Health Policy, Management and Evaluation

Program Overview

The Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME) is training Canada’s future health leaders and researchers through its outstanding degree programs:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Policy, Management and Evaluation concen​trations:

  • Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research
  • Health Professions Education Research
  • Health Services Research
Master of Science (MSc) in Health Policy, Management and Evaluation concen​trations:
  • Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research
  • Health Services Research
  • Quality Improvement and Patient Safety​
  • System Leadership and Innovation

​Multidisciplinary collaborative specializations with other University of Toronto graduate departments allow further specialization.

See a complete description of all IHPME programs. Please note the application deadlines.​


Quick Facts

Domestic International
Application deadline MSc, PhD:

Fall 2024 entry

15-Nov-2023

MSc QIPS :

30-Nov-2023

MSc, PhD:

Fall 2024 entry

15-Nov-2023

MSc QIPS :

30-Nov-2023

Minimum admission average MSc:

B+ in final year of bachelor’s

PhD:

B+ average in Master’s

MSc:

B+ in final year of bachelor’s

PhD:

B+ average in Master’s

Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? PhD:

Yes (minimum A-minus average in courses in the relevant discipline)

No direct entry option for HPER PhD

PhD:

Yes (minimum A-minus average in courses in the relevant discipline)

No direct entry option for HPER PhD

Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? MSc, PhD:

MSc (Clin Epi)-After
PhD(Clin Epi)-After
MSc (health serv)-Either
PhD (health serv)-Either

PhD (HPER) – Either

MSc, PhD:

MSc (Clin Epi)-After
PhD(Clin Epi)-After
MSc (health serv)-Either
PhD (health serv)-Either

PhD (HPER) – Either

If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? MSc, PhD:

MSc (Clin Epi)-No
PhD(Clin Epi)-No
MSc (health serv)-n/a
PhD (health serv)-n/a

PhD (HPER) – yes

MSc, PhD:

MSc (Clin Epi)-No
PhD(Clin Epi)-No
MSc (health serv)-n/a
PhD (health serv)-n/a

PhD (HPER) – yes

Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? MSc, PhD:

Either

PhD (HPER) – by applicant

MSc, PhD:

Either

PhD (HPER) – by applicant

Are any standardized tests required/recommended? MSc, PhD:

NA

MSc, PhD:

NA


Master of Science

Program Description

The HPME graduate program offers the following concentrations leading to the MSc degree:

  • Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research;

  • Health Systems Leadership and Innovation;

  • Health Systems Research; and

  • Quality Improvement and Patient Safety

The MSc program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.

Master of Science

Concentration: Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy IHPME's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants require an overall B+ average or higher in the last two years of an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university. For applicants to this concentration, a degree in a health profession (for example, MD, BScN, BScOT, BScPT, DDM, MScN) from a recognized university with a B+ average in the final two years is required.

Program Requirements

Two options are available:

  • Thesis option comprising 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) and a thesis.

  • Coursework-only option comprising 5.0 FCEs, including completion of at least one research practicum.

Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

Thesis MSc
  • Completion of 3.0 FCEs as follows:

    • ​​​1.5 FCEs required: HAD5301H, HAD5307H, and one of HAD5303H, HAD5304H, HAD5306H, or HAD5309H

    • 1.5 FCEs in electives.

  • A thesis written under the supervision of a thesis committee (supervisor and at least one, and preferably two, additional graduate faculty members) and its defence before an examination committee.

Coursework-Only MSc
  • Completion of 5.0 FCEs as follows:

    • ​​2.0 FCEs required: HAD5301H, HAD5307H, HAD6360H, and one of HAD5303H, HAD5304H, or HAD5309H

    • 3.0 FCEs in electives.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Master of Science​

Concentration: Health Systems Leadership and Innovation

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy IHPME's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants require an overall B+ average or higher in the last two years of an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

  • Applicants must have health-care experience and demonstrate aptitude for innovation and health systems.

  • Preference will be given to medical trainees in a Canadian Faculty of Medicine or to early-career physicians. Undergraduate medical trainees who are accepted must register part-time; post-graduate medical education trainees who are accepted may register full-time or part-time.

Program Requirements

The concentration in Health Systems Leadership and Innovation consists of coursework only. Students begin this concentration in the Summer session.

