Computer & Information Sciences Professional Doctorate Programme

The Professional Doctorate allows those in professional practice to undertake high quality practitioner-oriented research, leading to the award of DInfSci, with the benefit of remaining in employment.

How does it work?

The Professional Doctorate can be taken full-time or part-time

You'll register for a doctoral programme at the University of Strathclyde, while in employment with a company or non-profit organisation.

You'll focus on problems relevant to your employer that require original research solutions, and will be supervised by an academic member of staff in the Department of Computer & Information Sciences.

You'll take part in a tailored programme in research training to develop your skills in the design of research projects. This will be followed by the completion of research project leading to a doctoral thesis.

The Professional Doctorate can be undertaken full-time (three years) or part-time (five years).

Benefits to candidates

One of the main advantages, that will appeal to many candidates, is their research project will be conducted in the workplace, most likely on a project that their employer is already committed to.

This means if you want to further your professional development, you won't be required to give up your existing job - something that may have restricted a return to education for many.

Benefits to professional practice

It aims to improve professional thinking and practice

The Professional Doctorate researches issues which arise from the world of professional practice, through the critical review and systematic application of appropriate theories and research to professional and industry based practice. 

It aims not only to increase knowledge about practice, but also to inform and impact on practice, to improve professional competence and professional thinking.

It needs to relate to the relevant professional context and to involve critical reflection on the development of the profession.

Information science at Strathclyde

Strathclyde has been leading in the education and research of Library and Information Sciences since 1947.

As part of the prestigious international i-schools organisation, we're one of the top international research schools for Information Science in the United Kingdom. Working with industry and the Library & Information Science profession, we have research experience in:

  • interactive information retrieval
  • information seeking behaviour
  • information architecture
  • information policy

Further information 

Find out further information about our existing doctoral projects.

For more information on professional doctorates please contact Prof Ian Ruthven: