PhD in Health Sciences

Program Structure

The PhD programme follows this structure:

• HEL-8900 Doctoral thesis in Health Sciences (150 credits)
• Training component (30 credits)

Training component:

Courses within the training component should be at a doctoral level and cover topics including scientific theory, ethics, and communication. The training component is worth 30 credits, with a minimum of 20 credits completed after admission.

Mandatory courses:

• HEL-8040 Theory of Science, Research Ethics and Research Design (7 credits)
• HEL-8045 Innovation and Public Research Communication (3 credits)
• Courses in Laboratory Animal Science are mandatory for candidates with research projects involving the use of laboratory animals.
• For candidates conducting laboratory research, it is mandatory to complete relevant Health, Safety and Environment courses at UiT.

Optional courses (20 credits):

• PhD courses from UiT or other accredited institution in Norway or abroad
• Specialized curriculum may be approved based on a satisfactory course description in line with UiT’s education quality system
• Courses taken at a Norwegian or foreign research school
• Scientific communication
• Popular science representation

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the PhD programme, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

The candidate can:

• Critically assess scientific methods and research designs suitable for addressing various issues within the field of health science
• Evaluate and analyze scientific-theoretical questions in their own and others’ research.
• Critically analyze the methodological and academic quality of existing knowledge within their specific field of study
• Assess the need for research and innovation within their own field of study
• Recognize and analyze ethical issues in research
• Evaluate the utility and appropriateness of different communication channels and methods

Skills

The candidate can:

• Critically reflect upon and justify the choice of research methods in a health science research project.
• Select, justify, and discuss new issues within their own research area.
• Develop projects in accordance with research ethics requirements and guidelines (including the Health Research Act).
• Design, execute, and lead a research project at a high international level.
• Evaluate and utilize various communication channels for their own research project and field of study.

General Competence:

The candidate:

• Is innovative and pioneering within their own field of study.
• Actively contributes to networks within their field of study nationally and internationally.
• Is an active contributor to societal discussions within their field of study nationally and internationally.
• Communicates and discusses thoughtfully the issues within health sciences.
• Please note that this is a translation of the learning outcomes provided, and some nuance in the original language may not be fully captured.

Job Prospectives

A PhD degree in Health Sciences qualifies individuals for a wide range of positions both within and outside academia, where candidates are needed to:

• Be at the forefront of knowledge within their field of expertise.
• Possess a strong grasp of scientific theory and methods.
• Contribute to the development of new knowledge, theories, methods, interpretations, or documentation forms.
• Gain an overview of and analyze complex problem areas.
• Formulate research questions, plan, and execute research or developmental work.
• Tackle intricate academic questions, and challenge established knowledge and practices.
• Communicate knowledge from their field to society and engage in academic discussions.
• Evaluate the need for, initiate, and drive innovation