With a PhD degree in Medicine and Health Sciences, you can pursue a career within research, or other professions that require a high level of knowledge and competence.
You will acquire proficiencies that are useful in various sectors.
The PhD programme in Medicine and Health Sciences covers a wide range of sub-disciplines.
The programme is closely connected to the faculty's research groups and departments. This includes clinical and molecular medicine, neuroscience, movement science, psychic health, public health, nursing, and health sciences.
Upon admission, you will be connected to one of the faculty's departments depending on the research topic and supervisor's affiliation.
The programme's objective is to educate independent researchers of a high international standard, with sound academic practice, and established standards for disciplinary and research ethics, in interaction with national and international academic communities.
The programme requires both independence and an ability to follow things through.
Each year, about 70 doctoral candidates defend their thesis publicly at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Read more about the programme
The PhD programme in Medicine and Health Sciences consists of scientific research under supervision and has a nominal duration of three years of full-time study.
The programme consists of
- an academic training component of at least 30 credits
- an independent scientific research project that will result in a doctoral thesis
- a doctoral examination in two parts; a trial lecture and a public defence of your thesis (disputation)
It is expected that you attend conferences, disseminate your research findings, and publish in international journals during the admission period.
Your doctoral thesis should contribute to the development of new academic knowledge on an internation level within the discipline.
The following two courses are compulsory for all candidates at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences:
Read more about the programme structure
A doctoral degree is the highest level of academic degree that can be awarded by a university.
A doctoral degree from NTNU will qualify for leading positions within research, higher education, administration, and industry.
Traditionally, academia was the obvious career choice for doctors, but many pursue careers within the public or private sector.
Graduates from the PhD programme in Medicine and Health Sciences work in universities and university colleges, hospitals, regional health authorities, institutes, management, etc.
To apply for admission to the PhD programme in Medicine and Health Sciences, you must have
- a master, cand. med., or equivalent degree from a relevant discipline
- a strong academic background from previous studies
- an average grade of A or B compared to to NTNU's grading scale
- documented funding for the admission period
- a supervisor from one of the faculty's departments
- a complete project description for your part of the project
The application must be written on a standardized form.
There are no deadlines for applying.
Read more about how to apply and admission
