Submission of the thesis comprising circa 50,000 words and approved by the Principal supervisor and A viva comprising an oral examination of the thesis by external and internal examiners.

This module represents the point on the course at which you engage in the doctorate level challenge at level 8. It is not possible to commence this module without having achieved 180 credits of the programme constituting achievement of the Masters level. Also prior to undertaking this module you are expected to have completed the Review of the Literature and Research Proposal module, where you will have been advised to be thinking and preparing research ideas. The challenge in this module involves the completion of a Doctoral Research Project and in being examined through a viva. The module provides you with an opportunity to conduct practice-based research involving the collection of data on a chosen research topic, data processing as well as statistics analyses. The Thesis can be done using a qualitative, quantitative or a mixed methodology.

Co-requisites Developing Advance Clinicals Research Practices and Dissemination ( should be taken at the last year on this module)

Successful completion of Stage 1 of the course.

1. Utilize research and synthesise to development of new techniques, ideas, approaches, and the creation and interpretation of new knowledge of appropriate quality for publication in in the peer review journals related to the area of healthcare sciences.
Knowledge and Understanding
Enquiry
Analysis
Communication
Application

2. Communicate technical advances skillfully and able to construct and articulate an argument to a diverse audience in the wider context.
Knowledge and Understanding
Enquiry
Problem Solving
Communication
Application

3. Apply advanced research techniques to academic enquiry and develop deep understanding of its implications and impact on professional practice.
Learning
Enquiry
Analysis
Problem Solving
Application

4. Communicate ideas clearly and effectively debate scientific concepts to wide range of audiences in clinical and applied research contexts showing an autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations.
Problem Solving
Communication
Application

5. Reflect critically upon the inter-relationship between ethics, policy, research and professional practice and to be able to make informed judgements on complex issues in the Healthcare Science field, often in the absence of complete data.
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Enquiry
Analysis
Problem Solving
Application
Reflection

Submission of a thesis in line with the guidelines provided. Depending on the award specific demands, the thesis will be a 50,000 word (maximum) typically comprising an abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion and conclusion. This together with the Viva (examination of thesis by the panel of examiners – usually one external and one internal examiners) is worth 100% of the module grade and assesses LO’s 1-5.

In addition, you are required to submit to the module leader three, progress reports at every 6 months, following a template provided at the beginning of the module. You are required to submit 2 bound hard copies of your Doctoral Research Thesis along with the electronic version.

The development of a sound research proposal will begin on completion of the Systematic Review of the Literature and Research Proposal module. The Doctoral Research Thesis will then implement this proposal and enable you to conduct the research. Guidance throughout this process will be given by your research supervisor and any other member of the supervisory team who has expertise in the area you are researching. On some occasions support is also given externally by your external supervisor/advisor from the industry or at your workplace.

Doctoral degree characteristics, QAA September 2011
The UK doctorate: a guide for current and prospective doctoral candidates QAA
The University Professional Doctorate Regulations 2017-18

Access to the online library, SPSS, blackboard, Voicethread and Turnitin is required. Access to the labs in School of LSE ( i.e. Biomedical Sciences Lab; Biomechanics and Gait Analyses Lab; Physiology Lab etc ) is required

Submission of a thesis in line with the guidelines provided. Depending on the award specific demands, the thesis will be a 50,000 word (maximum) typically comprising an abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion and conclusion. This together with the Viva (examination of thesis by the panel of examiners – usually one external and one internal examiners) is worth 100% of the module grade and assesses LO’s 1-5.