A Doctor of Health Sciences is a research degree that combines coursework in research training with the completion of a thesis. Previous experience in research is required for acceptance into the degree although additional research training is provided by the coursework component. This Doctor of Health Sciences has a direct connection to the Health Sciences profession and usually involves research connected to the workplace. A Professional Doctorate seeks to improve the relationship between professional and academic knowledge. In particular, it aims to generate a research-based approach providing answers to questions relevant to the professions or industry and encouraging a systematic way of collecting, analysing and interpreting data. Prospective students must seek the support of a relevant professional group in defining the research area to be explored. Candidates can undertake the program in either a full-time or a part-time capacity. The standard time for completion (not including periods of approved leave of absence) will normally be three years for a full-time student and six years for a part-time student. The assessment of the coursework component consists of written assignments while the research component is assessed by examination of the thesis by external reviewers. Each candidate is required to have a minimum of two supervisors who will provide support and academic guidance throughout the degree. The supervisor will be complemented by a professional mentor, familiar with the intended topic area, who will come from the industry or profession relevant to the student's research area. Program summary The coursework component of this degree consists of four compulsory research training courses to be completed as a prerequisite to the student's individual research project. The coursework courses will provide opportunities for candidates to formulate substantial elements of their planned research (e.g. topic refinement, identification and justification of the preferred research method(s), preparation of a draft proposal) and to develop personal competencies in critical analysis and scholarly writing relevant to their profession. The completion of the coursework is facilitated by a course delivery schedule which takes into consideration that a majority of candidates will be in full-time employment during their candidature. Coursework component (0.5 year full-time study) includes the following compulsory courses: Quantitative Research Methods Qualitative Research Methods Developing a Research Proposal Scholarly Reading and Writing