  • ​​Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • ​​​​2.0 required FCEs (HAD2001H, HAD2007H, HAD2012H, and HAD2013H)

    • 1.5 required FCEs in experiential learning: HAD2030H and HAD2040Y0

    • 1.5 elective FCEs; please consult with the department about electives

    • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

​Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: S/F/W);
7 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

Master of Science

Concentration: Health Systems Research

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy IHPME's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants require an overall B+ average or higher in the last two years of an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university. For applicants to Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research, a degree in a health profession (for example, MD, BScN, BScOT, BScPT, DDM, MScN) from a recognized university with a B+ average in the final two years is required.

Program Requirements

Two options are available:

  • Thesis option comprising 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) and a thesis.

  • Coursework-only option comprising 5.0 FCEs.

Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

Thesis MSc
  • Completion of 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 1.0 FCE in research methodology courses

    • 1.0 FCE in health systems research courses:

      • HAD5011H Canada's Health Care System and Health Policy

      • 0.5 FCE from other health systems research courses

    • 1.0 FCE in electives.

  • A thesis written under the supervision of a thesis committee and its defence before an examination committee.

Coursework-Only MSc
  • Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 1.0 FCE in health systems research courses, normally from HAD5011H, HAD5022H, HAD5727H, HAD5756H, or HAD5773H

    • 1.0 FCE in research methodology courses, normally from HSR1001H, HAD5765H, HAD5772H, HAD5740H, HAD5742H, HAD5744H, HAD5746H, HAD5779H, or HAD5781H

    • 3.0 FCEs in electives, normally from HAD5726H, HAD5728H, HAD5730H, HAD5737H, HAD5738H, HAD5743H, HAD5744H, HAD5760H, HAD5763H, HAD5771H, HAD5778H, or HAD6750H.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

 

Students in the thesis option of the Health Systems Research concentration have the option to complete an emphasis by completing 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in a given area. The emphasis requirements will also count toward their 3.0 FCE concentration requirements.

Students in the Vector pathway within the Health Systems Research concentration must complete the emphasis in Health Systems Artificial Intelligence and complete their remaining 1.0 FCE concentration requirements by taking HAD5011H and HAD5772H.

Emphasis: Health Economics

Students must complete 2.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5730H Economic Evaluation Methods for Health Systems Research.

  • HAD5744H Applied Health Econometrics I.

  • HAD5746H Applied Health Econometrics II.

  • HAD5760H Advanced Health Economics and Policy Analysis.

Emphasis: Health Informatics Research

Students must complete 2.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5726H Evaluation and Research Design in Health Informatics.

  • Three courses (1.5 FCEs) from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration, Master of Health Informatics program, or other relevant graduate courses as approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

Emphasis: Health Policy

Students must complete 2.0 FCEs as follows:

  • CHL5300H Public Health Policy.

  • HAD5778H Comparative Health Systems and Policy.

  • 1.0 FCE from the following list:

    • CHL5308H Tools and Approaches for Public Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation

    • HAD5022H Politics, Policy, Public Health, and Health Technology

    • HAD5765H Case Studies in Health Policy

    • Other health policy research course as appropriate, for example:

      • CHL5523H Indigenous Health and Social Policy

      • CHL5702H History of International Health​ or

      • CHL5704H International Human Rights Law and Global Health: The Right to Health in Theory and Practice.

Emphasis: Health Systems Artificial Intelligence

  • Students must complete 2.0 FCEs as follows:

    • CHL3020H Ethics and AI in Health

    • CHL5230H Applied Machine Learning for Health Data (research methods course)

    • MHI2002H Emergent Topics in Heath Informatics

    • 0.5 FCE from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration or the Master of Health Informatics program. Recommended: HAD5726H Evaluation and Research Design in Health Informatics.

Emphasis: Health Technology Assessment

Students must complete 2.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5301H Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research or equivalent.

  • HAD5307H Introduction to Applied Biostatistics.

  • 0.5 FCE from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

  • 0.5 FCE from the following list:

    • HAD5730H Economic Evaluation Methods for Health Systems Research

    • HAD5771H Resource Allocation Ethics

    • HAD5779H Evidence Synthesis for Health Services, Systems, and Policy Research or HAD5308H Evidence Synthesis: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis.

​​​​Emphasis: Organization and Management Studies

Students must complete 2.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5773H Introduction to Theories of Organizational Behaviour and Applications to the Health Care Sector.

