Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Studies (PhD in HCS)

Campus Location

Attard, Malta

Disciplines

Health Administration, Health Sciences

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Studies (PhD in HCS) is a research-oriented doctoral degree designed to provide advanced theoretical knowledge and to generate original scholarly contributions in the field of healthcare studies. The programme is aimed at healthcare professionals and academics seeking to deepen their research competencies and make a meaningful contribution to academic discourse within their discipline.

The study model is highly flexible: candidates may study full-time or part-time, receive individual supervision from a dedicated dissertation committee, and begin working on their research topic and dissertation from the outset of the programme. Throughout the programme, candidates are encouraged to produce scholarly publications and present their research at academic conferences.

Typical research areas include healthcare policy and systems, hospital operations and quality management, patient safety, digital health systems (e.g. e-health and artificial intelligence in healthcare), public health, nursing leadership, health economics, ageing and long-term care, health equity, and other interdisciplinary topics.

Upon completion, the PhD opens diverse career pathways in research, academia, policy advisory roles, healthcare administration, scholarly publishing, and senior leadership positions within healthcare organisations and public institutions.

Programme Structure

The PhD in Healthcare Studies is structured as a modular, research-driven doctoral programme aligned with EQF Level 8. It is offered in full-time and part-time study modes and delivered fully online. The programme comprises five sequential modules that guide candidates from doctoral research foundations to the completion of an original dissertation.

The initial modules focus on doctoral-level research skills, contemporary issues in healthcare studies, and advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods. These modules ensure that candidates develop a strong theoretical framework and methodological competence relevant to their chosen research area.

Subsequently, candidates progress to the proposal development phase, where they refine their research questions, literature review, and study design under close academic supervision. The final phase is dedicated to independent research, data analysis, and the writing and defense of the doctoral dissertation, supported by a dedicated doctoral committee.

Admission requirements

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

• Duolingo English Test: 120
• IELTS: 6.5

Other requirements

General requirements

• a Master’s degree (MQF level 7 qualification) or distinction profile of Bachelor degree (MQF level 6 qualification),
• sufficient language skills (e.g., English IELTS level 6.5 or above), and
• sufficient digital competences to use EIM’s online learning platform (Google Education),

or to be able to demonstrate the requisite level of proficiency.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

• International (Non-residents): 9,662 AUD / year ≈ 6,000 EUR / year
• Domestic (Citizens or residents): 9,662 AUD / year ≈ 6,000 EUR / year

Funding

Scholarships available for PhD's in Healthcare Studies.