Professional Doctorate in Health Studies DHS

Overview

Turn your career into a qualification; if you are a middle or senior manager our Professional Doctorate in Health Studies is designed so you can study part-time while you work and apply your learning directly to your professional practice.

This course encourages you to explore the key issues relating to health policy in the international context and, in particular, the changing role of institutions in the health care sector.

When you study for a Professional Doctorate at UWL you will join the international research and learning community of our collaborative research groups and Research Centres. We offer an integrated professional doctorate scheme which allows you to engage with professionals from different sectors and reflect on what is shared across professional boundaries and what is distinctive to your own occupational setting.

Course detail

The last few decades have seen far-reaching changes in the way health care is organised, delivered and funded both in the UK and internationally. Many factors - such as medical and technological advances, an ageing population in developed countries, the growing prevalence of chronic disease, patient choice and rising public expectations - have affected countries across the world in different ways.

Governments and policymakers have struggled to cope with this rapid and continuous change, and have often failed to resolve the highly emotive and politically charged debates and controversies surrounding health care.

The course will guide you to explore and understand leading research and how it applies to health care. You will then undertake your own research to create new ideas and generate improvements.

Each taught module is delivered over the course of a single weekend. Teaching is carried out through lectures and smaller seminars and workshops where the emphasis is on discussion. Tutorials are face-to-face and online and your supervisor and tutors will support your independent study and writing of your thesis.

We provide a supportive research environment and you will be part of the UWL Graduate School which supports all research students and coordinates research activity across the university. In addition you will have full access to UWL student support, including life-long careers advice.

Study & career progression

Studying for a doctorate will help you to develop research skills and evidence-based practice within your professional area.

A doctorate qualification can help you to develop your role in your current career, secure a promotion or facilitate a career change.

Completion of a professional doctorate will also allow you to progress into a postdoctoral research role.