HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · HONG KONG
Doctor of Health Science (DHSc)
PhD · Taught in en · UCAS 06001
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€22k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- First DHSc program in Hong KongUnique Program
- 3 years full-time, 4 years part-timeDuration
- Specializations availableAreas of Study
- Focus on practice and research for leadershipProgram Focus
- HKD 200,000 per year (International Tuition)International Tuition
- HKD 47,000 per year (Home Tuition)Home Tuition
The Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) is a professional doctoral degree designed for experienced healthcare professionals seeking to advance their leadership and analytical skills. This program focuses on the practical application of health sciences and care provision, alongside research, differentiating it from traditional PhDs. Graduates will be equipped to synthesize knowledge across disciplines, design and conduct research, and effectively communicate complex ideas. The DHSc program aims to prepare professionals who can influence health policy, lead interdisciplinary teams, and contribute to the scientific and practical development of healthcare services. This is the first program of its kind in Hong Kong. Students can choose to graduate with the generic DHSc award or specialize in areas such as Medical Imaging and Radiation Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Physiotherapy, or Prosthetics and Orthotics. The curriculum combines coursework with a significant thesis component, allowing for individualized study in a chosen specialization. Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles within healthcare environments and are expected to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and advancing healthcare practices.
Curriculum
The DHSc program requires a total of 49 credits, comprising a 25-credit coursework component (9 subjects: 5 compulsory and 4 electives) and a 24-credit equivalent thesis. Students admitted from 2024/25 onwards will take 'Academic Integrity and Ethics (Health and Social Sciences)' as a compulsory subject. The program structure allows for specialization through elective subjects and a doctoral thesis.
- Coursework
- Academic Integrity and Ethics (Health and Social Sciences)
- Advanced Quantitative Methods
- Evidence Based Practice
- Health Care Ethics
- Health Economics
- Health Systems: Management and Organization
- Issues in Health Sociology
- Thesis
- Doctoral Thesis
Careers
Graduates are prepared for leadership positions within healthcare organizations, contributing to policy-making, service delivery improvement, and the advancement of health sciences. The program fosters the skills necessary to navigate complex health service environments and influence decision-making.
- Healthcare Leaders
- Policy Makers
- Senior Healthcare Professionals
- Researchers
- Educators
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programme?
- You need a Master's degree in a health-related discipline, or a Bachelor's degree in a health-related discipline with at least 5 years of substantial professional experience. Some specialisms may have specific degree requirements.
- What is the tuition fee for international students in the DHSc programme?
- The international tuition fee for the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programme is HKD200,000 per academic year.
- How long does the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programme take to complete?
- The programme can be completed in 3 years of full-time study or 4 years of part-time study.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from the DHSc programme?
- Graduates are prepared for leadership roles such as Healthcare Leaders, Policy Makers, Senior Healthcare Professionals, Researchers, and Educators within healthcare organizations.
- How do I apply for the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programme?
- You should apply through the university's online admission system, complete the application form, pay the HKD500 application fee, and submit all required supporting documents.
- Are there any scholarships available for DHSc students?
- The Cynthia Tang Memorial Scholarship is available for applicants from the Chinese Mainland specializing in Occupational Therapy, but the specific amount is not provided.
Entry requirements
Master's DegreeIn a health-related discipline, or equivalent.
Bachelor's DegreeIn a health-related discipline with substantial professional experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A minimum of 5 years of substantial professional healthcare experience is required. Some specialism awards may have specific degree requirements related to professional registration.
Fees
Tuition (international)HKD200,000 per academic year
Tuition (home)HKD47,000 per academic year
LivingEstimated HKD287,655 per academic year (includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and personal expenses). Individual components: University-managed accommodation (approx. HKD17,305 for the first year), basic meal charges (approx. HKD52,000), personal expenses (approx. HKD18,350).
Application fee is HKD500. Tuition fees are for the academic year. Accommodation fees may vary for subsequent years of study.
How to apply
1. Visit the Online Admission SystemAccess the PolyU eAdmission system to submit your application.
2. Complete the Application FormFill in all required personal and academic details.
3. Pay Application FeeSubmit the application fee of HKD500.
4. Submit Supporting DocumentsUpload all necessary academic transcripts, professional certificates, and other required documents.
5. Attend Interview (if required)Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
6. Await Admission DecisionMonitor the online system for updates on your application status.
Scholarships
Cynthia Tang Memorial ScholarshipNot specified
Accreditation
Specialism awards are listed as quotable qualifications under their respective Supplementary Medical Professions Boards (SMP Boards) in Hong Kong.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programme?
+
You need a Master's degree in a health-related discipline, or a Bachelor's degree in a health-related discipline with at least 5 years of substantial professional experience. Some specialisms may have specific degree requirements.
What is the tuition fee for international students in the DHSc programme?
+
The international tuition fee for the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programme is HKD200,000 per academic year.
How long does the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programme take to complete?
+
The programme can be completed in 3 years of full-time study or 4 years of part-time study.
What are the career prospects after graduating from the DHSc programme?
+
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles such as Healthcare Leaders, Policy Makers, Senior Healthcare Professionals, Researchers, and Educators within healthcare organizations.
How do I apply for the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programme?
+
You should apply through the university's online admission system, complete the application form, pay the HKD500 application fee, and submit all required supporting documents.
Are there any scholarships available for DHSc students?
+
The Cynthia Tang Memorial Scholarship is available for applicants from the Chinese Mainland specializing in Occupational Therapy, but the specific amount is not provided.