University of Victoria

Overview

The Social Dimensions of Health (SDH) PhD program at the University of Victoria is designed for those interested in exploring the intricate relationship between social factors and health outcomes. This interdisciplinary program enables students to engage in comprehensive research that contributes to the fields of health equity and societal health research. Graduates will complete rigorous training, meet candidacy requirements, and produce an original dissertation under the guidance of experienced faculty members.

What you'll study

The SDH PhD program emphasizes a research-led approach, combining coursework with independent research. Key components of the curriculum include:

Coursework and research training

• Qualitative Research in Education, Health and Society
• Qualitative Methods in Human Geography
• Advanced Quantitative Methods
• Research Methods in Health Informatics
• Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics

Progression and dissertation

• Candidacy requirements: Students must fulfill defined academic and research milestones throughout the program.
• Independent research: Each student will develop and execute a unique research project with faculty supervision.
• Dissertation: Students are required to submit an original dissertation that adds valuable insights to the field of health research and its social dimensions.

Academic development

• Engagement in research training activities and academic seminars.
• Opportunities for mentoring or teaching assistance, depending on departmental needs, which may include supporting Master’s students.

Entry requirements

There are no specific GRE, GMAT, or GPA requirements for admission to this program. However, a strong academic background is beneficial.

Career prospects

Graduates of the SDH PhD program will be well-prepared for a variety of careers in academia, research, public health, policy-making, and community health organizations. Their expertise in the social dimensions of health will enable them to address complex health issues and contribute to improving health equity on a broader scale.