Meet our future health leaders inspiring the next generation!
Hear the candidates discuss why they joined the program, about their studies, and the value of the program to their professional development and careers.
Applications
The program is now reopened. Entry into the DrPH program is via Expression of Interest and can be submitted at any time of the year.
Please refer to the How to Apply section below for information on the application process.
Program Information for Future Health Leaders - Read more about the program
FAQs and Information for Employers and Candidates
For information about PhD, Masters by Research and coursework masters programs at the School of Population Health please see Related Links for information on these programs.
The UNSW Future Health Leaders Program is a work-place based professional doctorate (minimum 3 years full time or equivalent) for candidates identified by the workplace as future leaders, and comprises a combination of higher degree research activities supported by selected coursework offerings. The focus of additional coursework and workshops in the DrPH program will be Research Translation, Research Methods, Health Management, Public Health, and Health Leadership. The training is provided while candidates work full-time in their workplace, complemented by a series of coursework activities that support the completion of the research activities and translation of research findings into impacts.
The School of Population Health (SPH) offers a unique Professional Doctorate in Applied Public Health (DrPH) which is designed to be delivered in partnership with a suitable health workplace. The DrPH as a qualification is aimed at strengthening practitioner based knowledge and practice with graduates able to generate and use evidence within the context of real-world challenges and priorities.
As a qualification it is in line with international trends demonstrating the advantages of a professional doctorate for practitioners and leaders in public health and health management as an alternative to a PhD. Graduates of the professional doctorate are recognised as advanced health professionals and practitioner researchers who can take on senior and leadership roles within public health and health service settings.
The program provides an advanced degree, equivalent to a PhD under the Australian TEQSA framework, through i) selected coursework, ii) yearly skills workshops, and iii) workplace-based research projects involving support from UNSW academic and workplace supervisors. Candidates fulfil the requirements for the DrPH while working, through related workplace experience, formal educational activities, coursework, seminars and workshops, and a thesis which reflects original research undertaken during the program. Candidates are supervised by a team of academic supervisors and workplace supervisors for the duration of their candidature.
The model offered at UNSW is an elite program with limited placements and requires partnership with a health focussed workplace. The candidate must be nominated by the partnering workplace and must have a Masters in Public Health or equivalent qualification to be eligible. There is a requirement during the initial part of the DrPH program which is the completion of 48 Units of Credit of coursework activities in support of the proposed research and academic development. A recognition of prior learning pathway for the coursework component is available for up to 24 Units of Credit, subject to approval by the Dean of Graduate Research, on request during the application process. At least 24 Units of Credit of coursework must be completed during the DrPH program which must be comprised of three one week intensive workshop activities, complemented by a 6 Unit of Credit Future Health Leaders foundation course.
The DrPH is a work-based program, and our objective is to partner with health workplaces to produce highly competent multidisciplinary professionals in public health and health management for health workplaces in Australia and overseas (such as ministries of health, government and non-government health organisations and hospitals).
How to Apply
Applicants can express their interest to enter the program at any time of the year. Entry is conducted on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Higher Degree Research program entry requirements of the University of New South Wales.
All candidates are required to submit completed DrPH Expression of Interest Form with supporting documentation. The Postgraduate Coordinators for the DrPH program will assess the information provided in your EOI form within four (4) weeks from EOI submission and will provide direct feedback and advice regarding suitability to commence the program, and further assistance in progressing through the assessment process.
Applications for entry into the program will only be supported once the following criteria are met:
- EOI suitability assessment and written feedback to the applicant from the DrPH Postgraduate Coordination Team (PGC team)
- A written agreement with a suitable academic supervisory team.
- An interview between applicant, proposed academic supervisors, and workplace supervisors, with the DrPH PGC team.
- Formal written letter of support for enrolment from the DrPH PGC team.
Please note: All applicants, whether domestic or international, who do not have an assessable qualification undertaken and assessed in English, must provide evidence that their English language ability meets the minimum requirements for admission. Please refer to the UNSW English Language Requirements website for further information.
Application Process
| Step | Description |
| Step 1 |
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| Step 2 |
The PGCs will respond to EOIs and provide advice to prospective candidates regarding their proposed research area. (Note: prospective students unable to meet DrPH and HDR entry requirements are provided with advice and options to meet their circumstances). |
| Step 3 |
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| Step 4 |
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| Step 5 |
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| Step 6 |
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| Step 7 |
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| Step 8 |
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| First 1-2 years of DrPH program |
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| August each year |
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Please note: The School of Population Health internal process with the DrPH PHC team comprises Steps 1-7 of the above process. Once applicants receive support from the DrPH PGC team they will be given instructions on how to apply formally through Graduate Research School (GRS) at UNSW Sydney.
Further information
The UNSW Future Health Leaders Program is now advertised continuously for commencement in any term. You are strongly encouraged to begin the process as outlined above as early as possible, at least 6-12 months prior to your desired entry into the program. Suggested timeframes for commencement of the EOI and assessment process are contained in the EOI form.
Individuals who are considering applying should discuss the program with their employer as soon as possible. Entry into the program will not be supported by the DrPH PGC team without written agreement with your workplace, and an interview with the prospective workplace supervisor.
DrPH Postgraduate Coordination (PGC) Team
- Associate Professor David Heslop (d.heslop@unsw.edu.au)
- Dr Blessing Akombi-Inyang (b.akombi@unsw.edu.au)