Last week, we held our annual Professional Doctorate Day, bringing together students, staff, and supervisors for a day of learning, sharing, and connection. The event provided a valuable opportunity for our Professional Doctorate students, many of whom are based primarily off campus and embedded in applied professional environments, to come together as a cohort and reflect on their journeys.
Professional Doctorate students are a unique part of our postgraduate community. Their research is grounded in the realities of practice, often conducted within professional settings where they balance academic inquiry with real-world impact. Because of this, opportunities for face-to-face interaction can be limited. The Professional Doctorate Day therefore offered an important space to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen peer-to-peer learning.
I really enjoy these days. Spending the day connecting with our Professional Doctorate students and hearing about the progress they’re making in their research and professional practice. It was inspiring to see the diversity of their projects, ranging from sport performance and coaching practice to pedagogy and professional learning and to hear how they are applying their research in meaningful, real-world contexts. The enthusiasm, openness, and willingness to share experiences were a real highlight of the day.
What stood out most was the way students reflected on both their challenges and successes, learning from one another and discussing practical ways to maintain momentum in their research journeys. The conversations throughout the day were thoughtful and supportive, with students exploring how they might continue working together beyond the event through shared writing time, informal peer support, and ongoing collaboration. It was a genuine reminder of the strength and collegiality within a cohort of students.
The day highlighted the value of bringing together a group of students who are often geographically dispersed, reaffirming the importance of connection and mutual support within the Professional Doctorate programme.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the day such a success. We look forward to continuing to build this community and to supporting each other as we advance our research and professional practice.
L.Anderson.4@bham.ac.uk