  • 1.5 FCEs from the following list:

    • HAD5727H Knowledge Transfer and Exchange

    • HAD5737H Tools for Implementation Science

    • HAD5740H Intermediate Level Qualitative Methods

    • HAD5742H Mixed Methods for Health Systems Research

    • HAD5744H Applied Health Econometrics I

    • HSR1001H Introduction to Qualitative Methods for Health Systems and Policy Research.

Emphasis: Outcomes and Evaluation Studies

Students must complete 2.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5720H Evaluation I

  • 0.5 FCE from the following list:

    • HAD5743H Evaluation II

    • HAD5763H Advanced Methods in Health Services Research

  • 0.5 FCE from the following list:

    • CHL5202H Biostatistics II

    • HAD5316H Biostatistics II: Advanced Techniques in Applied Regression Methods

    • HAD5772H Intermediate Statistics for Health Systems Researchers

  • 0.5 elective FCE from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

Master of Science

Concentration: Quality Improvement and Patient Safety

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy IHPME's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants require an overall B+ average or higher in the last two years of an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

Program Requirements

Two options are available:

  1. Thesis option comprising 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) and a thesis.

  2. Coursework-only option comprising 5.0 FCEs, including completion of at least one research practicum.

Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

Thesis MSc
  • Completion of 3.0 FCEs as follows:

    • 2.5 FCEs required: HAD3010H, HAD3020H, HAD3041Y0, HAD3050H

    • 0.5 FCE in electives.

  • A thesis written under the supervision of a thesis committee (comprising the supervisor and at least one additional graduate faculty member, preferably two) and its defence before an examination committee.

Coursework-Only MSc
  • Completion of 5.0 FCEs as follows:

    • ​​3.0 required FCEs (HAD3010H, HAD3020H, HAD3030H, HAD3050H, HAD3060H, HAD3070H)

    • 1.0 required FCE in a research project practicum (HAD3040Y)

    • 1.0 FCE in electives.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

​Doctor of Philosophy​

Program Description

The HPME graduate program offers three concentrations leading to the PhD degree: 1) Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research; 2) Health Professions Education Research; and 3) Health Systems Research.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of two routes: 1) following completion of an MA or MSc degree; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MSc transfer program.

The PhD program can be taken on a full-time or flexible-time basis. Some applicants may be admitted to a flexible-time PhD option with the approval of the Graduate Chair. The flexible-time PhD option benefits mature students with career and/or familial obligations.

​Doctor of Philosophy​

Concentration: Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research (CEHCR)

 

PhD Program (Full-Time)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the IHPME's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants to this concentration must have a degree in a health profession (for example, MD, BScN, BScOT, BScPT, DDM, MScN, or equivalent).

  • Satisfactory references pertaining to the applicant's academic and research abilities.

  • Outstanding students with a non-thesis master's degree may be admitted to the full-time PhD upon the recommendation of the appropriate IHPME committee, if the applicant has the appropriate background preparation and research experience or publications which can be considered equivalent to a master's thesis.

Program Requirements

  • Completion of a comprehensive course.

  • Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) from the PhD courses listed below, which must include:

    • 2.0 FCEs in compulsory courses and

    • 2.0 recommended FCEs from the Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research courses listed below.

  • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Writing of a PhD thesis under the supervision of an approved thesis committee (supervisor plus at least two additional graduate faculty members).

  • Oral defence of the thesis before an examination committee.

Program Length

4 years full-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time

 

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

  • To be considered for admission to the PhD transfer option, applicants must be admitted to the MSc program in Health Policy, Management and Evaluation in the Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research concentration.

  • Within 24 months of registration in the MSc program, applicants must notify the CEHCR Program Director of their interest in applying to transfer to the PhD program.

  • Transfer to the PhD program is contingent upon successful completion of sufficient master’s coursework (normally, 2.5 FCEs), and the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis proposal.

Program Requirements

  • Completion of a comprehensive course.

  • Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) from the PhD courses listed below, which must include:

    • 2.0 FCEs in compulsory courses and

    • 2.0 recommended FCEs from the Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research courses listed below.

  • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Writing of a PhD thesis under the supervision of an approved thesis committee (supervisor plus at least two additional graduate faculty members).

  • Oral defence of the thesis before an examination committee.

Program Length

5 years full-time

Time Limit

7 years full-time

 

PhD Program (Flexible-Time)

With approval of the Graduate Chair, some applicants may be admitted to a flexible-time PhD option. This option will benefit students with career obligations. The degree requirements for the flexible-time PhD option are identical to those listed above for the full-time PhD option.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the IHPME's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants to this concentration must have a degree in a health profession (for example, MD, BScN, BScOT, BScPT, DDM, MScN, or equivalent).

