International Health Research Institute

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Doctor of Health Science

Doctor of Health Science (DHS) | Operational Intelligence
Professional Doctorate Qualification

Doctor of
Health Science.

The definitive qualification for strategic leaders. Transition from operating a health system to architecting its defense.

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Duration & Mode

48 - 60 Months

100% Online | Full-Time or Part-Time

Framework

MQF/EQF Level 8

4,500 Total Learning Hours

Tuition Fees

€14,900 EU

€23,500 Non-EU | Installments Available

Technical Annex

Course Data Sheet

The Curriculum Core

Built on the One Health Matrix

Our research program is engineered to solve systemic threats at the intersection of four critical domains:

Human Resilience

Hardening health infrastructure to withstand systemic shocks, from isolated rural care to high-volume pandemic response.

Biosecurity Defense

Pathogen surveillance and molecular defense. Leveraging omics to secure biological borders against zoonotic threats.

Complex Systems

Applying HRO principles and AI-governance to critical infrastructure management and aerospace health.

Resource Security

Securing agricultural logistics and critical water systems against climate-driven disruption and biological risk.

Regulatory Framework

Programme Parameters & Admissions

Information provided in compliance with the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) guidelines.

Entry Requirements & Target Audience

Target Audience: Designed for mid-to-senior level healthcare professionals, researchers, and administrators (Ages 31-65), as well as dedicated students (Ages 19-30) seeking senior command roles.

Standard Entry:

  • Master's degree at MQF/EQF Level 7 or equivalent.
  • 5+ Years of mid-to-senior level work experience.
  • English Proficiency (IELTS 6.0 - 7.0).

Alternative Entry:

  • An MQF/EQF Level 6 full qualification (Bachelor's degree) or equivalent.
  • 10+ Years of mid-to-senior level work experience.
  • English Proficiency (IELTS 6.0 - 7.0).
Programme Structure & Learning Hours

The DHS programme comprises a total of 4,500 Learning Hours across 5 core modules (DHS 801 - DHS 805). The language of instruction is English.

  • Phase 1: Taught Modules (Transforming Services, Implementation Science, Research Methods)
  • Phase 2: Project Proposal (Literature Review & Proposal Formulation)
  • Phase 3: Doctoral Thesis (Original research constituting 1,500 hours of study)

*Note: This programme does not lead to a warranted profession or related occupation.

Assessment, Grading & Intake Dates

Assessment Procedures: Delivered 100% online. Formative assessments include tutorials and critical prompts. Summative assessments encompass analytical essays, research proposals, a final 50,000-60,000 word dissertation, and an oral Viva Voce.

Grading System: Pass Rate requires > 50%. Grades range from A (80-100%, Excellent) to F (0-44%, Unsatisfactory).

Exit Award: Compliant with EHEA Standards, IHRI regulations include provisions for an embedded Master of Philosophy (MPhil) for research that does not satisfy full Doctoral criteria but demonstrates Level 8 mastery.

2026 Programme Intake Dates:

February 15th | April 15th | June 15th | September 15th | December 15th

Applications must be submitted one month prior to the desired intake date via the IHRI Website. An application fee of €30 applies.

Start Application Process