Doctor of Public Management (Professional Doctorate)

The Doctor of Public Management (DPM) is a professional doctorate degree that provides an opportunity to combine a doctoral thesis with disciplinary and methodologically based coursework. The research and thesis will offer a candidate the opportunity to research a real-world, work-based problem or issue where the objective is to make a novel contribution to practice. The degree consists of one-third coursework (equivalent to one-year full-time study) and two-thirds research (equivalent to two-years full-time study) which should be in an area studied by the student while undertaking coursework. The program is intended to prepare candidates for the highest level of professional practice, in which they can contribute significantly to the development of Public Management practice. Societies expect a great deal from those who serve in public roles, asking for both good policy and the effective design and delivery of the policy. Public management looks beyond the creation of policy to consider how ideas can be delivered effectively and efficiently, thereby enabling successful implementation. There are ongoing calls for improved policy implementation and this program will offer opportunities for both research and practice improvements. In this program, mastery of the professional body of knowledge is achieved in the coursework component, which builds on prior education and the experience gained through professional practice.