  • Satisfactory references pertaining to the applicant's academic and research abilities.

  • Outstanding students with a non-thesis master's degree may be admitted to the flexible-time PhD upon the recommendation of the appropriate IHPME committee, if the applicant has the appropriate background preparation and research experience or publications which can be considered equivalent to a master's thesis.

Program Requirements

  • Students must register full-time for the first four years of their program (Fall, Spring, Summer sessions); thereafter, they may register part-time.

  • Completion of a comprehensive course.

  • Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) from the PhD courses listed below, which must include:

    • 2.0 FCEs in compulsory courses and

    • 2.0 recommended FCEs from the Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research courses listed below.

  • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Writing of a PhD thesis under the supervision of an approved thesis committee (supervisor plus at least two additional graduate faculty members).

  • Oral defence of the thesis before an examination committee.

Program Length

6 years flexible-time

Time Limit

8 years flexible-time

​Doctor of Philosophy​

Concentration: Health Professions Education Research

 

PhD Program (Full-Time)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the IHPME's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A master's degree (MA or MSc) requiring a thesis with a B+ average or higher.

  • Satisfactory references pertaining to the applicant's academic and research abilities.

  • Outstanding students with a non-thesis master's degree may be admitted to the full-time PhD upon the recommendation of the appropriate IHPME committee, if the applicant has the appropriate background preparation and research experience or publications which can be considered equivalent to a master's thesis.

Program Requirements

  • Completion of a comprehensive course.

  • Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) from the PhD courses listed below, which must include:

    • 4.5 FCEs in compulsory courses from the Health Professions Education Research courses listed below.

  • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Writing of a PhD thesis under the supervision of an approved thesis committee (supervisor plus at least two additional graduate faculty members).

  • Oral defence of the thesis before an examination committee.

Program Length

4 years full-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time

 

PhD Program (Flexible-Time)

With approval of the Graduate Chair, some applicants may be admitted to a flexible-time PhD option. This option will benefit students with career obligations. The degree requirements for the flexible-time PhD option are identical to those listed above for the full-time PhD option.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the IHPME's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A master's degree (MA or MSc) requiring a thesis with a B+ average or higher.

  • Satisfactory references pertaining to the applicant's academic and research abilities.

  • Outstanding students with a non-thesis master's degree may be admitted to the flexible-time PhD upon the recommendation of the appropriate IHPME committee, if the applicant has the appropriate background preparation and research experience or publications which can be considered equivalent to a master's thesis.

Program Requirements

  • Students must register full-time for the first four years of their program (Fall, Spring, Summer sessions); thereafter, they may register part-time.

  • Completion of a comprehensive course.

  • Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) from the PhD courses listed below, which must include:

    • 4.5 FCEs in compulsory courses from the Health Professions Education Research courses listed below.

  • Students may elect to take up to 0.5 FCE on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) basis. See the CR/NCR-eligible courses in the course list section.

  • Writing of a PhD thesis under the supervision of an approved thesis committee (supervisor plus at least two additional graduate faculty members).

  • Oral defence of the thesis before an examination committee.

Program Length

6 years flexible-time

Time Limit

8 years flexible-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Concentration: Health Systems Research

 

PhD Program (Full-Time)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the IHPME's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A master's degree (MA or MSc) requiring a thesis with a B+ average or higher.

  • Satisfactory references pertaining to the applicant's academic and research abilities.

  • Outstanding students with a non-thesis master's degree may be admitted to the PhD upon the recommendation of the appropriate IHPME committee, if the applicant has the appropriate background preparation and research experience or publications which can be considered equivalent to a master's thesis.

Program Requirements

  • Students must select one of six emphases and complete the required emphasis courses listed below.

  • Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:

    • A comprehensive course (0.5 FCE) specified as part of the requirements for each emphasis below.

    • 2.0 FCEs as follows: HAD5011H, HAD5772H (or equivalent if specified in the selected emphasis), HAD6760H, and HAD6770H.

  • Writing of a PhD thesis under the supervision of an approved thesis committee (supervisor plus at least two additional graduate faculty members).

  • Oral defence of the thesis before an examination committee.

Program Length

4 years full-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time

 

Students enrolled in the Health Systems Research concentration of the PhD program must study under one of six emphases, described below, and complete six courses (3.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) related to their declared emphasis.

