UNSW launches Future Health Leaders Program
In partnership with the health sector, UNSW is offering a new workplace-based professional doctorate for emerging leaders in public health.
Published on the 25 Mar 2013
UNSW has launched a workplace-based professional doctorate aimed at emerging leaders in public health.
The three-year Professional Doctorate in Applied Public Health (DrPH) is offered by UNSW’s School of Public Health and Community Medicine, and will be delivered in partnership with employers who identify future health leaders. These may be senior clinicians, health managers or policy makers from Australia and overseas who will enter the program together as an elite, small cohort.
The program focuses on three key areas: health management, public health and health leadership.
Developed in response to international trends that demonstrate the advantages of a professional doctorate over a PhD for those in public health and health management, the program provides training while candidates work full-time, with short intensives on campus.
While traditional higher degrees focus mainly on research and critical thinking skills, the Professional Doctorate allows candidates to develop their professional skills through workplace projects, intensive theoretical workshops and a thesis reflecting original research undertaken through professional practice.
“UNSW has the largest and oldest health management program in Australia, one of the largest public health programs, and considerable expertise in workplace-based learning. We are committed to making all our programs relevant to the workplace,” said Professor Raina MacIntyre, Head of the School of Public Health and Community Medicine.
The professional doctorate aims to produce highly competent multidisciplinary managers and graduates who will be recognised as advanced health professionals and practitioner-scholars who can take on senior and leadership roles within the health system, Professor MacIntyre said.
“I am very excited about using the considerable expertise at UNSW to contribute to the strengthening of the local and regional health workforce through this innovative new leadership program,” she said.
Candidates must be nominated by the partnering workplace and have a Master of Public Health or equivalent qualification to be eligible. The program begins in Semester 2, 2013. Applications close on 9th April 2013, with interviews held in May.
For more information, visit the Future Health Leaders website.
Media contact: Susi Hamilton | UNSW Media Office | 02 9385 8920