International Programmes 2023/2024

Health Data Sciences PhD Programme Health Data Sciences PhD Programme

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin • Berlin

Degree
PhD in Health Data Sciences
In cooperation with
  • QUEST Center for Responsible Research, Berlin Institute of Health
  • Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

The working language of the HDS PhD programme is English. The final dissertation must be submitted in English, and all required HDS coursework will be completed in English. Many of the elective offerings are also in English, and it is possible to complete the HDS programme without any German language knowledge. German speaking students could also take courses in German for elective credit (as long as these are relevant to HDS and approved by the HDS PhD Board).

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Mode of study
Hybrid
Programme duration
6 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

Application period: 15 January until 29 February 2024

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The goal of the multidisciplinary doctoral programme in Health Data Sciences for outstanding junior researchers is to provide a structured framework of studies, research, and teaching for promising scientists in the disciplines of Health Data Sciences (HDS).

The programme places particular emphasis on preparing students for future careers at universities, non-university research institutions, and other scientific public or private institutions in the fields of biostatistics, epidemiology, meta-research, population health science, public health, and medical informatics.

The scientific coursework serves to deepen methodological knowledge, instil fundamentals of sound scientific research practice, and promote effective dissemination of knowledge through teaching. The programme has three main focus areas:

  1. Methodology: Doctoral students attend courses in HDS domains to learn advanced health data sciences methods that they will later apply in a practical research setting for their individual research projects.
  2. Research: Interactive seminars and workshops serve to support doctoral candidates in all stages of their individual research project work, which will ultimately result in three scientific publications.
  3. Teaching: Under the guidance of experienced HDS faculty members, doctoral students prepare and teach courses focused on relevant topics.
Course organisation

In total, HDS PhD students must earn 30 ECTS credit points throughout the three-year programme. These points are divided as follows:

  • 18 credits come from three core required courses:
    • Research Proposal Seminar and Advanced Methods in Health Data Sciences, which take place during semesters one to three
    • Mentored Teaching of a Methods Course, which can be individually scheduled in the later semesters of the programme based on student and instructor availability
  • 12 credits come from elective coursework that can be spread out over the course of the studies according to the student’s preferences and in consultation with the supervisory team’s recommendations.
PDF Download
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Certificates for specific modules are awarded
Yes
International elements
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
Teaching/work obligations or opportunities

Under the guidance of experienced HDS faculty members, doctoral students are required to participate in a Mentored Teaching module to learn and hone their skills in didactics, curriculum development, information synthesis, and scientific communication. In this module, students will be involved in all aspects of a Master's level course in one of the HDS domains. Experienced university lecturer mentors will provide regular support and coaching as well as constructive feedback.

Special promotion / funding of the programme
  • DAAD
Name of DAAD funding programme
DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP)
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Pace of course
Instructor-led (Specific due dates for lectures/assignments/exams)
Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)
Yes, compulsory
Types of online learning elements
  • Access to databases with study material
  • Discussion forums and / or groups
  • Online sessions
  • Online study material provided by institution
  • Video learning (Pre-recorded videos, Vlogs, Video-Podcasts)
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

The HDS PhD programme does not charge any tuition fees. Students, however, are required to pay registration fees every semester to be officially matriculated at the Charité and receive student benefits, such as discounted registration to conferences and the semester ticket for public transportation.

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements
  • Proof of eligibility for a doctoral degree per the requirements outlined by the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin ("Promotionsberechtigung")
  • Evidence of prior course work with professional relevance to Health Data Sciences (biostatistics, epidemiology, public health, meta-research, population health science, and/or medical informatics)
  • A strong command of the English language (details below)
  • Secured funding for the duration of the doctoral programme
Language requirements

Level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Please find details here.

Technical equipment and programmes

Much of the programme coursework requires the use of statistical programmes. Most students will use R software, though some students will use other programmes, such as Python, Stata, or SAS.

Application deadline

Application period: 15 January until 29 February 2024

Submit application to

hds-phd@charite.de

Structured research and supervision
Yes
Research training / discussion
Yes
Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Visa matters

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

University location

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