Doctor of Health

Summary

Become a leader in the health sector with a professional doctorate that combines coursework and original applied research.

Warning

This programme may not be suitable for you as an international student, due to one or more of the following reasons:

• The qualification is only available as part-time study.
• The qualification is delivered by distance or online modes.
• The content is mostly specific to the New Zealand context.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest, contact the International Office.

Designed to enhance professional understanding, extend leadership attributes and strengthen expertise in research and evaluation, the Doctor of Health will enable you to innovate and make a difference in health delivery outcomes in New Zealand and globally.

A combination of taught courses and research thesis will develop your professional understanding and expertise in research, evaluation, professional and reflective practice, and strengthen collaboration with other health professionals.

The programme is practice-focused and has been designed to prepare and support future leaders of practice, policy, education and management.

Our proximity to the Ministry of Health and other national health-focused agencies, primary healthcare organisations and major non-governmental agencies enables the programme to cater for staff already working in organisations and links the programme to sector priorities.

Pathway to the Doctor of Health

To gain entry to the Doctor of Health programme, you must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with Honours, or a Master’s degree, or a Postgraduate Diploma in Health or equivalent and have a minimum of five years’ experience in a relevant professional role.

You’ll also need to be approved for entry by the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health, and Psychological Sciences.

This doctorate is only available to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

What to expect

In your first two years, or Part 1, you’ll complete coursework that lays the foundation for your thesis. You will learn how to research in a professional context and prepare a research proposal.

Your learning will take place in block days of seminars, workshops and guest lectures giving you the flexibility to fit in study with work, and you’ll stay connected through online forums.

You’ll need to complete Part 1 and gain approval from the Associate Dean before you can enrol in Part 2.

In Part 2 you’ll complete your thesis, writing a document of up to 70,000 words that demonstrates your substantial research. You’ll already know your supervisor, having worked closely with them throughout Part 1.

Workload and duration

Candidates are expected to complete the Doctor of Health part-time, allowing two years for the coursework and up to four years for the thesis—a maximum of six years in total. As the on-campus teaching is limited to block lectures, you can continue to work while you study.

You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of points you’ll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10-12 hours work.

Scholarships

You can apply for a postgraduate scholarship offered by Victoria University of Wellington to help fund your studies.