The Nordic School of Public Health, NHV, has offered research training for a Doctor of Public Health degree, DrPH, since the 1980-s. Our research training is of Nordic character and turns to those who wish to broaden and deepen knowledge of people’s health in relation to the society they live in. The DrPH-degree gives the competence to work as a researcher and a lecturer at universities and other higher educational or research institutions. It is also a good platform for those who would like to make a career within health care and social services.
Why Research Training?
The aim of DrPH-training is to acquire a deep knowledge within public health, methodological experience and the ability to critical appraisal and thinking.
DrPH-training at the NHV corresponds to four years of full-time studies and consists of three main parts: (please follow the links below for more information)
- a certain number of compulsory courses
- participation in research training and methodological seminars
- writing a thesis and its public defence
All three components have to be done to be granted the DrPH-degree. The courses and participation in the seminars correspond to a minimum of 60 ECTS (one year of full-time studies). It is obligatory to complete the required number of courses and to participate in research training and methodological seminars. More information about the course part can be found here.
Financing
Most DrPH-students at the NHV are to a different extent dependent on external funding that they have to apply for, for example research grants or support from the employer. The NHV has limited resources to offer financial assistance to DrPH students. More information about funding can be found here. Application
To be eligible as a doctoral student one should meet the following requirements:
- General eligibility, at least three years of studies at university or college for a basic degree.
- Special eligibility, Master of Public Health exam, Master’s degree in a subject with public health relevance, or a relevant longer training, e.g. MD.
Applications for research training are considered by the NHV's Research and Research Training Committee. The Committee has its meetings 2-3 times each term. Applications should be sent to NHV:s Registry Office at least three weeks before the meeting.
Read more about application and application procedure here.
Assessment of the thesis
The assessment of the thesis is done stepwise starting with a mid-way review when half of the thesis work has been done.
The final assessment of the thesis is done in three steps: an internal and an external assessment and an oral defence of the doctoral thesis.
More information about assessment of the thesis can be found here. Some things to consider before you apply for research training
- Consider accessibility of your resources in terms of time and finance. The minimum period of study for the degree of DrPH is four academic years of full-time study. Research training done part-time takes a longer period. What kind of education do you expect to get? What does it require from you? Is there anyone who can provide personal support to you?
- Choose the subject of your thesis. This choice will, to a certain extent, decide upon the courses to be taken. Consider and re-consider the thesis’ subject. A subject that is of great personal interest for you might be irrelevant for research work. Discuss your ideas with several people and remember that research is about curiosity, openness and critical thinking, not the least self-criticism.
- Try to meet one or several supervisors and discuss your ideas with him/her/them. Remember that your supervisor is the person who you are expected to cooperate with during a number of years. Ensure that the supervisor or the supervisors are willing and have the opportunity to follow your work, advise and support you during the whole period of time. Read more about supervision during research training here.
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