Emphasis: Health Economics

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5730H Economic Evaluation Methods for Health Systems Research.

  • HAD5744H Applied Health Econometrics I.

  • HAD5746H Applied Health Econometrics II.

  • HAD5760H Advanced Health Economics and Policy Analysis.

  • HAD6750H Advanced Health Economics and Policy Analysis II.

  • 0.5 FCE from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

Emphasis: Health Informatics Research

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5726H Evaluation and Research Design in Health Informatics.

  • HAD5747H Cognitive, Social, and Information Science Theory in Health Informatics Research.

  • HAD6764H Health Informatics Research Comprehensive Course.

  • Three courses (1.5 FCEs) from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration, Master of Health Informatics program, or other relevant graduate courses as approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

Emphasis: Health Policy

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • CHL5300H Public Health Policy (students may elect to take this course on a Credit/No Credit basis).

  • HAD5778H Comparative Health Systems and Policy.

  • HAD6763H Health Policy Comprehensive Course.

  • 0.5 FCE from the following list:

    • CHL5308H Tools and Approaches for Public Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation.

    • HAD5022H Politics, Policy, Public Health, and Health Technology.

    • HAD5765H Case Studies in Health Policy.

    • Other course as appropriate, for example:

      • CHL5523H Indigenous Health and Social Policy.

      • CHL5702H History of International Health.

      • CHL5704H International Human Rights Law and Global Health: The Right to Health in Theory and Practice.

  • 0.5 FCE from the following list:

    • HAD5742H Mixed Methods for Health Systems Research.

    • HAD5781H Case Study Research for Health Services, Systems, and Policy.

    • HSR1001H Introduction to Qualitative Methods for Health Systems and Policy Research.

    • Other courses from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration in the area of policy-relevant methods.

  • 0.5 FCE from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration, or other HPME concentrations as approved by the HPME graduate coordinator.

Emphasis: Health Technology Assessment

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5301H Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research.

  • HAD6765H Health Technology Assessment Comprehensive Course (Credit/No Credit).

  • Three courses (1.5 FCEs) from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

  • One course (0.5 FCE) from the following list:

    • HAD5730H Economic Evaluation Methods for Health Systems Research.

    • HAD5771H Resource Allocation Ethics.

    • HAD5779H Evidence Synthesis for Health Services, Systems, and Policy Research or HAD5308H Evidence Synthesis: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis.

Emphasis: Organization and Management Studies

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5742H Mixed Methods for Health Systems Research.

  • HAD5750H Seminar in Organizational Behaviour.

  • HAD5773H Introduction to Theories of Organizational Behaviour and Applications to the Health Care Sector.

  • HAD6762H Organization and Management Studies Comprehensive Course.

  • HSR1001H Introduction to Qualitative Methods for Health Systems and Policy Research.

  • One course (0.5 FCE) from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

Emphasis: Outcomes and Evaluation Studies

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5743H Evaluation II.

  • HAD6761H Outcomes and Evaluation Studies Comprehensive Course.

  • HSR1001H Introduction to Qualitative Methods for Health Systems and Policy Research.

  • Two courses (1.0 FCE) from the following list:

    • HAD2003H Learning Health Systems Part 1: Identifying Opportunities for System Change and Designing Sound Innovations.

    • HAD5720H Evaluation I.

    • HAD5728H Performance Measurement in Health Care: Theory and Application.

    • HAD5730H Economic Evaluation Methods for Health Systems Research.

    • HAD5740H Intermediate Level Qualitative Methods.

    • HAD5742H Mixed Methods for Health Systems Research.

    • HAD5763H Advanced Methods in Health Services Research.

    • HAD5779H Evidence Synthesis for Health Services, Systems, and Policy Research or HAD5308H Evidence Synthesis: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis.

    • HAD5781H Case Study Research for Health Services, Systems and Policy.

  • One course (0.5 FCE), generally an advanced methods course, from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

PhD students in the Health Systems Research concentration who are pursuing the emphasis in Outcomes and Evaluation Studies may fulfil the concentration requirements by replacing HAD5772H Intermediate Statistics for Health Systems Researchers with CHL5202H Biostatistics II or HAD5316H Biostatistics II: Advanced Techniques in Applied Regression Methods.

 

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

  • To be considered for admission to the PhD transfer option, applicants must be admitted to the MSc program in Health Policy, Management and Evaluation.

