The impact of professional doctorates in the workplace: evidence from the criminal justice sector. Issue 3 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Creaton, Jane
• Is Part Of: Research in post-compulsory education. Volume 26:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 274
• Page End: 289
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Professional doctorates -- impact -- professional practice -- criminal justice -- workplace; Post-compulsory education -- Research -- Periodicals; Education, Higher -- Research -- Periodicals; 374
• DOI: 10.1080/13596748.2021.1920259
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-6748

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study explores the impact of professional doctorates in the workplace in the specific context of the criminal justice sector, through a qualitative study of practitioners who have graduated from professional doctorates in criminal justice and security risk management. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 25 graduates was undertaken to identify the nature and extent of impact on their workplaces. The study suggests that professional doctorates may potentially have a significant impact on the workplace, but the actual extent is shaped by three interrelated factors: the motivations of students, the role of their employer and the nature of the programme in which they are enrolled. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications for how institutions could design and deliver professional doctorate programmes in order to extend workplace impact.