Course duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: 4 years (max 6 years)
About the course
The programme will assist you to:
- undertake critical reflection upon your own professional practice
- question, explore and enhance, through substantive and original research, current professional practice
- develop, through your thesis and other work, an original contribution to knowledge and practice within your own profession
- disseminate research outcomes, and to manage change, in order to advance practice within your profession.
During the first two years a programme of study of research methodologies and exploration of contemporary professional issues is provided on study days, with opportunities to develop research skills through three assignments embedded within your professional practice.
The final two to four years are devoted to a major independent study of an aspect of professional practice directly relevant to your own work. You will be a member of a multi-professional cohort, supported throughout your doctoral studies with personal supervision, and with opportunities for collaborative peer support through action learning and a web-based learning environment.
Typical entry requirements
The entry requirements listed here are for students starting their course in 2013. Individual offers may vary
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 7.0 overall and 7.0 in writing.
Degree and/or experience:
You are eligible to apply if you have successfully completed a masters-level programme, are registered to practice in the UK in one of the relevant professions (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, biomedical sciences, counselling, psychotherapy, social work), and have at least three years of appropriate professional experience.
For equivalent international qualifications
We can help you meet our English language entry requirements
For help meeting English language requirements contact our
Language Institute.
We can help you meet our academic entry requirements
For help meeting academic entry requirements contact our
International College.
If you cannot find your country listed, please email admissions@brighton.ac.uk
The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.
The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.
What's included in the fee?
When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.
You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.
Our website www.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.
| Nursing (Professional Doctorate) (Full time) | [L3AF001] |
| UK/EU (Full Time) | 4,725 GBP |
| Island Students (Full Time) | 10,080 GBP |
| International (Full Time) | 14,400 GBP |
| UK/EU (Part Time) | 2,363 GBP |
| Island Students (Part Time) | 5,040 GBP |
| International (Part Time) | 7,200 GBP |
Eastbourne is a thriving town which offers traditional seaside attractions, modern nightlife, good shopping and a wide range of sporting activities. It’s one of the sunniest places in the UK.
Our Eastbourne campus is located at the foot of the South Downs National Park, about ten minutes walk from the seafront and 20 minutes from the pier and Eastbourne town centre. Almost 3,000 students are based here.
View campus maps and directions
Living in Eastbourne
Eastbourne’s buzzing university community and compact town gives it a laid back and friendly feel. The town combines the traditional seaside attractions with modern nightlife, a wide range of sporting activities and an exciting arts scene.
Social scene
The student community in Eastbourne ensures it has a thriving social scene, with dedicated student nights at many of the town’s pubs and clubs. Eastbourne’s expanding nightlife includes trendy cocktail bars, laid-back country pubs and modern nightclubs.

Arts
The striking Towner contemporary art museum in Eastbourne features international exhibitions as well as a permanent art collection. Eastbourne's six theatres give you a chance to see West End musicals, touring shows, live music and comedy.

Sports
Eastbourne has long been the home of pre-Wimbledon tennis tournaments at Devonshire Park. Eastbourne also hosts an extreme sports festival and the Beachy Head Marathon that takes place across the South Downs National Park.
A professional doctorate is an outstanding opportunity for in-depth professional development together with the formal recognition of the award of a doctoral degree.