Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Healthcare Studies
Conduct original healthcare research, shape policy and practice, and earn a fully accredited doctoral degree — entirely online, at your own pace.
MFHEA-Accredited
Why Choose the PhD in Healthcare Studies at EIM?
The Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Studies (PhD in HCS) at the European Institute of Management (EIM) is a research-driven online doctoral programme at EQF Level 8, accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). Across five structured modules, you develop original healthcare knowledge — from foundational research methods to your final dissertation defence and academic publication.
What sets this programme apart is its exceptional support: Oxbridge-style tutorials in small peer groups combined with private, step-by-step dissertation supervision. Designed for healthcare professionals who need both structure and flexibility, it removes the constraints of traditional doctoral programmes.
Whether you aim for academic research, health policy, or clinical leadership, the PhD in HCS gives you the credentials and skills to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare.
You don’t need to step away from your career. With fully online delivery, flexible scheduling, and the option to study part-time for up to 84 months, you integrate doctoral research into your professional life. And if you want to see how the programme works before committing, you can enrol in the first module and experience the workload and support first-hand.
Your Path
Who Will Benefit from This Programme?
EIM’s PhD in Healthcare Studies is specifically designed for three groups: experienced healthcare professionals — clinicians, managers, analysts, and public-health specialists — who want to deepen their academic engagement and contribute original research to their field. Healthcare academics and educators who don’t yet hold a doctorate and need stronger qualifications for leadership roles in teaching, research, and institutional development. And professionals currently working in healthcare who are planning a transition into academic, research, or consultancy roles.
Make an Impact. Drive Change in Healthcare.
EIM’s PhD students in Healthcare Studies are driven by purpose. With their original research, they address real challenges in healthcare — closing gaps in academic literature, improving patient outcomes, and shaping the future of health systems.
Career Impact
Open Doors to Leadership in Healthcare and Academia
A doctoral degree is the strongest credential you can hold in healthcare research and higher education. Graduates of EIM’s PhD in Healthcare Studies move into senior academic positions — professorships, programme directorships, deanships — as well as principal investigator roles, clinical research leadership, health policy advisory positions, and independent consultancy. The rigorous training in research design, data analysis, and evidence-based practice makes PhD holders highly sought after across universities, hospitals, health systems, government agencies, and the life sciences sector.
After completing the PhD, you can further strengthen your academic profile with EIM’s PGCert in Academic Research and Publication or the PGCert in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Holders of both PGCerts are recognised as Lecturers in Higher Education — qualified to teach and research at universities across Europe.
Programme fee
The Standard programme starts at EUR 3,000 admission plus EUR 3,000 per quarter (expected total: EUR 39,000 for 12 quarters). The Individual option with private tutoring starts at EUR 4,000 admission plus EUR 4,500 per quarter (expected total: EUR 58,000). Flexible payment plans and scholarship support are available — contact admission@eim.education for details.
Entry Requirements
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Master’s degree (MQF level 7 qualification) or distinction profile of Bachelor degree (MQF level 6 qualification)
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Proficient working level of English in understanding and speaking, reading and writing
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Basic digital competencies to work with the institutions´ digital learning platform
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Excellent personal motivation
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Excellent team work
Applicants that do not comply with indicated requirements can request for a of Recognition of Prior Learning
Free and without obligation.
Request Information Material
Frequently Asked Questions
After completing the PhD in Healthcare Studies, you can pursue academic careers in teaching and research, take on clinical research leadership, policy advisory, or healthcare consultancy roles. Graduates work in universities, hospitals, health systems, government agencies, NGOs, and the life sciences sector. You can also continue with EIM’s PGCert in Academic Research and Publication and the PGCert in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning. Holders of both PGCerts are recognised as Lecturers in Higher Education.
To register for the PhD in Healthcare Studies at the European Institute of Management (EIM), you need a Master’s degree (MQF/EQF Level 7) in a relevant discipline — such as healthcare, public health, nursing, medicine, biomedical sciences, health education, or health management. You also need English language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 or CEFR C1 and sufficient digital competence for EIM’s online learning platform (Google Education Suite). Applicants who can demonstrate the requisite proficiency through other means are also considered.
The PhD in Healthcare Studies takes 36 months full-time or up to 84 months part-time. The programme consists of five modules: three taught semesters covering Introduction to Doctoral Research, Contemporary Issues in Healthcare Studies, and Advanced Research Methods — followed by Proposal Development and Final Study Development including dissertation defence.
