Doctor of Health Service Management

The course normally takes up to three years of full-time equivalent (EFT)* study and consists of coursework components and;

• either a supervised research project and completion of a thesis, written in English,
• or a portfolio of published papers and a substantial integrated overview of the research, written in English.

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

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 managerial competencies of candidates by equipping them with the ability to evaluate different conceptual approaches to management issues in the context of their own experience and workplace.

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.

Knowledge

Graduates of a Doctor of Philosophy will be able to:

• make an original and substantial contribution to knowledge of a subject within or across academic disciplines or areas of professional practice;
• demonstrate a systemic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge of a subject within or across academic disciplines or areas of professional practice; and
• demonstrate a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
  

Skills

Graduates of a Doctor of Philosophy will be independent researchers able to:

• evaluate the appropriateness and usefulness of various perspectives, methods and processes in research projects;
• independently and systematically develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice;
  
• expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work or learning; and
• critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise new and complex ideas;
• work collaboratively in a team, recognising the need for and value of complementary expertise/skill sets, and work productively with other people; and
• communicate orally and in written form sufficient to publish and present their work, and communicate ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Application of Knowledge

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have the knowledge and skills to be able to:

• undertake research with autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar.
• understand and apply the social and ethical implications of research and appropriate professional behaviour consistent with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and other relevant guidelines.

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.

As a result, Professional Doctorate graduates have the opportunity to pursue diverse career paths across a broad spectrum of professions in the public and private sector.