City

What you'll study

The DHealth combines taught modules with an extended applied research project that addresses a real-world problem in health practice. Taught components typically cover advanced research methods (quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods), implementation science, health policy and service evaluation, leadership and change management, ethics and governance, and knowledge translation. Students complete a sustained programme of professional development and produce a major portfolio or thesis that demonstrates original, practice-based research with clear implications for practice.

Study is usually flexible and modular to accommodate practising professionals, with options for part-time study and blended delivery. Typical taught topics and learning activities include:

• Advanced Research Methods: design, data collection and analysis skills across qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods approaches.
• Implementation and Evaluation: frameworks for translating evidence into practice, programme evaluation and service improvement methodologies.
• Leadership and Professional Development: leadership theory, change management and organisational behaviour relevant to health settings.
• Health Policy and Ethics: policy contexts, regulation, professional accountability and research governance.
• Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination: strategies for publishing, influencing policy and embedding findings in clinical practice.

The doctoral component requires students to plan, conduct and report an original programme of applied research. Assessment typically includes completion of taught module assignments, a substantial written portfolio/thesis or series of output-ready publications, and an oral examination or viva with an emphasis on the contribution to practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (such as an MSc, MClinEd, MRes or PgDip) or have equivalent professional experience; many applicants will have completed a master’s level research project. Applicants should normally be registered professionals in a relevant health or social care discipline (for example nursing, allied health professions, medicine, pharmacy, or health management) and demonstrate significant recent clinical or professional experience.

Typical application elements include:

• A degree certificate and transcript or evidence of equivalent qualifications.
• A clear research proposal or outline that demonstrates the practice problem to be addressed and its relevance to services.
• Evidence of professional registration or employment in a relevant health setting and support from an employer or practice partner where appropriate.
• Academic or professional references that attest to suitability for doctoral study.
• Sufficient English language proficiency for postgraduate research, demonstrated by recognised test scores or prior study in English where required.

Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of language competence. Admission is subject to interview and agreement of supervisory arrangements and project feasibility.

Career prospects

Graduates of the DHealth typically progress into senior clinical, leadership and academic roles that combine practice with research and service improvement. Career pathways include advanced clinical practice, consultant or specialist roles, clinical leadership and service management positions within the NHS and other health systems, research and evaluation roles in healthcare organisations, and academic appointments such as lecturer or research fellow.

Because the doctorate emphasises applied and implementable research, graduates are also well placed for roles in policy development, clinical guideline production, education and training leadership, consultancy, and senior positions in non-governmental and third-sector health organisations.

Why study at City

City’s health and allied programmes are shaped by strong links with local and national health services, providing access to clinical partners, placement opportunities and collaborative research projects. The university offers multidisciplinary supervision from experienced academics and practitioners, strengthening the practical impact of doctoral research.

Studying at City gives you access to central London resources, specialist libraries, and taught provision tailored for working professionals, including flexible delivery and part-time pathways. The university’s research environment supports applied health research, with established research centres and networks that can enhance supervision, dissemination and translation of your findings into practice.