You can start the PhD in Healthcare Studies at the beginning of each semester. There is no fixed annual intake — EIM offers flexible enrolment so you can begin when it fits your schedule.
Absolutely. The programme is delivered fully online with live sessions and asynchronous learning. Flexible scheduling and both full-time and part-time options make it possible to balance doctoral research with your clinical, managerial, or public health responsibilities. Many of EIM’s PhD students in Healthcare Studies are working professionals.
Yes. The Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Studies (PhD in HCS) is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) at MQF/EQF Level 8, the highest level of the European Qualifications Framework.
Ready to Advance Healthcare Through Research?
Take the first step towards your PhD in Healthcare Studies. Contact our admissions team for a personal consultation or request our detailed information brochure.
Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Studies (PhD in HCS)
| Requirement/Headline | Content |
|---|---|
| Name of the Educational Programme | Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Studies (PhD in HCS) |
| Exit Qualifications | Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Studies (PhD in HCS) |
| Accredited Status of the Programme | Approved Higher Education Programme by MFHEA |
| MQF / EQF level | 8 |
| Type of Programme | Qualification |
| Mode of Delivery | Online |
| Requirement/Headline | Content |
|---|---|
| Name of the Educational Programme | Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Studies (PhD in HCS) |
| Exit Qualifications | Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Studies (PhD in HCS) |
| Accredited Status of the Programme | Approved Higher Education Programme by MFHEA |
| MQF / EQF level | 8 |
| Type of Programme | Qualification |
| Mode of Delivery | Online |
| PhD in HCS | |
|---|---|
| Hours of Total Learning for the whole PhD in HCS programme |
|
| Hours of total learning for Modules 1, 2, and 3 |
|
| Hours of total learning for Modules 4 and 5 |
|
| Mode of Attendance | Full-Time and Part-Time |
|---|---|
| Programme Duration | 36 months (full-time) and up to 84 months (part-time) |
| Target Group | The PhD program is specifically designed for individuals with professional backgrounds in the healthcare industry. This includes three primary groups: (1) experienced healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their academic engagement and contribute to knowledge production in their field; (2) healthcare academics and educators who do not yet hold a doctoral degree and aim to strengthen their academic qualifications for leadership roles in teaching, research, and institutional development; and (3) professionals currently working in healthcare who are planning a career transition into academic, research, or consultancy roles within the healthcare sector. |
| Language of Instruction | English |
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.
| Semester | Module |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Introduction to Doctoral Research in Healthcare Studies |
| Semester 2 | Contemporary Issues in Healthcare Studies |
| Semester 3 | Advanced Research Methods in Healthcare Studies |
| Semester 4–6 | Proposal Development |
| Semester 7–9 | Final Study Development |
| Semester | Module |
|---|---|
| Semester 1–2 | Introduction to Doctoral Research in Healthcare Studies |
| Semester 3–4 | Contemporary Issues in Healthcare Studies |
| Semester 5–6 | Advanced Research Methods in Healthcare Studies |
| Semester 7–12 | Proposal Development |
| Semester 13–18 | Final Study Development |
| Learning Outcomes for the Program | |
|---|---|
| Competences | At the end of the course/program, the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
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| Knowledge | At the end of the course/program, the learners will have been exposed to the following:
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| Skills | At the end of the course/program the learners will have acquired the following skills:
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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
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 Scientist
- Principal Investigator
- Clinical Research Director / Coordinator
- Head of Training and Development in Healthcare Institutions
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Specialist
- Healthcare Simulation Specialist / Educator
- Healthcare Strategy Advisor
- Policy Analyst / Public Health Consultant
- Health Systems Development Specialist
- Independent Healthcare Consultant
- Accreditation and Quality Assurance Expert
- Health Sector Knowledge Transfer Specialist
- 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.
Standard
Admission Fees: EUR 3,000
Programme Fees per quarter: EUR 3,000
Expected Total Programme Fees: EUR 39,000 (for 12 quarters)
Individual (incl. individual tutoring)
Admission Fees: EUR 4,000
Programme Fees per quarter: EUR 4,500
Expected Total Programme Fees: EUR 58,000 (for 12 quarters)
Privé
Please get in touch with admission@eim.education for more information.
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.