Professional Doctoral Academy

About us

The Professional Doctoral Academy at the University of Huddersfield is a flagship initiative within the School of Human and Health Sciences, dedicated to advancing professional development across Policing, Military, Criminal Justice, Security, and Public Health. It provides a platform for professionals to conduct doctoral-level research that directly enhances their practice and addresses real-world challenges.

Operating through a flexible, fully funded model in partnership with employers, the academy enables professionals to pursue advanced qualifications without financial barriers. This ensures research outputs are both academically rigorous and immediately applicable to their workplaces, allowing participants to contribute meaningfully while maintaining their careers.

With an interdisciplinary approach, academy fosters collaboration across law enforcement, national security, military, public health, and criminal justice, promoting knowledge exchange and cross-sector insights. Its mission is to become a leading centre for practice-based doctoral research, building strong international partnerships and supporting professionals in producing research that informs policy, improves practice, and raises standards—driving meaningful impact in public safety, security, justice, and health globally.