Name of Degree and Major
Full Title : Doctor of Philosophy (Health Systems Science)
Abbreviation : Ph.D. (Health Systems Science)
Required Credits
Plan 1: Research Only
Plan 1.1 : Graduates with a Master’s degree or equivalent enroll to doctoral degree not less than 48 total credits are required
Plan 1.2 : Graduates with a doctor of medicine degree, doctor of pharmacy degree, or doctor of veterinary medicine degree enroll to doctoral degree require at least 72 credits
Plan 2 : Coursework and Research
Plan 2.1 : Graduates with a Master’s degree in health sciences or related disciplines enroll to doctoral degree not less than 48 total credits are required
Curriculum Characteristics
1 Curriculum type/model : Doctor’s degree
2 Language : English
3 Recruitment : Thai and International Students
4 Collaboration with Other Universities : Program Only in Mahidol University
5 Graduate Degrees Offered to the Graduates : One Degree for One Major
Curriculum Status and Curriculum Approval
1 New Program in 2021
2 Starting in semester 1st semester, academic year 2021 onwards
3 Approval in Principle by Mahidol University Council in it meeting 548/2019
on September 18, 2019
4 Curriculum screening committee approved the program in its meeting 24/2020
on December 28, 2020
5 The Mahidol University Council approved the program in its meeting 567
On April 21, 2021
Information of the Curriculum
1. Philosophy, Justification, and Objectives of the Curriculum
1.1 Philosophy and Justification of the Curriculum
The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health Systems Science (International Program), Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University aims to build up health leader in health systems science who are able to regulate healthcare problems at the population level, locally and globally. Graduates of this health systems science program should be able to work on initiatives that address complex health issues by creating a systemic change rather than simply implementing fragmented health interventions. Therefore, this postgraduate program addresses a great demands of the societies for health systems reforms, and is corresponding to Mahidol University’s strategies of 2016-2019, which are excellence in outcome-based education for globally-competent graduates, excellence in research with global and social impact, and excellence in professional services and social engagement.
1.2 Objectives of the Program
By the end of the study, the graduates will have qualifications according to Thai Qualifications Framework for Higher Education as shown below:
1.2.1 Have good moral values and ethics when working on Health Systems
Science, particularly using health systems science for advancing and advocating health equity.
1.2.2 Master knowledge and skills in health systems science and possess expertise to work as a consultant in international health systems development.
1.2.3 Conduct advanced health policy and systems research, by using either quantitative or qualitative data analysis, to support the development of health systems innovations and implementation of health systems transformation.
1.2.4 Buildup leadership skills and effective teamwork skills, including participating as a member of research teams with responsibilities and understanding of multicultural contexts of health systems development.
1.2.5 Integrate quantitative and qualitative data analysis with appropriate information technology to update knowledge and be able to effectively present and communicate health systems improvement projects at the international level.
1.3 Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
As for the University’s and Faculty’s visions and missions of being a world-class university, excellence in health sciences, and a leader in national health advocacy, graduates should possess the following characteristics:
1.3.1 Ability to work ethically on health systems science with a sense of social responsibility.
1.3.2 Ability to demonstrate learning of the oretically-grounded and methodologically-sound research skills that provide the foundation for conducing impactful health policy and systems research with the up-to-date international standards.
1.3.3 Ability to analyses complex problems in health systems, synthesize appropriate solutions to such complex problems, and provide consultations and policy recommendation to decision-makers in health systems development domestically and internationally.
1.3.4 Ability to lead research teams to advocate for the development of health systems innovations and support the implementation of health systems transformations, with responsibilities and understanding of multicultural contexts of health systems development.
1.3.5 Ability to integrate quantitative and qualitative data analysis with appropriate information technology to effectively communicate research findings in international peer-reviewed journals or academic conferences.
2. Curriculum Implementation
2.1 Teaching Schedule Weekdays from Monday to Friday (08:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.)
- First Semester : August - December
- Second Semester: January – May
2.2 Qualifications of Prospective Students
2.2.1 Plan 1 : Research Only
Plan 1.1 : Students with Master’s Degrees
2.2.1.1 Have completed a Master’s degree program in health sciences or related academic disciplines from an accredited national or international academic institution recognized and attested by the Ministry of Higher education, Science, Research and Innovation.
2.2.1.2 Grade point average not less than 3.50
2.2.1.3 Have an English Proficiency Examination score meeting the requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
2.2.1.4 Have at least one publication in peer-reviewed academic journals within the last five years, as the first author or the corresponding author.
2.2.1.5 Admissions of the prospective students without any qualifications under 2.2.1.2-2.2.1.4 may be granted by using the discretion of the Program Committee and the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Plan 1.2 : For Students with an M.D., a Pharm.D., a D.V.M., or an Equivalent professional degree
2.2.2.1 Have completed a doctor of medicine, or a doctor of pharmacy, or a doctor of veterinary medicine degree program, or equivalent professional degree programs from an higher education accredited by the Ministry of Higher education, Science, Research and Innovation, and have received a certificate or a letter of approval showing their knowledge and expertise from the corresponding professional council before the date of enrollment as a student of the program.
2.2.2.2 Grade point average not less than 3.50
2.2.2.3 Have an English Proficiency Examination score meeting the requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
2.2.2.4 Have at least one published research work published International academic journals in international databases, as the first author or the corresponding author.
2.2.2.5 Have a non-degree certificate of training or pass the evaluation by the Program Committee for the incoming students that demonstrates their sufficient basic knowledge in health systems science and proficiency in basic research methods.
2.2.2.6 Admissions of the prospective students without any qualifications under 2.2.2.2-2.2.2.5 may be granted by using the discretion of the Program Committee and the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Plan 2 : Coursework and Research
Plan 2.1 : For Students with Master’s Degree
2.2.3.1 Graduated with a Master’s degree in health sciences or a related academic discipline from an accredited national or international academic institution recognized and attested by the Higher Education Commission.
2.2.3.2 Grade point average not less than 3.50
2.2.3.3 Have an English Proficiency Examination score meeting the requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
2.2.3.4 Admissions of the prospective students without any qualifications under 2.2.3.2-2.2.3.3 may be granted by using the discretion of the Program Committee and the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
2.3 Problems of New Students Encounter
Students may initially lack of work experience or professional background in Health policy analysis, healthcare management practice, health policy and systems research, and speaking/writing skills in academic English.
Career Opportunities of the Graduates
- Global health consultant, international health systems development consultant in think tanks and consulting firms
- Health systems scientist in healthcare organizations
- Health policy researcher, health systems researcher, health policy analyst in research organizations