Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to prepare professionals in the public health sector to either take up careers as faculty members or to work in the other sectors where advanced knowledge, skills and experience in public health are needed to address today's most demanding public health and social issues. The learners will participate in rigorous but engaging intellectual discourses that will equip them with professional and research skills needed to act as consultants and leaders in the public health sector.

Rationale

The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health (PhD Public Health) is a highly attractive qualification to many learners both in South Africa and beyond. It is of high demand and relevant to the needs of graduates with a Master's Degree in Public Health and in any other related fields who are working in different areas of employment both locally (Limpopo province) and in other provinces in the country. There are very few graduates in Public Health with PhDs in South Africa and in most African countries. Currently, graduates with a PhD in Public Health in South Africa are classified as having scarce skills. Specifically, there are several graduates with Master's in Public Health in our department who are yearning to pursue a PhD in Public Health qualification in order to provide leadership and also act as experts in public health in the districts and municipalities. The qualification offers the learners immense career opportunities both in the government departments, the universities, international organisations and non-government organisations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an Assessment Policy and Recognition of Prior Learning (APRL) policy in place.

The qualification conforms to the institution's Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as well as the RPL policy of the Faculty.

The policy defines the process that must be followed in the assessment of an application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at postgraduate level and provides information pertaining to assessment tools that can be used in the assessment of RPL applications. The PRL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process.

Entry Requirements

A minimum requirement is a Master's of Philosophy in Public Health or in any other related field.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health consists of 1 compulsory module at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits

• Dissertation in Public Health in Thesis at NQF Level 10, 360 Credits.

1. Identify and analyse an ethical issue; balance the claims of personal liberty with the responsibility to protect and improve the health of the population; and act on the ethical concepts of social justice and human rights in public health research and practice.
2. Provide fiscally responsible strategic and operational guidance within both public and private health organisations for achieving individual and community health and wellness.
3. Create and communicate a shared vision for a positive future; inspire trust and motivate others; and use evidence-based strategies to enhance essential public health services.
4. Synthesize and apply evidence-based research and theory from a broad range of disciplines and health-related data sources to advance programs, policies, and systems promoting population health.
5. Communicate and interact with people across diverse communities and cultures for development of programs, policies, and research.
6. Influence decision-making regarding policies and practices that advance public health using scientific knowledge, analysis, communication, and consensus-building.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Positions on health issues, law, and policy are presented.
• Consensus-building, negotiation, and conflict avoidance and resolution techniques are utilised.
• The impact of legislation, judicial opinions, regulations, and policies on population health are analysed.
• Goals, timelines, funding alternatives, and strategies for influencing policy initiatives are established.
• Action plans for building public and political support for programs and policies are designed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Collaborative partnerships with communities, policy makers, and other relevant groups are established.
• Engaging with communities in creating evidence-based, culturally competent programs are displayed.
• Community-based participatory intervention and research projects are conducted.
• Action plans for enhancing community and population-based health are designed.
• Cultural, environmental, and social justice influences on the health of communities are assessed.
• Culturally and linguistically appropriate programs, services, and research are implemented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Theoretical and evidence-based perspectives from multiple disciplines are applied in the design and implementation of programs, policies, and systems.
• Quantitative and qualitative data following current scientific standards are interpreted.
• Design needs and resource assessments for communities and populations are suggested.
• Health surveillance systems are developed to monitor population health, health equity, and public health services.
• Information from multiple sources for research and practice are synthesised.
• The performance and impact of health programs, policies, and systems are evaluated.
• Risks, benefits, and unintended consequences for research and practice are determined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Teams for implementing health initiatives are implemented.
• Capacity-building strategies at the individual, organisational, and community level are developed.
• Health surveillance systems to monitor population health, health equity, and public health services are developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Strategic planning processes are implemented.
• Principles of human resource management are applied.
• Informatics principles are used in the design and implementation of information systems.
• Policies and procedures with regulatory and statutory requirements are applied.
• Quality improvement methods are deployed.
• Financial and business plans for health programs and services are compiled.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Potential conflicts of interest encountered by practitioners, researchers, and organisations are managed.
• Strategies for resolving ethical concerns in research, law, and regulations are designed.
• Tools that protect the privacy of individuals and communities involved in health programs, policies, and research are developed.
• Ethical considerations in developing communications and promotional initiatives are assessed.

Integrated Assessment

The Degree will be assessed based on the production of a thesis of a maximum of 100,000 words and an oral examination. Two internal examiners (promoters) and two external examiners shall mark the doctoral thesis. Each of these four examiners shall comment on the work in writing, and give a clear breakdown on how they arrive at the final grading of the thesis. In addition, there shall be a public defence of the thesis organized - by the Higher Degrees Committee, in the School of Health Sciences.