Edge Hill University Business School launches a Professional Doctorate in Emergency Services Management

business school4Edge Hill University Business School proudly launched its new Professional Doctorate in Emergency Services Management  programme in July 2017 at an event attended by senior leaders and functionaries of the emergency services fraternity.  Attendees included senior leaders and staff working in the blue-lights services. Phil Hales  Deputy Chief Fire Officer at West Midlands FRS along with Steve McGurk, Trustee, The Fire Service Research & Training Trust (FSRTT), Derek Cartwright, Chief Executive, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Rachel Tuffin, Director of Knowledge and Research, College of Policing spoke at the event expressing their support to this new and unique research programme. The first cohort has joined the course in September 2017.

This is the first integrated programme of its kind for the ambulance, fire & rescue and police services. Designed for senior managers and potential leaders, this novel and unique programme provides a unique opportunity to engage in cross‐disciplinary dialogue with academics, and fellow practitioners interested in the wider aspects of emergency management. This programme is very timely in the light of the new statutory duty for collaboration between the emergency services and a rapidly changing policy landscape. The award benefits from the research expertise of the programme team and engagement of very senior stakeholders in the development of the award which will bring additional credibility to the programme. While it is targeted for senior leaders across the three services, we equally believe it is relevant for senior managers aspiring to assume leadership responsibilities in the future.

Edge Hill Business School will provide participants with a differentiated approach to continuous personal and professional development and the opportunity to really engage with managerial and professional practices. Applicants will be immersed in joint-learning with the university staff, fellow candidates, serving emergency services leaders and guest faculty in focused discussion during each of the learning blocks over the planned four years of the programme. On successful completion of the course, students will have better job prospects and career progressions opportunities in their organisations and the sector including opportunities in consultancy and a teaching career at HEI.

Unlike a normal PhD dissertation, the final research project will be a shorter but a real world problem/issue being dealt by either the individual organisation or the sector. The thesis will be an empirical investigation which will be agreed with the supervisory team wherein one member will be a professional expert in the field. If any candidate is awarded funding by individual organisations, the topic can be mutually agreed. The candidates will be further encouraged and guided to publish their research.

Professor Paresh Wankhade, programme Leader said: “This new and innovative programme of research will help candidates to develop professional management practice while gaining an appreciation and understanding of the relationship between academic research and the professional practice of management.”

To be admitted to the course, candidates will normally have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject, as well as a Master’s degree and five years of management or professional experience. A research proposal of approximately 2,000 words, outlining the academic and practitioner fields will also be needed.  As a 4-5 years part-time programme, candidates will work on a research project resulting in a thesis of doctoral standard.

Candidates will undertake research development activities and study core subject related themes such as contemporary issues, interoperability, and becoming a reflective practitioner. Upon completion of the programme, candidates will develop strategic decision-making skills enabling them to make a significant contribution towards professional practice and academic knowledge and furthering new career opportunities. Applications for September 2018 can be made here. Further details and informal inquiries can be made to Professor Wankhade at Paresh.Wankhade@edgehill.ac.uk.