Doctoral Thesis

Module Description

The thesis is a compulsory element of the DBA. The aim of it is to produce original Doctoral research work on a clearly defined topic. The process of writing a thesis/compilation thesis will enable the student to develop deeper knowledge, understanding, capabilities and attitudes in the context of the Doctoral studies undertaken.

The Thesis can take one or two forms:

• A monograph in the traditional way which should not exceed 60,00 words and/ or 250 pages. or
• A Compilation Thesis

In the latter case, the format should be as follows:

• Abstract
• Chapter 1: Introduction – An introduction to the aims of the research, the key research questions being addressed, and how these are addressed in the papers included in the thesis.
• Chapter 2: Literature Review – An extensive review of the key literature and how it leads into the Doctoral project. When the amount of literature reviewed in the papers within the thesis are significant, the student may choose to merge the Introduction and Literature Review chapters into a single chapter.
• Chapters 3: At least three to four papers are expected to be included, however number will be determined by the scale of the papers, in terms of the amount and significance of the research included, and the nature of the area of study. Supervisors are to advise students in relation to this. Each paper normally comprises a separate chapter and papers may be published, in revision, or submitted. However, it is preferable that at least one of the papers is published or accepted for publication. In cases where additional discussion of the material in the papers is deemed necessary, this can be included at the end of the relevant chapter or included in the final chapter.
• Final Chapter: Conclusions and Discussion. This should summarise and critically discuss the main findings of the research, comparing the research questions and conclusions presented in the separate pieces of work. Theoretical and practical implications of the work and how it advances the field should be considered, followed by suggestions for future work.

Entry Requirements

Candidates who apply for this course will require to be: 

• Professionals whose academic studies include 1st cycle (undergraduate and Bachelor’s levels) and 2nd cycle (Graduate and Masters level) qualifications totalling not less than 240 ECTS in areas related to healthcare and management.  Any other professional who meets the Level requirements (L7 + L6 to a total of 240 ECTS) coming from a different area, but has 7 years of experience in a managerial position will also be considered. 

OR 

• A Level 7 Master’s Qualification (90 ECTS) related to healthcare and management, together with a Level 5 Higher Diploma equivalent to 120 ECTS and a minimum of 5 years working experience in Management within a specialised sector/area which is directly related to and relevant to the subject being researched in the Doctoral Programme.   

RPL will be considered for applicants with other high-level qualifications (e.g. OTHM L8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice). The maximum number of credits that may be gained through RPL will not exceed 50%. For more information regarding IDEA College’s RPL Policy and Process, please refer to: https://mt.ideaeducation.com/app/uploads/2024/07/Doc_007_24-Recognition-of-Prior-Learning-Policy-and-Process.pdf 

Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.5 or equivalent by presenting evidence (formal certificate) of an achieved pass at that level.   

Target Audience

The target group for this doctorate programme consists of experienced professionals and senior practitioners working in, or aspiring to work in, advanced leadership, policy, and management roles in the health and social care sectors. Participants are expected to be mid-career or senior-level professionals with substantial practical experience, holding a relevant Master’s degree (MQF Level 7 or equivalent), and seeking to progress to doctoral-level study (MQF Level 8). 

Specifically, the programme is designed for: 

• Health professionals (e.g., physicians, nurses, allied health practitioners) who have moved into leadership, governance, or policy-making roles.
• Senior managers and executives in hospitals, health systems, public health agencies, and NGOs.
• Policy advisors, regulators, and government officials engaged in health strategy, workforce planning, and global health governance.
• Academics, researchers, and consultants seeking to deepen their expertise in health policy or workforce sustainability.
• International learners, including those from low- and middle-income countries, who wish to strengthen their capacity to respond to global health and workforce challenges. 

This diverse learner group will bring interdisciplinary and international perspectives, fostering a community of interprofessional practice aligned with IDEA College’s teaching philosophy. 

How you’ll be assessed

This unit shall be assessed through either:

1. A thesis no longer than 60,000 words/250 pages excluding bibliography, but including tables, tables of contents, footnotes, and appendices) to be submitted via Turnitin online portal. or
2. A Compilation Thesis with a format as follows:

• Abstract
• Chapter 1: Introduction – An introduction to the aims of the research, the key research questions being addressed, and how these are addressed in the papers included in the thesis.
• Chapter 2: Literature Review – An extensive review of the key literature and how it leads into the Doctoral project. When the amount of literature reviewed in the papers within the thesis are significant, the student may choose to merge the Introduction and Literature Review chapters into a single chapter.
• Chapters 3: At least three to four papers are expected to be included, however number will be determined by the scale of the papers, in terms of the amount and significance of the research included, and the nature of the area of study. Supervisors are to advise students in relation to this. Each paper normally comprises a separate chapter and papers may be published, in revision, or submitted. However, it is preferable that at least one of the papers is published or accepted for publication. In cases where additional discussion of the material in the papers is deemed necessary, this can be included at the end of the relevant chapter or included in the final chapter. ·
• Final Chapter: Conclusions and Discussion. This should summarise and critically discuss the main findings of the research, comparing the research questions and conclusions presented in the separate pieces of work. Theoretical and practical implications of the work and how it advances the field should be considered, followed by suggestions for future work.

Assessment

The thesis must be submitted for examination upon successful completion of all compulsory units specified in this application. The pass mark for the thesis will be set at 50%.

For both formats of the thesis (monograph or compilation thesis), the final product should demonstrate:

• High level critical understanding and applicability of theoretical constructs in real life as a result of developed new constructs.
• Originality of fieldwork or independent research, to propose new hypothesis and/or models such as the analysis of primary published data, original laboratory research, archival research, or independent computer-based research.
• Outstanding critical ability in the appropriate analytical and/or interpretative techniques and contain a thorough reflexive or critical commentary on its research design and methodology.
• Coherent structure, and may show significant innovation in its organisational form.
• Evidence of in-depth reading, demonstrating excellent critical synthesis of secondary research, and very strong convergence between its original research and wider theoretical issues.
• Build-up of argument showing academic rigour in reflective discussion of convergence and divergence of findings from research literature.
• Outstanding scholarly presentation of referencing and bibliography of researched peer reviewed articles.
• Original and persuasive use of quotations.
• Excellent scholarly writing skills.