The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has launched a new workplace-based professional doctorate aimed at creating a new generation of leaders in public health.

The new, three-year Professional Doctorate in Applied Public Health (DrPH) will be delivered through a partnership with employers, with senior clinicians, health managers or policy makers from Australia and overseas who will enter the program together as an elite, small cohort.

Developed in response to international trends that demonstrate the advantages of a professional doctorate over a PhD for those in public health and health management, the program provides training while candidates work full-time, with short intensives on campus.

While traditional higher degrees focus mainly on research and critical thinking skills, the Professional Doctorate allows candidates to develop their professional skills through workplace projects, intensive theoretical workshops and a thesis reflecting original research undertaken through professional practice.

“UNSW has the largest and oldest health management program in Australia, one of the largest public health programs, and considerable expertise in workplace-based learning. We are committed to making all our programs relevant to the workplace,” said Professor Raina MacIntyre, Head of the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at UNSW.