Professional Doctorate at ArtEZ
In addition to an associate degree, a bachelor's or master's degree, HBO (Higher Professional Education) has introduced a third learning trajectory since 2023: a professional doctorate (PD). A Professional Doctorate is of an equivalent level to a university PhD but has a different nature and carries a different internationally recognized title: PD. At ArtEZ, Chinouk Filique de Miranda is the first PD candidate. She will commence her research on digital literacy in fashion in September 2023.
Whereas a PhD track at a university is aimed at developing professional researchers, the aim of the PD programme in higher professional education is to train researching professionals. The goal of the PD is to push back the boundaries in professional practice and in our society. The PD was launched by the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
In 2023, the universities of applied sciences will admit an initial cohort of candidates in seven domains: Art + Creative, Health & Welfare, Maritime, Technology & Digitalisation, Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality, Energy and Sustainability, Education: Learning & Professionalising. The new initiative will start with a pilot, because as with every innovation, setting up and integrating a new type of learning track will need to take place gradually, with room for learning and improvement. ArtEZ and 14 other universities of applied sciences that offer arts education will start the PD programme in the Art + Creative domain.
The goal of the PD is: innovation in education and professional practice
The PD programme will be closely aligned with the other higher professional education. The aim is that bachelor's and master's students should reap the rewards of the research conducted by PD candidates into the latest developments in professional practice. As such, the introduction of the Professional Doctorate is also an investment in aligning university of applied sciences education with the broader labour market. Moreover, the PD programme will contribute to broadening and deepening research in the sector. By means of the directly applicable practical knowledge from that research, higher professional education will be contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive, just, healthy and safe society.
The Professional Doctorate candidate
PD candidates hold a master's degree, have extensive practical experience and are currently working in a relevant work environment in professional practice, research or education.PD candidates can take different entry routes: from a master’s course, as an employee of the university of applied sciences, or as an individual from outside the institution. What is important is that you have some years of work experience and that you have a master's qualification.
The current and first PD candidate at ArtEZ is Chinouk Filique de Miranda. Interested in her story, her research, and how she ended up on the ArtEZ PD programme? Read all about Chinouk de Miranda's research and journey here
Want to read more about the Professional Doctorate Programme in the Art + Creative domain? Visit the PD Art + Creative website.