Doctoral apprenticeships and the ‘ladder of opportunity'

Senior, R, Cleaver, E, Queiros, G, King, H and Barnett, K (2020) 'Doctoral apprenticeships and the ‘ladder of opportunity'.' Higher Education, Skills & Work-based Learning, 10 (4). pp. 673-685.

Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-12-2019-0170

Abstract

Purpose This discussion paper supports the new development of Apprenticeships at Level 8 of the UK’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (QAA, 2014). This exciting development, one that employers and universities had been waiting for paves the way for, apprenticeships, sold as the ladder of opportunity, to go all the way to the top. Design/methodology/approach Here, we explore in brief the emergence of the new apprenticeship landscape and the importance of the addition of this new highest of levels. Findings Importantly, however, we make the case that such progress needs to be met with an equally progressive approach to the design of the new doctoral pathway. Research limitations/implications We sketch out a possible shell for the assessment of a Doctoral Apprenticeship, one that allows for flexible occupationally relevant inputs to create an applicable role-based and academically rigourous whole. Originality/value The importance of such a design is discussed within the context of the potential for impact in three priority areas: social justice, broadening the talent pool and ensuring the relevance and sustainability of the doctoral award.

Item Type: Article
UN SDGs: Goal 4: Quality Education
Keywords: apprenticeship, doctoral study, postgraduate research, professional doctorate, widening participation
Divisions: Professional Services
Date Deposited: 28 Feb 2024 11:57
Last Modified: 28 Feb 2024 11:57
ISSN: 2042-3896
URI / Page ID: https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/16119
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