Assessment matters: some issues concerning the supervision and assessment of work‐based doctorates

Abstract

Since 2000, I have been working towards a professional doctorate at Middlesex University, and I am also working to introduce a work‐based doctorate at Coventry University. This paper looks at the issues of supervision and assessment for work‐based doctorates, which, I believe, are key to the design of such a programme and affect both the output and outcome of a candidate's work. The paper is based on a review of literature and discussions with academics from a number of universities. It appears that work‐based doctorates, and I include here professional doctorates and Doctor of Business Administration, are subject to the same supervision and assessment processes as a Ph.D. My contention, therefore, is that if supervision and assessment of a work‐based doctorate mirrors what happens on a Ph.D., then candidates will produce work that is indistinguishable from a Ph.D., in which case why have a different doctoral award? As such this paper represents work in progress towards my doctorate, where I am a candidate, and the introduction of a work‐based doctorate at Coventry, where I am the curriculum designer. It therefore is designed to raise points of concern rather than supply answers.