Emergency Services Management (DESM) Professional Doctorate
Join a research degree for senior managers from the emergency services (ambulance, police, or fire and rescue) where you will engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue, develop as a researcher and gain skills to apply to professional practice.
Currently closed to applications
Overview
| Course length: | 4.5 years part-time |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | February 2025 October 2025 |
| Location: | Edge Hill University |
| Subject(s): | Research |
| Department: | Graduate School |
Professionalisation of the emergency services workforce and the development of strategic leadership within the blue lights, namely the ambulance, police, and fire and rescue services, are at the top of government and reform agendas.
If you are a leader or senior manager from the emergency services or prison and probation service, or if you work for local authorities, councils or health organisations and have responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, this programme will enhance your ability to question, analyse, critique and theorise. It will also encourage interoperability and multi-agency cooperation in line with the statutory duty for collaboration between the emergency services introduced in the Police and Crime Bill 2017. You will develop professional management practice while gaining an appreciation and understanding of the relationship between management research and the professional practice of management.
Upon successful completion of the Professional Doctorate in Emergency Services Management (ambulance, police, or fire and rescue services), you will have obtained and demonstrated the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research, of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication. You will make a significant contribution towards new professional practice and academic knowledge.
Course features
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International students can apply
What you'll study
You will work on a research project throughout the course, resulting in a thesis of doctoral standard, demonstrating an original contribution to the field of approximately 55,000 words.
Alongside this, you will undertake development activity in the first two years of the course. This comprises of:
- Core and methodological training which will help you to finalise your research proposal by the end of the first semester.
- A programme of related studies which will be tailored to address your specific learning needs to help you enhance your skills as a researcher.
- Subject-specific researcher training which will focus on a range of themes, including contemporary issues and challenges in management practice of the emergency services, multi-agency collaboration and interoperability between organisations, and reflexivity and becoming a reflective practitioner.
How you'll study
The programme typically requires approximately 23.5 hours per week dedicated to research-related activity. The way in which this research is structured is primarily led by you, with supervisory input.
You will also attend scheduled researcher development sessions, ranging from individual personal supervisor-led contact to supported online learning, small group work and teacher-led lectures.
There is a requirement to attend Edge Hill University for one weekend in your first semester, for core and methodical training, in addition to a total of three weekends across the first two years of the programme for subject-specific researcher training.
Outside of these occasions, attendance on campus will be determined by your individual development needs and the nature of your project.
How you'll be assessed
The programme incorporates three viva examinations where your written submissions are assessed by a team of experts.
At the first examination, after approximately seven months of study, your research proposal will be scrutinised. At the second examination, between two and three years after first registration, your research to date will be reviewed. At the third examination, your final thesis is presented.
Who will be teaching you
You will be supervised in your research by a team of academic and professional experts with specialist knowledge of emergency services management. Guest speakers will also contribute to the delivery of the programme.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements
You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) and a Masters degree (for example, MBA, MA, MSc or MRes, or equivalent). No specific subjects are required.
You must also have at least five years of management or professional experience. In exceptional circumstances, applicants without a Masters qualification but with substantial professional experience may be considered.
Overseas applicants will be considered on an individual basis and will be expected to demonstrate English language proficiency to a minimum standard of IELTS 7.0 or equivalent. Please note, however, that as this is a part-time research degree it is subject to certain visa restrictions. Please contact the International Office to check whether the University can sponsor your visa for part-time study.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 7.0, with a score no lower than 6.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification, at the point of application.
Please note, however, that as this is a part-time research degree it is subject to certain visa restrictions. Please contact the International Office to check whether the University can sponsor your visa for part-time study.
If your first language is not English and you have an IELTS score (or equivalent) which is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, our Postgraduate Research Pre-Sessional course could be ideal for you.
Further information about how international postgraduate research applicants can meet our English Language requirements is available on the International Students website.
How to apply
This course is currently closed to applications.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
There’s plenty of opportunities to come take a look around campus. Attend one of our open days to see what life at Edge Hill University is all about.
Book an open day
Facilities
As a postgraduate research student, you will be registered in the University’s Graduate School and be based in the faculty or department that is most appropriate for your project. Professional Doctorate in Emergency Services Management students will normally be based in Edge Hill Business School.
A stunning £8million building provides impressive teaching and learning facilities for students in Edge Hill Business School.
The contemporary three-storey building offers a 100-seat lecture theatre and modern seminar and meeting rooms. There are also social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning, in addition to an attractive roof garden and atrium.
Where you'll study
Finance
Tuition fees
UK Full-Time
£3,720
a year
International
10,500
a year
2025/2026 fees will be added when available.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Your future career
This programme will enhance your personal development across a wide range of roles performed by staff in the emergency services. You will also be well placed to take advantage of opportunities in consultancy or to pursue a teaching career in higher education.
