Program Overview

Doctor of Health Science

The Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programme is a professional doctoral degree that aims to prepare healthcare professionals to contribute to the science and practical development of healthcare services. Graduates are expected to be able to synthesize knowledge from health science and other academic disciplines for application in a specialized practice area of a healthcare profession.

Aims and Characteristics

The programme aims to equip students with the ability to:

• Synthesize knowledge from health science and other academic disciplines for application in a specialized practice area of a healthcare profession
• Design, conduct, and direct research studies
• Analyze and evaluate contemporary concepts, theories, and models related to health practices
• Communicate complex ideas effectively through scholarly publications, teaching, and providing expert mentoring that inspires future health professionals and encourages a commitment to ongoing education
• Integrate knowledge and use evidence to influence health policy and decision-making through collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts at local and international levels
• Demonstrate effective leadership by navigating complex health service environments, fostering collaboration, and making responsible decisions that enhance service delivery

Programme Structure and Awards

The DHSc programme comprises a 25-credit coursework component (9 subjects: 5 compulsory and 4 electives) and a 24-credit equivalent thesis. Students have to complete a total of 49 credits in order to be eligible for an award.

Compulsory Subjects

Students are required to complete the following compulsory subjects:

• Academic Integrity and Ethics (Health and Social Sciences)
• Advanced Quantitative Methods
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Care Ethics
• Health Economics
• Health Systems: Management and Organization
• Issues in Health Sociology

Elective Subjects

Students are required to complete 4 Elective Subjects. The Electives can be Generic Electives or Specialty Subjects.

Thesis

The major component of the programme is the doctoral thesis. The thesis is expected to be a viable demonstration of the candidate's ability to apply theoretical and practical knowledge to the solution of a significant applied problem of relevance to healthcare services provision.

Mode and Duration of Study

This is a credit-based mixed-mode programme with a normal duration of study of 3 years for full-time study and 4 years for part-time study. Students will have to seek approval to stay on the programme if they cannot complete the study within the normal duration of study.

Entrance Requirements

The entrance requirements for the programme are:

• A master's degree in a health-related discipline, or the equivalent
• At least 5 years of substantial professional healthcare experience

Specialism Awards

Students can choose to graduate with the generic award, i.e., Doctor of Health Science, or one of the following specialism awards:

• Doctor of Health Science (Medical Imaging and Radiation Science)
• Doctor of Health Science (Medical Laboratory Science)
• Doctor of Health Science (Nursing)
• Doctor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)
• Doctor of Health Science (Optometry)
• Doctor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
• Doctor of Health Science (Prosthetics and Orthotics)

Quotable Qualifications

The following specialism awards are listed as quotable qualifications under their respective Supplementary Medical Professions Boards:

• Doctor of Health Science (Medical Imaging and Radiation Science) | Radiographers Board
• Doctor of Health Science (Medical Laboratory Science) | Medical Laboratory Technologists Board
• Doctor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) | Occupational Therapists Board
• Doctor of Health Science (Optometry) | Optometrists Board
• Doctor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) | Physiotherapists Board