Program Overview

Introduction to the Health Data Sciences PhD Program

The Health Data Sciences PhD Program is a structured program offered by the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, in collaboration with the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH). The program is run by three main departments: the Institute of Public Health (IPH), the Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology (iBikE), and the BIH Center for Transforming Biomedical Research (QUEST).

Program Structure

The program is designed to be completed within three years, with a total of 30 ECTS credit points required. The program consists of:

• 18 credits from three core required courses:
  • "Research Proposal Seminar" and "Advanced Methods in Health Data Sciences", which take place during Semesters 1-3
  • "Mentored Teaching of a Methods Course", which can be individually scheduled in the later semesters of the program
• 12 credits from elective coursework, which can be spread out over the course of the studies according to the student's preferences and in consultation with the supervisory team's recommendations

Research Project

In the initial application, students are expected to propose an interesting and relevant project idea related to one or more of the health data sciences domains. The proposed project should be feasible within the 3-year time frame, and students should have or will gain access to the requisite data. Students are encouraged to discuss their project ideas with at least one potential supervisor prior to submitting their application.

Program Details

The Health Data Sciences PhD Program is considered an "Advanced Track" program, and upon successful completion, students are awarded a PhD in Health Data Sciences. The program is different from the "unstructured PhD", "Dr. rer. medic.", and "Dr. med" options also offered by the Charité.

Target Audience

The program is designed for students with diverse backgrounds, including Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Public Health, Psychology, Mathematics, Philosophy, and Health Economics. Medical and dental students may also be suitable applicants if they have completed extensive methodological coursework outside of their clinical studies.

Language Requirement

The official language of instruction is English, and students are required to provide proof of at least B2 level English proficiency. German language skills are not mandatory but are recommended for daily life and scientific collaborations.

Funding

There are no scholarships or stipends available directly through the HDS PhD Program. Students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities or part-time research positions.

Studying Remotely

The program has specific presence requirements for the required courses in the first three semesters. Students who wish to travel during the program are recommended to do so during semester breaks or in the fourth through sixth semesters.

Supervisory Teams

Students are required to have a supervisory team consisting of three members, with the first supervisor having a "PD" (Privatdozent), Professorship, or an equivalent academic status and affiliation with the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin / BIH. The second and third supervisors should have higher qualifications, with at least a PhD expected.

Application and Admission

Students are required to provide evidence of HDS-related coursework and a clear idea of who will serve as their first supervisor. The application process involves submitting a proposal, which should include a research project idea, a supervisory team, and proof of language proficiency.

About the Discipline

Health Data Sciences is an interdisciplinary field that combines methods from Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Public Health, Meta-research, Population Health Sciences, and Medical Informatics to analyze and interpret health data. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of these domains and the skills to apply them in real-world settings.