Overview 2020
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The Doctor of Health fosters excellence in health professional practice by developing the capacity of individuals to conduct research within their professional contexts. It encourages close cooperation across the university/industry/professional interface and provides a framework for the integration of professional expertise and scholarly inquiry.
The course normally takes up to four years of full-time equivalent (EFT)* study and consists of coursework (30%) and research (70%) components. The research component of circa 60-80,000 words in English, can be presented as either a traditional thesis or a portfolio of published papers and a substantial integrated overview of the research.
This award is independently assessed by a minimum of two examiners external to the University on the successful completion of the dissertation or portfolio of published papers and coursework components.
The campus of study will vary depending on the location of the candidate, the supervisor and the research field.
The research topic will reflect the interests of the candidate, their workplace and the expertise of their supervisors. To find an expert in your field of interest, see the Web Access Research Portal (WARP) site.
To apply, refer to Research Degrees | How to Apply.
* A full time workload refers to a loading of 1.0, or an equivalent part time loading of 0.5
Course objectives
The Doctor of Health will provide experienced health professionals with the opportunity to make a significant contribution to knowledge and practice in their professional context and may formalise workplace-based research and development. Its interdisciplinary nature and opportunity for inter-professional research provides a framework for the integration of professional expertise and scholarly enquiry.
The course aims to develop the research competencies of candidates by equipping them with the ability to evaluate different conceptual approaches to health related issues in the context of their own experience and workplace. The emphasis is on applied and translational research and associated organisational change, the contribution to knowledge, and dissemination of research findings through publication.
Candidates will acquire advanced specialist research training and provide evidence for independent thought and critical analysis, effective communication and expert knowledge of the discipline within a broader framework of knowledge in the international context.
At the University of Tasmania candidates are encouraged to demonstrate academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity and innovation in their research and are supported in their acquisition of a wide range of advanced and transferable skills.
Graduates will fulfil the skill requirements in the Australian Qualification Framework for this degree and the University of Tasmania expects all graduates of a Doctor of Philosophy to meet its Generic Attributes.
Career outcomes
In Australia and around the world, Professional Doctorate graduates are highly regarded as potential employees.
The Professional Doctorate is a demonstration of a graduate's ability to conceptualise and implement an independent program of research, manage a project, organise resources, work and cooperate with colleagues and communicate effectively in writing at a high level.
Professional Doctorate graduates have the opportunity to pursue diverse career paths across a broad spectrum of professions in the public and private sector. The Doctor of Health will provide experienced health professionals with a learning pathway to the benefit of the organisation across a range of health and health-related disciplines.
Course structure
Entry requirements
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
International students
International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries