Graduates of this programme are thought leaders in their organisation, iwi, field or community, who make substantial, sustainable and original contributions to knowledge and practice development in diverse communities and cultural contexts.

The graduate of the DPP is able to:

1. Systematically and critically reflect on experience, theory and practice as a means of creating new knowledge by:
a. engaging in self-appraisal/reflection, synthesis and evaluation on practice which leads to significant insights, to make a lasting impact on personal and professional understanding.
b. using a critically reflective approach to generate original knowledge that makes a substantial contribution to a discipline, or area of professional practice.
c. employing sources of knowledge and evidence in ways that are wide ranging, critical and innovative, and demonstrate professional integrity.
d. critically and sensitively apply ethical understanding across a range of cultural contexts, acknowledging where appropriate, professional frameworks.

2. Employ contemporary, specialised personal cognitive, technical and research skills in a discipline area or organisational field to independently and systematically frame projects and proposals, by:
a. developing, adapting and implementing appropriate research methodologies, valuing a transdisciplinary approach, to extend and/or redefine existing knowledge or professional practice.
b. analysing and synthesising information and ideas in ways that demonstrate critical awareness.
c. selecting and justifying sustainable approaches to tasks/problems, recognising, articulating and critically evaluating options from which to make a justified decision, based on a reasoned methodology informed by ethical and cultural considerations.
d. arguing a position, considering alternative approaches, evaluating and justifying decisions as they constitute bases for improvement in practice.

3. Demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a leading practitioner in their field by:
a. applying their research and learning to workable frameworks and/or models for practice across multiple contexts, resulting in the creation of new knowledge.
b. undertaking complex action-planning leading to effective and appropriate action, which is likely to significantly influence the work of others across diverse enterprises.
c. communicating clearly, concisely, and persuasively, to disseminate new insights to national and international peers and communities.
d. working and learning autonomously and collaboratively in a range of contexts, including leadership roles, in ways that challenge or develop the practices of others.

Not applicable

The minimum entry requirements are:

1. A master's qualification at the standard of Excellence or Credit, or the equivalent (eg A or B grade, Honours 1 or 2), and evidence to the satisfaction of the Research and Post-Graduate Committee to demonstrate:
* extensive professional experience of an appropriate kind, relevant to the stated field of practice (for example 7-10 years);
* ability and willingness to undertake successfully a self-managed academic process;
* an established professional relationship and/or employment/self-employment with the opportunity to undertake projects, inquiries or other work-based activity;
* demonstrated academic writing and researching skills at postgraduate level.

2. International candidates must demonstrate that they have equivalent experience and qualifications as domestic entrants. Those whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language competence to IELTS academic band score of 6.5 (overall), with no individual bands less than 6.0, or equivalent.

3. Negotiated entry may be possible where a person has already provided evidence of master's or doctoral level work, e.g. in publications, artefacts, films etc., and research skills are evident at appropriate levels.

Acceptance as a doctoral student will depend the availability of mentoring in the area of the candidate's research interests and a professional work-based relationship to act as the site of research (note that professional workplace is not necessarily an employment relationship).