Entry Requirements and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy

The entry requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Studies (PhD in HCS) (MQF Level 8) are aligned with the National Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF) and follow the principles of fairness, academic merit, and accessibility. The standard entry route is as follows:

Academic Qualifications: A Master’s degree (MQF Level 7 or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, such as healthcare, public health, nursing, medicine, biomedical sciences, health education, or health management.

Language Proficiency: Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (or CEFR C1) or higher.

Digital Competences: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient digital literacy to participate in EIM’s online learning environment, based on Google Education Suite and other research platforms. Digital competence may be assessed through practical demonstration or prior certification.

Structure of the program – full-time

Structure of the program – part-time

Teaching and Learning Procedures

The core pedagogical method used in this course will consist of synchronous online Oxbridge-style tutorials between a faculty member, or a learning coach under the oversight of a faculty member (= tutors), and a group of learners. Learner interaction plays a key role in the organisation of each tutorial meeting, which focuses on a discussion of a learner’s pre-submitted assignment.

Assessment Procedures

Formative assessment applies to the continuous evaluation of learner progress in each module, concentrating on the proficiency of submitted tutorial assignments, and the ability of the learner to respond to issues raised by the faculty member / lecturer during the tutorial session.

Summative assessment is by the final dissertation (at least 60,000 words) and an oral defense thereof (90 minutes individual presentation followed by a 45 minute questions and answers session).

Grading System Final Dissertation:

Distinction (80-100%)
Merit (65-79%)
Pass (50-64%)
Fail (0-49%)

Not available yet.

Online

https://www.identitymalta.com/unit//central-visa-unit/ 

admission@eim.education

This programme does not directly lead to a warranted profession or regulated occupation.

Graduates of this PhD programme in healthcare studies are prepared for high-level academic, research, and professional roles that require critical expertise, leadership, and advanced research competencies. The following occupations reflect the typical career pathways, aligned with the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) framework, the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), and international healthcare academic and research standards:

Academic Positions in Higher Education

• Professor / Lecturer / Senior Academic in Health Sciences
• Programme Director / Curriculum Developer
• Dean or Academic Manager in Health Faculties

Health Research and Innovation

• Health Research Scientist
• Principal Investigator
• Clinical Research Director / Coordinator

Healthcare Education and Training

• Head of Training and Development in Healthcare Institutions
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Specialist
• Healthcare Simulation Specialist / Educator

Healthcare Management and Policy Leadership

• Healthcare Strategy Advisor
• Policy Analyst / Public Health Consultant
• Health Systems Development Specialist

Consultancy and Professional Practice

• Independent Healthcare Consultant
• Accreditation and Quality Assurance Expert
• Health Sector Knowledge Transfer Specialist

Publishing and Scientific Communication

• Scientific Editor / Peer Reviewer in Medical Journals
• Medical Writer / Health Policy Communicator

The program fees below refer to the 2026/2027 academic year unless otherwise stated. Program fees are calculated per credit taught. Program fees are subject to annual inflation so the total cost are shown here as a guide. EIM will apply the program fees at the time of the payment.

Admission Fees: EUR 3’000
Programme Fees per quarter: EUR 3’000
Expected Total Programme Fees: EUR 39’000 (for 12 quarters)

Pay your program fees:
You can choose to pay your program fees in full at the start of your first term or in instalments at the start of each term. Additional fees may apply for different payment terms, currencies, and methods.

Other fees:
The program fees cover the course delivery and the learning material. Other fees may apply for additional services (e.g., fees for RPL applications, resitting an assessment, repeating a module, or additional tutoring etc.).

Get funding for your program:
EIM offers support to get access to different funding options like for example scholarships.

Please note:
Program fees shown on our website are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where EIM is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in Malta, our program fees are exempt from VAT.

PhD students can write dissertations on healthcare-focused topics such as health policy and systems, health economics and financing, health services research, quality improvement and patient safety, digital health and informatics (EHR, AI, telemedicine), population health and epidemiology, implementation science, nursing and allied-health leadership, healthcare operations and supply chain, mental health services, aging and long-term care, and health equity—along with other healthcare areas aligned with their interests.