Program Overview

The Ph.D. program in Health Sciences is a research-based education that consists of a self-contained research work with a doctoral dissertation (150 ECTS) and a training component (30 ECTS).

Program Structure

The program is normed to three years. With part-time work, the study can be taken over four years. It is possible to take the study part-time, and then there is a requirement that at least 50% of the working hours must be used for the Ph.D. study.

Training Component

The training component consists of 30 ECTS and must be taken at the doctoral level. The training component includes:

• Theory of science, research ethics, and research design (7 ECTS)
• Innovation and science communication (3 ECTS)
• Optional elements (20 ECTS), which can include Ph.D. courses from UiT or other degree-granting institutions, special syllabus, courses taken at a Norwegian or foreign research school, scientific dissemination, and popular scientific presentations.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Ph.D. program in Health Sciences, the following requirements must be met:

• The candidate must have completed a five-year Norwegian master's degree, a Norwegian higher degree professional education, or equivalent education that the faculty has deemed equivalent.
• The candidate must have a grade of C or better on the master's thesis and an average grade of C or better on the master's degree.
• Foreign candidates must document English language skills that meet the requirements for Norwegian general study competence.
• The candidate must have satisfactory financing for the study, as a rule, a salary at the level of wage and operating funds, infrastructure, and indirect costs for a stipend position.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the study program, the candidate will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

• Critically evaluate which scientific methods and research designs are suitable for answering various research questions in health sciences.
• Evaluate and analyze scientific theoretical issues in their own and others' research.
• Critically analyze the methodological and professional quality of existing knowledge in their specific field.
• Evaluate the need for research and innovation in their own field.
• Recognize and analyze ethical issues in research.
• Evaluate the utility value and purpose of using various communication channels and methods.

Skills

• Critically reflect and justify the choice of research method in a health science research project.
• Choose, justify, and discuss new research questions in their own research area.
• Create and develop projects in accordance with research ethical requirements and guidelines.
• Design, implement, and lead a research project at a high international level.
• Evaluate and apply various communication channels for their own research project and field.

General Competence

• Be innovative and creative within their own field.
• Contribute actively to networks within their field nationally and internationally.
• Be an active contributor to the public debate within their field nationally and internationally.
• Communicate and discuss reflected issues within health sciences.

Job Prospects

A Ph.D. degree in Health Sciences qualifies for a range of jobs both within and outside academia where candidates are needed who:

• Are at the forefront of knowledge within their field.
• Master scientific theory and scientific methods.
• Can contribute to the development of new knowledge, theories, methods, interpretations, or documentation forms.
• Can acquire an overview of and analyze a problem area.
• Can formulate research questions, plan, and implement research or development work.
• Can handle complex professional questions and challenge established knowledge and practice.
• Can communicate knowledge from their field to society and participate in professional debates.
• Can evaluate the need for and initiate and drive innovation.

Gradsnavn

Philosophiae doctor i helsevitenskap

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction for Ph.D. courses in the training component is Norwegian/Nordic and/or English. The dissertation (including the cover page) must have a uniform language, which should normally be English. Norwegian or another Nordic language can be accepted. The choice of language must be clarified in the application and approved by the admission committee.

Teaching and Assessment

The teaching forms for courses in the training component can consist of lectures, seminars, and/or supervision on written or oral presentations. The teaching form and scope are described in more detail in the individual course descriptions.

For the dissertation, the teaching form consists mainly of supervision with appointed main and co-supervisors.

Midway through the study, the candidate's progress must be evaluated. The mid-term evaluation is arranged as a seminar where the student and supervisor meet an evaluation committee consisting of two academically employed persons with a doctoral degree or equivalent. Completed mid-term evaluation is a mandatory work requirement to be able to submit the Ph.D. dissertation, unless the student is admitted to a shortened Ph.D. program.

Exchange

The study program uses the following arrangements for internationalization:

• English-language teaching and curriculum literature.
• Incorporation of international conference participation with study points in the training component.
• International Ph.D. student environment.
• International exchange agreements and cooperation agreements.

Destinations for Studies Abroad

University of Oulu, Finland.

University of Tromso: A Summary

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Overview:

UiT Norges arktiske universitet (University of Tromso) is a public university located in Tromso, Norway. It is known for its focus on Arctic research and education.