PhD in Health Policy (Doctor of Philosophy in Health Policy)

PhD in Health Policy About 

A PhD in Health Policy is a research-oriented doctoral program that focuses on studying the policies and systems that govern healthcare delivery, health promotion, and disease prevention. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct research that informs health policy decisions.

During the program, students will study topics such as health economics, health law and ethics, health services research, health policy analysis, and public health policy. They will also be expected to conduct independent research, which may include analyzing health policy data, designing and implementing health policy interventions, or evaluating the effectiveness of existing health policies.

The goal of a PhD in Health Policy is to produce scholars who can contribute to the development of evidence-based health policies and interventions that improve the health outcomes of individuals and populations. Graduates may go on to work in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private industry.

The program typically takes four to six years to complete and requires a strong background in quantitative research methods, as well as a deep interest in health policy issues. Admission to the program is highly competitive, and applicants are usually required to have a master's degree in a related field and demonstrate proficiency in research and statistical analysis.

PhD in Health Policy Course Highlights

PhD in Health Policy Entrance Exam

Health Policy PhD programs may require applicants to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, but this requirement can vary between programs. Some programs may also require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for international applicants.

PhD in Health Policy Eligibility Criteria

Applicants to a Health Policy PhD program typically need a master's degree in a related field, such as public health, health policy, economics, or political science. Some programs may also consider applicants with a bachelor's degree in a related field if they have extensive research experience or relevant work experience.

Applicants should have a strong academic record, with a minimum GPA requirement that varies between programs. They should also have a strong background in quantitative research methods, such as statistics, econometrics, or research design.

PhD in Health Policy Course Duration

The duration of a Health Policy PhD program varies, but it typically takes four to six years to complete.

PhD in Health Policy Selection Criteria

Admission to a Health Policy PhD program is highly competitive, and selection criteria vary between programs. Some common criteria that programs may consider include academic record, research experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and fit with the program's research interests and faculty expertise.

PhD in Health Policy How to Apply

• To apply for a Health Policy PhD program, prospective students typically need to submit an application online through the program's website or a central application portal.
• They will need to provide transcripts from all previous colleges and universities, letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining their research interests and career goals, and a resume or curriculum vitae.
• Applicants may also need to submit standardized test scores, such as the GRE and TOEFL, and pay an application fee.
• Some programs may also require an interview as part of the application process.

PhD in Health Policy Application Process

To apply for a Health Policy PhD program in India, prospective students should first research and identify the universities or institutions offering such programs. They can then visit the university's website and follow the instructions to fill out and submit the online application form. Applicants should ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria and submit all the required documents, such as transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and test scores. The application fee varies between institutions.

PhD in Health Policy Fee Structure

The application fee for a Health Policy PhD program in India varies between universities and can range from a few thousand rupees to several thousand rupees.

PhD in Health Policy Salary and Jobs

Health Policy PhD graduates in India have a wide range of career opportunities in academia, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. They can work as health policy analysts, health economists, public health researchers, program evaluators, policy advisors, and health system administrators. The salary for Health Policy PhD graduates can vary depending on the job profile and organization, but typically ranges from INR 6-12 lakhs per annum.

PhD in Health Policy Career Opportunities

Health Policy PhD graduates in India have career opportunities in a variety of settings, such as:

Government agencies: Health Policy PhD graduates can work with government agencies, such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, National Health Systems Resource Centre, or State Health Departments, to develop and implement health policies and programs.

Academic institutions: Health Policy PhD graduates can work as researchers and teachers in universities and research institutes, such as the Indian Institute of Public Health, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, or Public Health Foundation of India.

Non-profit organizations: Health Policy PhD graduates can work with non-profit organizations, such as the World Health Organization, United Nations Population Fund, or Save the Children, to design and implement health programs and policies.

Private sector: Health Policy PhD graduates can work with private companies, such as health insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, or consulting firms, to provide expertise on health policy issues.

PhD in Health Policy Top Colleges in India

Some of the top institutions offering Health Policy PhD programs in India include:

1. Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
2. Indian Institute of Public Health, Delhi
3. Public Health Foundation of India, Delhi
4. Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
5. Institute of Health Management Research, Jaipur

PhD in Health Policy Admission Procedure

• Application for the entrance exam 
•  Result declaration
• Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
• Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
• Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
• Course work examination
• Result declaration of coursework
• Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
• Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
• A registration letter shall be issued
• Research work started by scholar
• 6 progress reports shall be submitted
• Soft copy thesis submit
• plagiarism report check by the university
• Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
• After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
• After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
• Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

PhD in Health Policy Documents Checklist 

1.  Documents (10th onwards)
2. Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
3. Migration Certificate (Original)
4. NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
5. Affidavit (undertaking)
6. Guide Willing
7. Assignments
8. Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
9. Library No Dues
10. Lab Letter
11. Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
12. No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
13. Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
14. C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
15. Conference Certificate - 2
16. Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
17. summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
18. Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About PhD in Health Policy

Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.