Doctor of Technology
A professional doctorate for experienced technologists and senior practitioners who apply research to real-world challenges, in leadership roles where research-informed, evidence-based decisions matter.
- Award
- Doctor of Technology (DTech)
- Accreditation
- Via Woolf (EQF 8)
- Duration
- Minimum 3 years full-time (up to 6)
- Delivery
- Online
- Starts
- Monthly
- Entry
- EQF 7 (Master's-level) qualification
- Fees
- Fees & funding
Course Overview
The Doctor of Technology is designed for experienced professionals and senior practitioners in advanced technology, innovation and digital transformation. It supports those who want to address complex, real-world challenges by integrating applied research into their practice, producing knowledge that can influence policy, business operations and industrial strategy.
The programme suits professionals moving toward leadership, strategic innovation or policy advisory roles in technology-driven organisations, and prepares graduates for senior positions such as Chief Technology Officer, Director of Innovation or Head of R&D. It is delivered online, and combines live sessions, supervised activities, scholarly materials and asynchronous lectures.
Programme Structure
The doctorate has no grades and no credits. It is a three-part structure with checkpoints and a final viva voce examination, each part at EQF 8.
Year 1 — Advanced Research Planning and Methodology for Technology
A comprehensive research plan that establishes the direction, methodology and feasibility of the doctoral research. The plan is examined by an academic in the field and includes an oral examination.
Year 2 — Advanced Research Progress and Progress Review
A developed account of the research that reflects the year's work and incorporates feedback from the supervisor and the wider professional and scholarly community, confirming the project is on track for completion.
Year 3 — Thesis Completion and Viva Voce Examination
Completion and submission of the doctoral thesis, defended in an oral examination (viva voce) before a panel that includes an examiner from outside the institution. This is the final assessment of the doctorate.
Entry Requirements
Education
An EQF 7 qualification, for example an MSc or MTech in Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Management or a related technology discipline; or an EQF 7 qualification in any discipline with significant technology experience.
Transfer of progress
Applicants transferring from an accredited doctoral programme may be eligible for credit transfer and a reduced duration, assessed case by case.
Assessment
The Doctor of Technology is a professional research doctorate: there are no grades and no credits. Your progress is assessed on a pass/fail basis through the quality of your applied research at three key checkpoints, one in each year of the programme.
The three stages, and the work assessed at each, are set out under Programme Structure.
Each stage is assessed against the quality, originality, and rigour of your applied research. Throughout, you work under the regular supervision of your supervisory team, who guide your progress between checkpoints and prepare you for each examination. Supporting activities across the programme develop the skills you need to succeed at each checkpoint, but it is the three annual research outputs that determine your progression and, ultimately, the award of the degree.
Examination outcomes
The thesis is assessed by at least two external examiners, including at least one from outside DSI, both holding research doctorates, and is defended orally before the panel. Outcomes are: award of the Doctor of Technology; award with minor or major corrections; referral for further work; or, where a student does not progress to the final thesis, an exit award of Master of Philosophy (MPhil, EQF 7).
Where this programme leads
Graduates apply doctoral-level research to organisational problems, and move into senior positions such as Chief Technology Officer, Director of Innovation or Head of R&D, where research-informed decision-making and strategic foresight are required.
Internationally Accredited
Our Accreditation
The Data Science Institute is a full member college of Woolf. Woolf is an accredited, degree-granting Higher Education Institution and is recognised within the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). All diploma and degree programmes adhere to rigorous European Standards and Guidelines, ensuring international academic excellence and credibility.
Enquire Now
Have a question about this programme? Send us an enquiry and our admissions team will be in touch.