Doctor of Public Health

Course Description

The Doctor of Public Health is a professional doctorate degree granted on successful completion of an approved program of coursework, in addition to a supervised independent original investigation of a significant problem in public health, and presentation of the research as a thesis. This degree prepares students for leadership positions in the public health sector that require advanced analytical and/or conceptual capabilities. 

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements, English requirements and credit transfer information are available from the Course Finder.  

Course Structure

The Doctor of Public Health takes a minimum of 3 years of full-time study. It includes a coursework component and a research component. There will be no credit granted for previous graduate study at Masters level. The coursework involves a maximum of 1 year of full-time study (48 credit points). The research component of the program involves at least 2 years of full-time enrolment (96 credit points), undertaking a research thesis following completion of the coursework component.

Individual coursework will be negotiated with the student in consultation with the potential research thesis primary supervisor, recommended by the Course Coordinator and approved by the Head of School. The coursework must be passed with a credit average to allow progression into the research component of the course. 

In addition to the credit grade average, the student must have developed a research project proposal and obtained agreement of a primary supervisor who has that role approved by the Head of School. The research project is developed over time into a written proposal which is submitted for panel assessment, in addition to oral presentation to an assessor panel of the School. This normally occurs within the equivalent of twelve months of full time study following initial enrolment. On successful completion of the research proposal, the student undertakes the research under supervision. At the end of this period the student will submit a thesis for examination under the regulations for Doctoral Theses of the University.

Supervisors can be drawn from any major study area of the School. Normally the study area will be directly related to Public Health. In the event a primary supervisor is not in public health, a co-supervisor must come from public health.

Field of Study

• Public health

• Health promotion

• Health policy

• Public health nutrition

• Occupational Health and Safety

• Allied health education and practice

• Social marketing for health

• Sustainable communities

Applicants who have not had a background in public health are advised to take the 4 subjects listed below as part of their coursework. Some applicants may be advised to undertake other specialised subjects in preparation for their research.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au