Program Overview

Programme Overview

The Public Health Science doctoral programme is a full-time, three-year course of study that focuses on advanced research in public health sciences. The programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field, including its history, methods, and ethical considerations.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must have a Master's Degree in Public Health (MPH) or a related discipline, with a research project worth at least 30 ECTS and a first-class grade of 7.25. Alternatively, applicants who have completed 90-120 ECTS studies at level 6.1, with a research project worth fewer than 30 ECTS, may be considered if they can demonstrate equivalent research experience.

• Masters Degree in Public Health (MPH) or related disciplines on cycle 6.2
• Research project worth at least 30 ECTS
• First-class grade of 7.25
• Equivalent research experience for applicants with 90-120 ECTS studies at level 6.1

Programme Requirements

The programme requires students to complete a 180 ECTS Ph.D. thesis, as well as a 3-6 ECTS course in research ethics. Additionally, students must take the courses "Public Health: Science, Politics, Prevention" and "Determinants of Health, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention".

• 180 ECTS Ph.D. thesis
• 3-6 ECTS course in research ethics
• "Public Health: Science, Politics, Prevention" course
• "Determinants of Health, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention" course

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:

• CV
• Research proposal
• Reference 1, Name and email
• Reference 2, Name and email
• Supervisor/supervising teacher at the University of Iceland
• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
• Copy of grant or scholarship application and/or confirmation, if applicable
• Proof of English proficiency

Programme Structure

The programme does not offer specializations. The course structure includes:

Year Unspecified

• Fall:
  • Research Ethics (HSP073F)
  • Public Health: Science, Politics, Prevention (LÝĐ101F)
  • Determinants of health, health promotion and disease prevention (LÝĐ104F)
  • PhD Thesis in Public Health Sciences (LÝĐ561L)
• Spring 1:
  • Ethics of Science and Research (HSP806F)
  • PhD Thesis in Public Health Sciences (LÝĐ561L)

Course Descriptions

Research Ethics (HSP073F)

This intensive course is intended for PhD students only and is taught in English as a three-day seminar. The objective is to train students in reasoning about ethical controversies relating to science and research in contemporary society.

Public Health: Science, Politics, Prevention (LÝĐ101F)

This course provides an overview of definitions, history, aims, legislation, methods, and ethical considerations in public health and public health sciences.

Determinants of Health, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (LÝĐ104F)

This course provides an overview of the main determinants of health in a westernized society and preventive interventions at different levels of such societies.

PhD Thesis in Public Health Sciences (LÝĐ561L)

The Ph.D. thesis in public health sciences should count for a minimum of 180 credits. Students refer to the rules of their supervisor's faculty concerning submission and format of the doctoral thesis.

Ethics of Science and Research (HSP806F)

This course is intended for postgraduate students only and is adapted to the needs of students from different fields of study. The course is taught over a six-week period and covers topics such as professionalism, scientific objectivity, and research ethics.