About the Doctor of Clinical Science
The DClinSci is a research degree that meets QAA Level 8 criteria and the Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area (FQ-EHEA) for doctoral degrees. In addition to the production of original research, the programme emphasises the acquisition of skills relevant to professional practice. It enables individuals to situate professional knowledge developed over time in a theoretical academic framework and includes a research project embedded within the candidate’s professional context.
This Doctoral level academic programme underpins an individuals development through formalised and facilitated teaching and research as they:
- Create and interpret new knowledge through original research scholarship requiring advanced academic enquiry.
- Systematically acquire and apply a substantial body of scientific and clinical knowledge at the forefront of their specialism and embrace the future scientific and technological advances within the field.
- Systematically acquire, develop and apply the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment as a consultant clinical scientist, requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and taking largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations.
The 5-year programme equates to 540 credits split across the 3 sections of the programme, namely:
- Leadership and Professional Development (Section A)
- Specialist Scientific Clinical Programme and Research (Section B)
- Development and Innovation (Section C)
The DClinSci supports trainees to develop the knowledge, skills, experience, behaviours and attitudes required of a clinical leader, in an evolving and rapidly developing health and life sciences sector.
Exceptions to the DClinSci for Life Science trainees
Following an agreement with the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath), trainees in Life Science specialties can use the successful completion of FRCPath part 1 to demonstrate the scientific specialist knowledge required for the Doctorate (section B). Similarly the research project undertaken as part of the Professional Doctorate (with proposals reviewed and approved by the RCPath), can be used to demonstrate the required written component for FRCPath part 2 (in specialties where this is required).
Delivering the academic part of the programme
The Manchester Academy for Healthcare Scientist Education (MAHSE) consortium is responsible for delivering the academic part of the programme. The MAHSE HSST consortium consists of the following partner institutions:
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- University of Manchester (lead university)
- Manchester Alliance Business School
Details of the doctoral programme can be found in the MAHSE programme specification. Further information on the academic component of the HSST programme and the possible recognition of prior experiential learning (APEL) can be obtained directly from the MAHSE administrative office.