Doctor of Professional Studies

Program Identifier: DPROFST

Alternative Programs
Students considering the Doctor of Professional Studies program should also consider the Doctor of Business Administration and the Doctor of Philosophy in Business Research programs.

Overview
The Doctor of Professional Studies degree, D.Prof., is the pinnacle degree for the active professional manager. The purpose of the D.Prof. is to provide active managers with a flexible approach for the advanced study of a managerial problem important to their organization. Individuals pursuing this degree are interested in examining a relevant business problem from a “hands-on” practical perspective in order to derive applicable outcomes for their organization. Given the applied nature of the program it is considered an inter-disciplinary degree that focuses on the solution of real world problems to the organization. It is often pursued with the direct support of the candidate’s company due to the intrinsic value of the program to the operations of the work-place.

The degree is considered an alternative to the theoretical orientation of the D. Phil. in Business Research degree. Individuals entering this program have the intention of building upon their significant practical experience in the work-place and taking that experience to the next level. The degree is appropriate for mid-to-senior level managers who have a minimum of 5 year experience.

Recognition
The D.Prof. is an internationally recognized degree equivalent to other Doctoral degrees. The successful candidate is allowed to use the title “Doctor” as is customary with the D. Phil., D.B.A. or Ph.D. degrees. The degree is also referred to as D.P.S.

Dual Degree Award (D.Phil./Ph.D.)
This degree is also available as a dual degree with our University partner, Unversidad Azteca.

Distance Learning Structure
Manuscript-only and research methodology course, over 36 month period. The Doctor of Professional Studies program is designed as a distance learning option. Students complete the program under the supervision of their supervisor using the state of the art Moodle Learning Platform. Students are not required to be on-campus except for the final dissertation defense (viva voce).

Design
The outcome of the D.Prof. is typically a manuscript that identifies an applied solution to a current problem facing the candidate’s organization. Due to the applied nature of this program the study outcome may also be other types of work including: a critical computer program, a policy report, a detailed marketing report, new business venture, etc.

For consistency across programs candidates are required to complete a research methodology course that assist them in perfecting the design of their study. Once completed the student enters the study phase of the program and works with his/her supervisor to produce the study outcome. After the study outcome has been completed the student presents the final outcome of the study program to the Doctoral committee with the support of their supervisor/promoter.

The evaluation of the D.Prof. degree is 100% based on the quality of the final study outcome as presented to the committee in cooperation with the candidate’s supervisor/promoter. Students have a limit of 60 months within which they complete the program.

Study Outcome
Each candidate is required to produce a study outcome that is presented to the Doctoral Committee with the support of their supervisor/promoter. The study outcome may take different forms depending on the nature of the issue and problem at hand. For some candidates the production of a critical piece of computer software may be the outcome. For others a complete marketing of new business venture document and plan may be the outcome while for others a new detailed policy with wide ranging effect on the organization may be the outcome. For business people in the arts a new play, musical or technological application to their field may be the study outcome.

Areas of Study
The Doctor of Professional Studies can relate to a number of professional or functional areas of study and include those mentioned below. Other domains not listed may also be followed on discussion with the faculty in order to determine appropriate supervision of faculty members. Also, students may, upon the collaboration with the administration, design an interdisciplinary degree which can cover two or more study domains.

  • Accounting
  • Business Ethics / Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • General Management
  • Global / International Business
  • Human Resource Management
  • Industrial Relations
  • Information Technology / Digital Media
  • Innovation
  • Marketing / Sales
  • Leadership Studies
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Production Management
  • Real Estate Development / Management
  • Sustainability
  • Strategy
  • Tourism Studies

ECTS & Hours of Study
The D. Prof. accounts for 180 credits under the ECTS scheme, European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. The ECTS are split between the Research Methodology course component and the Study Outcome stages. Each ECTS represents 25 hours of study. Therefore, the program accounts for 4,500 hours of study. Though the allocated allotment of study hours may vary per student, the program design is based on the following:

  • Res600: Research Methodology for Doctoral Students (30 ECTS; 750 hours)
  • Phase 1: Analysis – Interpretation of issue (40 ECTS; 1,000 hours)
  • Phase 2: Verification – Comparison with similar topics (45 ECTS; 1,000 hours)
  • Phase 3: Application – The Study Outcome (45 ECTS; 1,000 hours)
  • Phase 4: Innovation – New knowledge produced by the Study (30 ECTS; 750 hours)
  • Presentation to the Committee (1 Day Event, Max 2 Hours, Obligatory)

The learning objectives and potential outcome are specifically identified within the Research Methodology course.

Program Available To

  • Graduates from accredited undergraduate programs. Undergraduate students must demonstrate superior academic and personal/professional qualifications in order to be accepted directly into Doctoral studies.
  • Graduates from accredited master programs.
  • Graduates from Monarch Business School Master level programs.
  • High level senior executives/managers that lack an undergraduate degree but may otherwise demonstrate extensive practical experience and critical knowledge of an industry.

ABD Transfers
DBA, Ph.D., D.Phil. or D.Prof. Candidates from other Universities that have concluded their course work but have yet to complete their thesis work may be eligible to complete their dissertation work at Monarch given that they meet the eligibility requirements. Eligibility is determined on an individual basis and candidates should contact the administration to enquire.

Program Tuition
The program may be followed through the following two option:

  • Doctor of Professional Studies Degree = 20,000 €
  • Ph.D. in Administration Option (Dual Degree Option) = 5,000 € Additional Fee
  • For Possible Scholarship Information See Below

Supplemental Library Access Fees
The University charges a digital library access fee for each student to cover the duration of their program of study. Master students are charged a fee of 250.00 €. Doctoral students are charged a fee of 500.00 €.

Tuition Payment
Fees are payable semi-annually in advance.

Tuition Payment Method
Tuition Fees are payable by international wire transfer.

Scholarship For Students Originating From Developing Countries
In order to help make available the opportunity to complete higher degrees for students originating from developing countries, as defined by the OECD, the Office of the Dean of the Faculty provides partial scholarships equivalent to 25% of the total standard program tuition. Eligible students must indicate their intention to request such tuition relief upon application to the program. Please note that as a private university UGSM-Monarch Business School is not in a position to provide full scholarships as it does not receive support from government agencies.