The Doctor of Health Science (DHS) at IHRI
Your Expertise, Your Research: Drive Real-World Impact
Are you a visionary healthcare professional driven to solve the most pressing and challenging global health problems? The International Health Research Institute (IHRI) invites you to elevate your impact with our Doctor of Health Science (DHS) programme.
Designed for ambitious practitioner-scholars, our DHS is your pathway to becoming a transformative leader and a catalyst for change in 21st-century healthcare. Through an immersive, fully online learning experience, you’ll master cutting-edge research methodologies and gain the expertise to translate evidence directly into impactful, real-world practice.
This advanced doctoral journey empowers you to thrive in senior practice, administration/management, education, or research roles, locally, nationally, and internationally. At IHRI, you won’t just gain a qualification; you’ll gain the skills and network to lead innovation and shape the future of health on a global scale.
Doctor of Health Science (DHS) MQF/EQF Level 8 Programme Overview
EU Students (Total): €15,000
- FT: 4 annual instalments of €3,750
- PT: 5 annual instalments of €3,000
Non-EU Students (Total): €23,500
- FT: 4 annual instalments of €5,875
- PT: 5 annual instalments of €4,700
For Low Middle Income Country residents, contact info@ihri.eu for available scholarships and waivers.
Note: An application fee of €30 EU and €50 Non EU residents applies. Fees may be revised in subsequent annual intakes.
Permitted up to 6 years (FT) or 8 years (PT) from initial enrolment.
Annual Extension Fee:
- EU Students: €3,750
- Non-EU Students: €5,875
Fees are due at the beginning of each additional year or pro-rata for partial years. All terms and conditions apply.
Key Benefits/Highlights
Online Flexibility, Uncompromised Quality
- Study 100% online, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your studies with your professional commitments. Our pedagogical methods are designed to be equivalent or superior to non-digital methods, creating a highly engaging student experience.
Solve Complex Health Challenges
Promote new avenues of inquiry to tackle pressing global health issues and prepare for dynamic, uncertain environments.
Personalized, Transformational Learning
Benefit from a bespoke approach with one-to-one “transformational tutorials” with faculty members at least twice every four months. This unique ‘Asynchronous tutorial’ model, adapted from the Oxford tutorial system, fosters dynamic academic discourse and personalized guidance, supporting a teaching model not bound to fixed class times.
Real-World Applied Research
Engage in a practical, real-world research project for your doctoral thesis (50,000-60,000 words), directly addressing current challenges and opportunities in healthcare and designed to make a significant contribution to the knowledge domain.
Interdisciplinary Expert Faculty
Learn from a diverse team with expertise across healthcare, science disciplines, business, engineering, and technology, providing unique perspectives on multi-disciplinary problems with global impact. Senior faculty hold related MQF/EQF Level 8 Doctoral degrees and 10+ years of professional experience.
Leadership and Change Agent Development
- Develop the expertise to translate research findings into practical solutions, adapt to constant advancements through quality improvement initiatives, change management, and technology adoption, and integrate research methodologies into your professional practice. You’ll be well-positioned for leadership roles in healthcare transformation, quality management, and evidence-based decision-making.
Accreditation & Quality Assurance: Our Commitment to Excellence
We understand that choosing an online doctoral programme is a significant decision, and trust in its quality and recognition is paramount. IHRI is proud to confirm that our Doctor of Health Science programme is
Fully Accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA)
IHRI and its programmes are rigorously accredited by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), the official national regulatory body for further and higher education in Malta. This accreditation is a testament to our adherence to stringent national quality benchmarks and standards.
Aligned with European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
Our Doctor of Health Science programme is formally pegged at MQF Level 8 within the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF). The MQF is fully referenced to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), ensuring that your doctoral qualification is internationally comparable and recognised across Europe and beyond. This comprehensive framework provides clarity and comparability of qualifications across Europe and internationally.
Built on Principles of Rigour
Beyond regulatory compliance, IHRI is committed to continuous enhancement of its academic offerings. Our robust internal quality assurance processes are embedded in every aspect of the programme – from curriculum design and faculty selection to student support and research supervision. We ensure a learning environment that fosters critical thinking, advanced research skills, and real-world problem-solving.
Expert Faculty, Practical Application
You will learn from highly qualified faculty members who are not only academically qualified but also experienced practitioners and leaders. The DHS programme is designed with a strong emphasis on applied research, equipping you with the advanced skills and knowledge to drive impactful change in global health and make a tangible difference in your career.
Admissions Requirements
Academic Entry
A relevant MQF/EQF Level 7 degree or equivalent, with a minimum of 5+ years’ work experience at a mid-senior level in a health/social care or other professional area.
Alternative Entry
An MQF/EQF Level 6 full qualification or alternative, with 10+ years’ work experience at a mid-senior level in either a health/social care or other professional area
Interview
All applicants require an interview with the course coordinator or nominee.
GRE Requirement (if applicable)
For those with a Level 6 degree in a non-health-related area, taking the Graduate Record Examinations Test (GRE) with a minimum score of 150 for Verbal and 152 for Math is required.
English Language Proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7 or more. Exemptions are available for students holding a qualification at MQF Level 6 or higher from institutions that hold courses in English (e.g., a Maltese, Irish, UK, Australian, New Zealand, or US qualification).
Application Process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the mode of delivery for the program?
The program is delivered fully online.
What is the duration of the program?
The full-time programme is 48 months (4 years), and the part-time program is 60 months (5 years).
What is the target audience for this program?
The program is aimed at healthcare professionals aged 19-65, including leaders & managers, researchers, physicians, nurses, paramedics, educators, and allied health professionals seeking senior practice, administration, or research roles.
How are modules taught online?
Students are taught through online interactive synchronous and asynchronous tutorials, inquiry-based learning, and self-directed independent learning. Digital tools like Google Workspace/education and associated APPS are utilized.
How is the program assessed?
Assessment includes assignments, exams, and presentations/viva oral boards. All marks are subject to approval by the Assessment Board and external examiners.
Is there an exit award for students who do not complete the full doctorate?
Yes, a Masters of Philosophy (MPhil) may be awarded to students who complete modules D801-D805 and meet specific grading criteria in their final thesis assessment.
Contact US
Have more questions? Our team is here to help you.
Email: info@ihri.eu