- Duration
- Full-time: Varies
- Part-time: Varies
- Available locations
- Grafton
- Points
- 360
- Programme type
- Doctorate
Programme overview
Are you an experienced health professional or leader working in the health sector?
This doctorate offers you a pathway to a research-based higher degree.
Address key health sector challenges and influence health policy at all levels. Conduct impactful research that benefits your workplace and meets the evolving demands of the healthcare industry. This degree empowers you to transform healthcare practices across Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Develop professional skills in research, evaluation and reflective practice. This programme highlights your commitment to professional integrity and innovative healthcare leadership in your field, nationally and internationally.
Gain expertise to lead health services with a special focus on Māori and Pacific communities. Understand the Treaty of Waitangi's implications for health and well-being. Your taught courses will focus on Māori health, including social, economic and environmental influences, as well as the contributions of whānau, hapū, iwi and tribal entities.
Hear about the Doctor of Health Sciences from our students Brenda and Nicky.
Intake: Semester One each year.
Note: This programme is unavailable to international students.
Programme structure
The DHSc comprises a combination of taught courses (120 points) and a thesis (240 points) which will develop your professional understanding and expertise in leadership, research, implementation, evaluation and professional practice.
Starting in Semester One each year, you will complete four courses in the following order:
HLTHSCI 801 - Healthcare Strategy and Planning (30 points). This course must be taken in Semester One of your first year of enrolment.
HLTHSCI 800 - Research in Action (30 points)
HLTHSCI 802 - Critical Synthesis of Health Issues (30 points)
HLTHSCI 803 - Research Proposal (30 points)
HLTHSCI 897 - Thesis (240 points)
Total: 360 points
Please note:
- HLTHSCI 801 to HLTHSCI 803 are part-time only
- HLTHSCI 897 can be undertaken as either a part-time or full-time course.
Entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Grade requiredGPA 6.0
- MBChB, Honours, or Masters degree in a relevant subject
- Evidence of significant research experience
Further programme requirements
Supervision and research requirements
Meeting our academic requirements does not guarantee entry.
You must demonstrate an ability to research independently and possess a high level of theoretical understanding. Acceptance is subject to staff availability for supervision, and appropriate resources and facilities. You must write an initial statement of research intent to demonstrate your research capability and experience.
Programme-specific requirements
Entry to the DHSc is restricted to New Zealand and Australian citizens or permanent residents.
How to apply
Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
This programme is unavailable to International students.
-
Grade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent N/AN/A
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore requiredN/A
Further programme requirements
Supervision and research requirements
How to apply
Check out our guide to applying for a PhD or doctorate.
How much does a Doctor of Health Sciences cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$7,659.60*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note:
- We will consider late applications if places are still available.
- Course start dates: February to November
- Thesis start date: January to December
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Doctoral Year | Starts – 1 January |
|---|---|
| Ends – 31 December |
| Doctoral Year | Starts – 1 January |
|---|---|
| Ends – 31 December |
Where could this programme take you?
This all-encompassing programme comprises a range of taught courses followed by a doctoral thesis. Collaborate with experienced professionals across the health sector to develop your leadership and innovation skills.
Jobs related to this programme
- Executive leadership positions in health organisations
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513