Access to Doctorate

Access to Year 1 of PhD or DBA

Unit Specification: Access to Doctorate for Master’s Qualified Candidates
Unit Title: Access to PhD for master’s qualified candidates
SCQF Level: 11
SCQF Credit Points: 20
Delivery Duration: 8 Weeks
Assessment: PhD Research Proposal in Business and Management

Purpose

This unit is designed as a standalone award for individuals holding a master’s degree who aspire to pursue doctoral studies in Business and Management. It provides structured guidance to develop a viable and academically rigorous doctorate research proposal, aligning with the expectations of doctoral programs.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate existing literature to identify research gaps in a chosen area of Business and
Management.
2. Formulate a coherent and researchable problem statement and corresponding research questions,
aims and Objectives.
3. Design an appropriate research methodology, including data collection and analysis strategies,
suitable for doctoral-level research.
4. Develop a comprehensive doctorate research proposal that meets academic standards and makes
original contribution to knowledge.

Indicative Content

Week 1: Introduction to Doctoral Research in Business and Management
o Understanding the nature and scope of doctoral research
o Exploring current trends and research areas in Business and Management

Week 2: Literature Review and Identifying Research Gaps
o Techniques for conducting a systematic literature review
o Strategies for identifying and articulating research gaps

Week 3: Developing Research Questions and Objectives
o Crafting clear and focused research questions
o Aligning objectives with research aims

Week 4: Research Methodology
o Overview of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches
o Selecting appropriate research designs and methods

Week 5: Ethical Considerations and Research Planning
o Understanding ethical issues in research
o Planning for ethical approval processes

Week 6: Data Collection and Analysis Techniques
o Exploring data collection methods (e.g., surveys, interviews)
o Introduction to data analysis tools and techniques

Week 7: Structuring the Research Proposal
o Components of a doctoral research proposal
o Writing strategies for clarity and coherence

Week 8: Finalising and Presenting the Proposal
o Refining the proposal based on feedback
o Preparing for potential interviews or presentations

Delivery and Support

Mode of Delivery: Online learning combining lectures, workshops, and online resources.
Learning Resources: Access to academic journals, research databases, and proposal writing guides.
Support: Regular tutorials and feedback sessions with academic supervisors.

Recommended Entry Requirements

A master’s degree in business, management, or a related discipline.

Progression Opportunities

Successful completion of this unit will prepare learners to:

Apply for Doctorate programmes in Business and Management.

Engage in advanced research projects within academic or professional settings.