Flexible doctoral research: emerging issues in professional doctorate programs

Abstract

This article outlines the current position and debates concerning professional doctorates in Australia. The growth in professional doctorates has been substantial over recent years with most of the nation's thirty‐seven universities offering such awards. However, there are many challenges stemming from these developments which range from concerns over: the status of doctoral degrees; fostering research which is useful for professions, industry, commerce and government; developing and sustaining appropriate research and dissemination skills in students; developing and sustaining appropriate supervision qualities in staff, and appropriate examining qualities in others; and calculating the balance between courseworkand research. The focus here is on the ‘delivery’ of ‘flexible researching’ often found in professional doctorate programs which differ from traditional notions of doctoral supervision incorporating views of research, a thesis and supervision which can be characterised as rather inflexible.

This article analyses the contribution that theories and practices of flexible learning can make to the understanding and practice of professional doctorates and the relationships and characteristics which are required of organisations and their staff as they provide and ‘ facilitate doctoral learning and research for professional contexts. The article raises some issues and questions which arise for those involved with and concerned about ensuring and are enhancing the quality of professional doctorates.