hold a UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, at minimum 2:1 level or a Masters degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised academic institution. In addition, you would be expected to have a minimum of five years management experience within the information professions.
Application process
We strongly advise you to contact us before making an application so that we can discuss your application with you and whether DInfSci is right course of study for you. The DInfSci is an intensive degree requiring a large individual commitment but one which is highly rewarding for those to undertake it. If you're interested, please either contact individual supervisors who are in your area of interest or our Programme Lead, Professor Ian Ruthven (ian.ruthven@strath.ac.uk).
We would appreciate hearing from you what topics you may be interested in, a brief account of your career history, details on your proposed project, and why you're considering a DInfSci.
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