Transitions in professionals’ perspectives: Understanding how professional doctorate candidates develop as critical professionals and how their studies support their sense of agency.

Project Ref: PHDHN1701. The professional doctorate (DProf sometimes known as the ProfD) is an example of an alternative type of doctoral education focused on research training or contributing to professional development within a particular profession therefore most people that undertake a professional doctorate are likely to be concerned with researching issues of professional importance. Professional doctorates are designed to make an impact in professional fields where influence is achieved through individuals and their organisation, networks etc. (Costley and Stephenson, 2009). This provides academics with a unique opportunity to gain insight into the cultural practices within different professional settings and to understand how the socio-cultural practices within these settings enable or impede improvements in professional practice. Knorr Cetina’s (1999) work on epistemic cultures that brings the knowledge that matters in practices to the fore tends to downplay the personal dimension in favour of the socio-cultural and micro-political. Her notion of ‘engrossment’ with knowledge illuminates those professional practices which are not merely a matter of rule following but involve engaging with what is valued professionally. However, what is less clear is what impact such ‘engrossment’ has on the person undertaking a professional doctorate? What interpersonal (cognitive/metacognitive and affective) and professional changes occur as professional doctoral candidates progress their studies? What learning activities stimulate significant developments in area such as critical literacy, micro-political awareness and emotional intelligence? The PhD studentship will involve the use of qualitative methodologies to explore professional doctorate candidates’ professional and personal experiences as they journey through their studies. In particular, the studentship will focus on how professional doctorate candidates develop as critical professionals and how their studies support their sense of agency.