  • At the time of application to the MSc program, applicants must indicate in their Letter of Intent their interest in applying to transfer to the PhD program.

  • Transfer to the PhD program is contingent upon:

    • Successful completion of a minimum 2.5 FCEs of master’s coursework.

    • Achieving a minimum grade of B+ in all courses and an overall average of A– in their program.

    • Obtaining a letter of support from the applicant's supervisor.

    • The preparation and defence of a PhD-quality thesis proposal.

Program Requirements

  • Once students have successfully transferred to the PhD program, they must study under one of six emphases and complete the required emphasis courses listed below.

  • Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:

    • A comprehensive course (0.5 FCE) specified as part of the requirements for each emphasis below.

    • 2.0 FCEs as follows: HAD5011H, HAD5772H (or equivalent if specified in the selected emphasis), HAD6760H, and HAD6770H.

  • Writing of a PhD thesis under the supervision of an approved thesis committee (supervisor plus at least two additional graduate faculty members).

  • Oral defence of the thesis before an examination committee.

Program Length

5 years full-time

Time Limit

7 years full-time

 

Students enrolled in the Health Systems Research Concentration of the PhD program must study under one of six emphases, described below, and complete six courses (3.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) related to their declared emphasis.

Emphasis: Health Economics

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5730H Economic Evaluation Methods for Health Systems Research.

  • HAD5744H Applied Health Econometrics I.

  • HAD5746H Applied Health Econometrics II.

  • HAD5760H Advanced Health Economics and Policy Analysis.

  • HAD6750H Advanced Health Economics and Policy Analysis II.

  • 0.5 FCE from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

Emphasis: Health Informatics Research

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5726H Evaluation and Research Design in Health Informatics.

  • HAD5747H Cognitive, Social, and Information Science Theory in Health Informatics Research.

  • HAD6764H Health Informatics Research Comprehensive Course.

  • Three courses (1.5 FCEs) from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration, Master of Health Informatics program, or other relevant graduate courses as approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

Emphasis: Health Policy

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • CHL5300H Public Health Policy (students may elect to take this course on a Credit/No Credit basis).

  • HAD5778H Comparative Health Systems and Policy.

  • HAD6763H Health Policy Comprehensive Course.

  • 0.5 FCE from the following list:

    • CHL5308H Tools and Approaches for Public Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation.

    • HAD5022H Politics, Policy, Public Health, and Health Technology.

    • HAD5765H Case Studies in Health Policy.

    • Other course as appropriate, for example:

      • CHL5523H Indigenous Health and Social Policy.

      • CHL5702H History of International Health.

      • CHL5704H International Human Rights Law and Global Health: The Right to Health in Theory and Practice.

  • 0.5 FCE from the following list:

    • HAD5742H Mixed Methods for Health Systems Research.

    • HAD5781H Case Study Research for Health Services, Systems, and Policy.

    • HSR1001H Introduction to Qualitative Methods for Health Systems and Policy Research.

    • Other courses from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration in the area of policy-relevant methods.

  • 0.5 FCE from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration, or other HPME concentrations as approved by the HPME graduate coordinator.

Emphasis: Health Technology Assessment

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5301H Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research.

  • HAD6765H Health Technology Assessment Comprehensive Course (Credit/No Credit).

  • Three courses (1.5 FCEs) from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

  • One course (0.5 FCE) from the following list:

    • HAD5730H Economic Evaluation Methods for Health Systems Research.

    • HAD5771H Resource Allocation Ethics.

    • HAD5779H Evidence Synthesis for Health Services, Systems, and Policy Research or HAD5308H Evidence Synthesis: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis.

Emphasis: Organization and Management Studies

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5742H Mixed Methods for Health Systems Research.

  • HAD5750H Seminar in Organizational Behaviour.

  • HAD5773H Introduction to Theories of Organizational Behaviour and Applications to the Health Care Sector.

  • HAD6762H Organization and Management Studies Comprehensive Course.

  • HSR1001H Introduction to Qualitative Methods for Health Systems and Policy Research.

  • One course (0.5 FCE) from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

Emphasis: Outcomes and Evaluation Studies

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5743H Evaluation II.

  • HAD6761H Outcomes and Evaluation Studies Comprehensive Course.

  • HSR1001H Introduction to Qualitative Methods for Health Systems and Policy Research.

