نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Introduction to the Doctor of Health Sciences

The Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) programme provides an opportunity for professionals to advance their expertise through evidence-based research and application to their own health practice, including clinical and non-clinical roles.

Overview of the Programme

The DHSc programme is designed to evaluate an area of health that students are passionate about, such as health innovations, initiatives to reduce disparities in health outcomes, generating evidence for improved practice and service delivery, or conducting research into population health needs. The programme focuses on developing collaborative skills to engage more strongly with affected communities, organisations, iwi, and government.

Entry Requirements

To enrol in the DHSc programme, students must have either an Aotearoa New Zealand honours or master's degree, or other qualifications of an equivalent standard. In some cases, students may be approved to enrol without these qualifications if they have sufficient research or training experience. Students must also have at least five years of relevant professional practice. One or more courses in this degree may require vaccinations.

Admission Requirements

All students must be approved by the Dean of Postgraduate Research to enrol in the degree. If English is not the student's first language, they must meet the university's postgraduate language requirements.

How to Plan the Degree

The Doctor of Health Sciences is made up of two parts:

• Part I: a research portfolio (120 points)
• Part II: a thesis (240 points) The minimum completion time for the study is 4 years. Part I of the degree is studied part-time over 2 years, with Part II either part-time or full-time.

Degree Structure

The programme starts in February, and Part I is built around a cohort model. Part II continues the thesis project in much the same way as a PhD student would.

Fees

Domestic Students

• Part I (part-time, research): $5,049 per 60 points (2025 estimate), $5,132 per 60 points (2026 estimate)
• Part II (thesis): $9,683 per 120 points (2025 estimate), $10,264 per 120 points (2026 estimate)

International Students

The programme is not available to international students.

Student Services Levy (SSL)

• 2025: $9.72 per point ($1,166.40 per 120 points)
• 2026: $10.30 per point ($1,236.00 per 120 points)

Brochures

• Postgraduate Prospectus 2026
• Whakatairanga Tura
• International Prospectus 2026

Programme Details

• Duration: 46 years full-time
• Points: 360
• Start date: February
• Degree structure: Part I (research portfolio) and Part II (thesis)