Doctor of Health
Course details
| NZQF Level | 10 |
|---|
About the course
Become a leader in the health sector with a professional doctorate that combines coursework and original applied research.
Warning
This programme may not be suitable for you as an international student, due to one or more of the following reasons:
- The qualification is only available as part-time study.
- The qualification is delivered by distance or online modes.
- The content is mostly specific to the New Zealand context.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest, contact the International Office.
Designed to enhance professional understanding, extend leadership attributes and strengthen expertise in research and evaluation, the Doctor of Health will enable you to innovate and make a difference in health delivery outcomes in New Zealand and globally.
A combination of taught courses and research thesis will develop your professional understanding and expertise in research, evaluation, professional and reflective practice, and strengthen collaboration with other health professionals.
The programme is practice-focused and has been designed to prepare and support future leaders of practice, policy, education and management.
Our proximity to the Ministry of Health and other national health-focused agencies, primary healthcare organisations and major non-governmental agencies enables the programme to cater for staff already working in organisations and links the programme to sector priorities.
Pathway to the Doctor of Health
To gain entry to the Doctor of Health programme, you must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with Honours, or a Master’s degree, or a Postgraduate Diploma in Health or equivalent and have a minimum of five years’ experience in a relevant professional role.
You’ll also need to be approved for entry by the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health, and Psychological Sciences.
This doctorate is only available to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
What to expect
In your first two years, or Part 1, you’ll complete coursework that lays the foundation for your thesis. You will learn how to research in a professional context and prepare a research proposal.
Your learning will take place in block days of seminars, workshops and guest lectures giving you the flexibility to fit in study with work, and you’ll stay connected through online forums.
You’ll need to complete Part 1 and gain approval from the Associate Dean before you can enrol in Part 2.
In Part 2 you’ll complete your thesis, writing a document of up to 70,000 words that demonstrates your substantial research. You’ll already know your supervisor, having worked closely with them throughout Part 1.
Workload and duration
Candidates are expected to complete the Doctor of Health part-time, allowing two years for the coursework and up to four years for the thesis—a maximum of six years in total. As the on-campus teaching is limited to block lectures, you can continue to work while you study.
You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of points you’ll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10-12 hours work.
Scholarships
You can apply for a postgraduate scholarship offered by Victoria University of Wellington to help fund your studies.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor’s degree with Honours, or Master’s degree, or postgraduate diploma in a relevant subject with at least a B average, and at least five years' professional experience
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.