• Research

Professional Doctorate in Nursing DNurs

Overview

Overview

A professional doctorate in Nursing allows you to delve into why we do the things we do in nursing, with a pragmatic focus on developing the nursing profession and answering practical questions to impact practice.

Studying for a professional doctorate with us will allow you time to explore the questions you want to ask that are relevant to your ward or setting.

At the College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare we have a wide range of expertise in research and the education of nurses.

While at the Richard Wells Research Centre, we conduct primary research, undertake guideline development and review and, through its work as an internationally accredited centre for evidence-based practice, carry out comprehensive systematic reviews.

Our particular areas of expertise are:

  • patient safety and infection
  • mental health
  • midwifery and family health
  • learning disability
  • healthcare management and service improvement.
Large team of medical staff standing together smiling

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Professional Doctorate in Nursing with us?

Why study Professional Doctorate in Nursing with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

A strong supervisory team, who were critical yet building, together with ample support from administrative staff got me through this rewarding journey - combined with an overall a sense of camaraderie with fellow doctoral students.

Maya Flax, PhD
Next
Infographic with the text, 'Turn your career into a doctorate'
Graphic celebrating University of West London's research results
A female student sitting down with a mentor
Study full time or part time
Course detail

Course detail

You will study two core modules (such as Research Methods for Professional Practice and Research Analysis and Data in the Professions) which prepare you to improve your research skills; as well as studying subject-specific modules to support your research within healthcare (e.g. Understanding Complexity in Healthcare and Evidence Synthesis in Healthcare Research). 

The modules are designed to be applicable to your professional practice, and you will be encouraged to apply their learning within your workplace. Many of our current students have research topics directly related to their professional roles and are collecting data within their workplace.

After taking modules during the first two years of the professional doctorate you will move into an independent research phase, where you will collect your data, analyse and write up your study.

Facilities

Apart from the resources found in the Richard Wells Research Centre, the College also has a partnership with the NIHR ARC NWL based at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust and works closely with Trusts in the local area to support the education and continuing education of local nurses. The College also has a Simulation Centre a cutting-edge facility that allows high fidelity patient simulations.

Compulsory modules

  • Research Methods in Professional Practice

    The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your theoretical, methodological and research skills to enhance your ability to conduct rigorous research and reach to sound analytical conclusions, which can form the basis for the development of effective service delivery in professional organisations.

  • Evidence Synthesis In Healthcare Research

    The module aims to enable you to:

    • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the purpose of evidence synthesis and the methods used to synthesise evidence from research and other sources

    • Develop the knowledge and critical skills required to undertake a scoping review that addresses a clinical/ practice/ service question and identify potential research gaps.

  • Understanding Complexity in Healthcare Research

    The purpose of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the specific issues that arise in researching within the healthcare context. You will utilise a range of exploratory tools which will support you to refine your research and ensure feasibility.

Compulsory modules

  • Research Analysis and Data in the Professions

    The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your understanding of analysis in both quantitative and qualitative research skills, to enhance your ability to conduct rigorous research, analyse data and reach sound analytical conclusions, which can form the basis for the development of effective service delivery in professional organisations.

  • Navigating the Research Approval Process: Governance, Ethics and Methodology

    The purpose of this module is to provide you with a critical understanding of the complex ethical and governance issues associated with conducting research in healthcare disciplines and systems.

  • Leading and Connecting Healthcare Research to Practice

    The purpose of this module is to provide you with an understanding and the practical skills to lead research within healthcare practice. The module will enable you to develop skills in leadership, negotiating with colleagues, managing your supervisor and understanding your own development as a researcher.

You will carry out an original piece of research and present your work as a 40,000 word thesis. You will work independently with the supervision of your principal and secondary supervisor.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

You must be classified as an EU (or UK) student before starting the course.

You will normally need:

  • a good first degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent in a relevant field
  • a Master’s Degree with Merit or Distinction or equivalent professional experience

 

In addition, you need to have at least two years' relevant professional experience, endorsed by relevant membership of a professional body or institute. Your research needs to be in an area which falls within the University's research domain to enable the University to appoint relevant supervisors.

You may also enter via non-traditional routes, by demonstrating Masters-equivalent experience and learning. 

You must be classified as an EU (or UK) student before starting the course.

You will normally need:

  • a good first degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent in a relevant field
  • a Master’s Degree with Merit or Distinction or equivalent professional experience
  • a minimum IELTS score (International English Language Testing System) of 6.5 (with no element under 6.0) or equivalent. Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept. You are exempt from this requirement if you have a previous degree obtained in the UK.

In addition, you need to have at least two years' relevant professional experience, endorsed by relevant membership of a professional body or institute. Your research needs to be in an area which falls within the University's research domain to enable the University to appoint relevant supervisors.

You may also enter via non-traditional routes, by demonstrating Masters-equivalent experience and learning. 

Supervisors

Supervisors

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A team of nurses

Students who complete a doctorate have a number of pathways they can follow in their postdoctoral career.

Many students choose to continue with their research and choose to apply for postdoctoral research positions. It is also popular to return to nursing and bring your research expertise to your next nursing post.

A third pathway some choose is to move into education, using their research expertise and practical experience to the next generation of nurses.

How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.