Program Overview

Doctor of Public Health

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) programme is designed to prepare experienced professionals for leadership roles in the public health sector. It emphasizes the practical application of public health knowledge to address complex challenges, influence policy, and lead impactful initiatives both locally and globally. Graduates will be equipped to take on senior roles in government, international organisations, academia, and the private sector, where they can contribute to improving population health through evidence-based decision-making.

Leadership-Focused & Practice-Oriented

Unlike traditional research-focused doctoral programmes, the DrPH equips professionals with the leadership, advocacy, and decision-making skills needed to drive impactful public health initiatives at both national and global levels.

Globally Recognised Institution

National University of Singapore (NUS) is ranked #1 in Asia and #8 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024. As NUS students, DrPH candidates will have access to leading research, experienced faculty, and an academic environment that supports global engagement and professional development.

Extensive Regional & Global Network

The DrPH opens doors to professional networks across Southeast Asia, the Asia-Pacific, and beyond. This connectivity enables students to collaborate with government agencies, international organisations, and industry leaders—cultivating lasting partnerships that extend beyond the programme.

Competency-Based Curriculum with Mentored Portfolio

The DrPH features an interdisciplinary, competency-based curriculum that blends public health leadership, policy, and practice. Students develop strong theoretical and methodological foundations through coursework and dissertation, while a mentored portfolio provides real-world experience to build competencies that address complex public health challenges.

Career Outcomes

• Government & Public Agencies: Ministry of Health, Health Promotion Board, hospitals, agencies involved in public health, etc.
  • Roles may include policy development, programme management, and public health leadership
• Private Sector: Pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology/biomedicine, health consultancy, insurance, etc.
  • Roles may include health management, research and development, and public health consulting
• NGOs & Global Health Bodies: The World Health Organization (WHO), international and national NGOs, charities, etc.
  • Roles may include programme management, advocacy, and public health leadership
• Academia & Research: Universities, think tanks, and research institutions, etc.
  • Roles may include research, teaching, and public health leadership

Programme Schedule

The programme is offered on a full-time and part-time basis, with a duration of 3 to 5 years.

Faculty Highlights

• Prof Teo Yik Ying: Vice President (Global Health), Dean of Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
• Assoc Prof Natasha Howard: Associate Professor (Practice)
• Dr Ng Yeuk Fan: Director & Head of Corporate Development in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital & Yishun Community Hospital
• Assoc Prof Jason Yap: Vice Dean (Practice); Director (Public Health Translation); Associate Professor (Practice)
• Matthias Toh: Adjunct Associate Professor, Senior Consultant at National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID)