The Doctor of Health is a professional doctorate consisting of higher degree coursework and research, designed specifically to meet the research needs of health industry and health professional groups. The Doctor of Health fosters excellence in health professional practice by developing the capacity of individuals to conduct research within their professional contexts. It encourages close cooperation across the university/industry/professional interface and provides a framework for the integration of professional expertise and scholarly inquiry. The course normally takes up to four years of full-time equivalent (EFT)* study and consists of coursework (30%) and research (70%) components. The research component of circa 60-80,000 words in English, can be presented as either a traditional thesis or a portfolio of published papers and a substantial integrated overview of the research. This award is independently assessed by a minimum of two examiners external to the University on the successful completion of the dissertation or portfolio of published papers and coursework components. The campus of study will vary depending on the location of the candidate, the supervisor and the research field. Course Objectives The Doctor of Health will provide experienced health professionals with the opportunity to make a significant contribution to knowledge and practice in their professional context and may formalise workplace-based research and development. Its interdisciplinary nature and opportunity for inter-professional research provides a framework for the integration of professional expertise and scholarly enquiry. The course aims to develop the research competencies of candidates by equipping them with the ability to evaluate different conceptual approaches to health related issues in the context of their own experience and workplace. The emphasis is on applied and translational research and associated organisational change, the contribution to knowledge, and dissemination of research findings through publication. Candidates will acquire advanced specialist research training and provide evidence for independent thought and critical analysis, effective communication and expert knowledge of the discipline within a broader framework of knowledge in the international context. At the University of Tasmania candidates are encouraged to demonstrate academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity and innovation in their research and are supported in their acquisition of a wide range of advanced and transferable skills. Learning Outcomes Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: cognitive skills to demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and practice cognitive skills and use of intellectual independence to think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work or learning communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers and the community expert skills to design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice