Introduction to the Doctor of Health Science Programme

The Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programme is a professional doctoral programme offered by the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences. It is designed to prepare experienced healthcare professionals for leadership roles in advanced professional practice or for clinical-track faculty membership.

Programme Aims and Characteristics

The programme aims to prepare healthcare professionals to contribute to the science and practical development of healthcare services. Graduates are expected to be able to:

• Synthesise knowledge from the health sciences and other academic disciplines for application in a substantive specialised area of practice in a healthcare profession
• Design, conduct, and direct research studies
• Analyse and evaluate concepts, theories, and models that are related to health practices
• Disseminate knowledge through scholarly publication, formal teaching, and the provision of expert mentoring and vision on future healthcare development
• Integrate knowledge and use evidence to influence health policy and decision-making through collaborative interdisciplinary efforts at local and international levels
• Exercise leadership skills at all levels and in various aspects of health services delivery

Programme Structure

The programme covers 9 subjects, including 5 Compulsory Subjects and 4 Elective Subjects, and a Doctoral Thesis. The Compulsory Subjects aim to provide students with a core foundation in healthcare concept analysis, research, and knowledge translation within the reality of the ethical-sociological-economic context of healthcare provision.

Compulsory Subjects

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

Elective Subjects

• Advanced Statistics in Health Care Research
• Advanced Methods in Qualitative Health Care Research
• Concept Analysis in Health Care
• Health and Social Policy Analysis
• Independent Study in a Substantive Specialty
• Information Technology in Health Care
• Innovations in Learning and Teaching for Healthcare Education
• Project Management

Recognition and Prospects

The DHSc programme is recognised as a terminal professional degree for the healthcare discipline, and graduates will have earned the right to use the title of Dr before their names.

Specialism Awards

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

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

Entrance Requirements

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must have:

• A Masters degree in a health-related discipline or the equivalent
• At least 5 years of substantial professional health care experience

English Language Requirement

If the applicant is not a native speaker of English, and their Bachelors degree or equivalent qualification is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is not English, they are expected to fulfil the Universitys minimum English language requirement for admission purposes.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for the programme is HK$8,500 per credit for local and non-local students.

Credit Required for Graduation

The credit required for graduation is 49.

Programme Leader

The programme leader is Prof. Polly Leung, BSc, MPhil, PhD.

Subject Area

The subject area is Health Science.

Additional Documents Required

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• Transcript/Certificate
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• List of publications (if any)

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the programme is:

• Local: Early Round and Main Round (dates not specified)
• Non-local: Early Round and Main Round (dates not specified)

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

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Overview:

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a public research university located in Hong Kong. It is known for its focus on applied learning and its strong reputation in various fields, particularly engineering, design, and technology.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Teaching and Learning:

PolyU emphasizes a broad-based curriculum for holistic academic development, incorporating work-integrated education, service-learning, student exchange programs, and leadership programs.

Faculties and Schools:

PolyU has eight faculties and schools, offering a diverse range of academic programs.

Graduate School:

The university provides research postgraduate studies and a graduate school for further academic pursuits.

Admissions:

PolyU offers information on university rankings, student stories, and details about programs, tuition fees, and scholarships.

Research:

PolyU boasts a strong research focus, with various research centers, facilities, and initiatives, including the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and Mainland Research Institutes.

Knowledge Transfer:

The university promotes innovation and technology development, technology transfer and commercialization, entrepreneurship, and showcases success stories.

Global:

PolyU fosters an international community, offers global perspectives in academic programs, and engages in international collaborations and partnerships.

Campus Life:

PolyU provides a vibrant campus life with opportunities for athletics and recreation, art and culture, and living on campus with access to counseling, wellness services, clinics, housing, and dining options.

About PolyU:

The university provides information about its motto, vision, mission, key facts, university identity, history, leadership, governance, organizations, and a campus map.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

PolyU offers a dynamic campus experience with a focus on applied learning and practical skills development. Students can participate in various extracurricular activities, engage in research opportunities, and benefit from the university's international connections. The campus provides a supportive environment with access to counseling, wellness services, and housing options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Reputation:

PolyU is recognized for its high-quality education and research, particularly in engineering, design, and technology.

Applied Learning:

The university emphasizes practical skills development and work-integrated education, preparing students for real-world careers.

International Focus:

PolyU fosters a global community and offers opportunities for international collaborations and partnerships.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a dynamic campus experience with various extracurricular activities, clubs, and events.

Research Opportunities:

PolyU offers extensive research facilities and opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research.

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Academic Programs:

PolyU offers a wide range of academic programs across its eight faculties and schools, including:

Business:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management

Construction and Environment:

Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management

Design:

Industrial Design, Communication Design, Interior Design

Engineering:

Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Fashion and Textiles:

Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Marketing

Health:

Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy

Hospitality:

Hotel Management, Tourism Management, Culinary Arts

Humanities:

Languages, Literature, History, Philosophy

Science:

Applied Biology, Chemistry, Physics

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Other: