in some respects the dprof is closer to the phd than the longer-established modular doctorates, although it has important differences. while phd theses typically make an original contribution to knowledge, the dprof is more concerned with making a significant contribution to practice: it requires high-level practical action, resulting for instance in significant change or development in an organization or community of practice. at some institutions, the dprof project is not a purely academic study and may not have to be a research project in the conventional sense. but, the dissertation must make a substantial contribution to the field and be reflective of advanced thinking. in this regard, the effort require to complete a doctor of professional studies degree is at least equivalent to that required for a phd.