The Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) is a Level 10 doctoral programme designed for:

• Experienced health professionals and leaders
• Those aiming to influence health systems, policy, and practice
• Professionals seeking to conduct impactful applied research

 

Why Study This Programme?

• Develop leadership in healthcare systems & policy
• Conduct practice-based research directly relevant to your workplace
• Focus on real-world health challenges (not just theory)
• Strong emphasis on:
  • M?ori & Pacific health
  • Equity in healthcare systems
• Enhance career progression into executive-level roles

 

Programme Structure

Structure Overview

Coursework Phase (120 points)

1. Healthcare Strategy & Planning
2. Research in Action
3. Critical Synthesis of Health Issues
4. Research Proposal

Research Phase (240 points)

• Doctoral thesis (major research project)

 

Subjects / Topics Covered

• Health systems & policy
• Healthcare leadership & management
• Public health and population health
• Research methodology & evaluation
• M?ori and Indigenous health
• Social, environmental, and economic health factors

 

Specialisations / Disciplines

No fixed majors, but research areas include:

• Public Health
• Clinical Practice Improvement
• Health Policy & Systems
• Indigenous Health (M?ori & Pacific focus)
• Community & Population Health

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates typically move into:

• Senior healthcare leadership roles
• Health policy advisors
• Academic and research positions
• Healthcare management executives

 

Highlights

• Doctorate designed for working health professionals
• Combines practice + research + leadership
• Focus on real-world healthcare transformation
• Emphasis on equity and Indigenous health
• High-level career advancement qualification

 

Special Requirements / Notes

• Must secure supervisor approval
• Must demonstrate research capability
• Limited intake and highly competitive
• Designed for professionals already in the health sector

 

Latest Updates

• Continued focus on:
  • Healthcare leadership development
  • Applied research impact
• Strong integration of:
  • M?ori health perspectives
  • Community-based health improvement
• Increasing demand for health system leaders globally

 

Final Summary

The Doctor of Health Sciences – University of Auckland is:

• A professional doctorate focused on healthcare leadership
• Designed for experienced health professionals
• Highly research-driven and impactful