  • Two courses (1.0 FCE) from the following list:

    • HAD2003H Learning Health Systems Part 1: Identifying Opportunities for System Change and Designing Sound Innovations.

    • HAD5720H Evaluation I.

    • HAD5728H Performance Measurement in Health Care: Theory and Application.

    • HAD5730H Economic Evaluation Methods for Health Systems Research.

    • HAD5740H Intermediate Level Qualitative Methods.

    • HAD5742H Mixed Methods for Health Systems Research.

    • HAD5763H Advanced Methods in Health Services Research.

    • HAD5779H Evidence Synthesis for Health Services, Systems, and Policy Research.

    • HAD5781H Case Study Research for Health Services, Systems and Policy.

  • One course (0.5 FCE), generally an advanced methods course, from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

PhD students in the Health Systems Research concentration who are pursuing the emphasis in Outcomes and Evaluation Studies may fulfil the concentration requirements by replacing HAD5772H Intermediate Statistics for Health Systems Researchers with CHL5202H Biostatistics II or HAD5316H Biostatistics II: Advanced Techniques in Applied Regression Methods.

 

PhD Program (Flexible-Time)

With approval of the Graduate Chair, some applicants may be admitted to a flexible-time PhD option. This option will benefit students with career obligations. The degree requirements for the flexible-time PhD option are identical to those listed above for the full-time PhD option.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the IHPME's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A master's degree (MA or MSc) requiring a thesis with a B+ average or higher.

  • Satisfactory references pertaining to the applicant's academic and research abilities.

  • Outstanding students with a non-thesis master's degree may be admitted to the PhD upon the recommendation of the appropriate IHPME committee, if the applicant has the appropriate background preparation and research experience or publications which can be considered equivalent to a master's thesis.

Program Requirements

  • Students must register full-time for the first four years of their program (Fall, Spring, Summer sessions); thereafter, they may register part-time.

  • Students must select one of six emphases and complete the required emphasis courses listed below.

  • Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:

    • A comprehensive course (0.5 FCE) specified as part of the requirements for each emphasis below.

    • 2.0 FCEs as follows: HAD5011H, HAD5772H (or equivalent if specified in the selected emphasis), HAD6760H, and HAD6770H.

  • Writing of a PhD thesis under the supervision of an approved thesis committee (supervisor plus at least two additional graduate faculty members).

  • Oral defence of the thesis before an examination committee.

Program Length

6 years flexible-time

Time Limit

8 years flexible-time

 

Students enrolled in the Health Systems Research Concentration of the PhD program must study under one of six emphases, described below, and complete six courses (3.0 full-course equivalents [FCEs]) related to their declared emphasis.

Emphasis: Health Economics

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5730H Economic Evaluation Methods for Health Systems Research.

  • HAD5744H Applied Health Econometrics I.

  • HAD5746H Applied Health Econometrics II.

  • HAD5760H Advanced Health Economics and Policy Analysis.

  • HAD6750H Advanced Health Economics and Policy Analysis II.

  • 0.5 FCE from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

Emphasis: Health Informatics Research

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5726H Evaluation and Research Design in Health Informatics.

  • HAD5747H Cognitive, Social, and Information Science Theory in Health Informatics Research.

  • HAD6764H Health Informatics Research Comprehensive Course.

  • Three courses (1.5 FCEs) from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration, Master of Health Informatics program, or other relevant graduate courses as approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

Emphasis: Health Policy

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • CHL5300H Public Health Policy (students may elect to take this course on a Credit/No Credit basis).

  • HAD5778H Comparative Health Systems and Policy.

  • HAD6763H Health Policy Comprehensive Course.

  • 0.5 FCE from the following list:

    • CHL5308H Tools and Approaches for Public Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation.

    • HAD5022H Politics, Policy, Public Health, and Health Technology.

    • HAD5765H Case Studies in Health Policy.

    • Other course as appropriate, for example:

      • CHL5523H Indigenous Health and Social Policy.

      • CHL5702H History of International Health.

      • CHL5704H International Human Rights Law and Global Health: The Right to Health in Theory and Practice.

  • 0.5 FCE from the following list:

    • HAD5742H Mixed Methods for Health Systems Research.

    • HAD5781H Case Study Research for Health Services, Systems, and Policy.

    • HSR1001H Introduction to Qualitative Methods for Health Systems and Policy Research.

    • Other courses from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration in the area of policy-relevant methods.

  • 0.5 FCE from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration, or other HPME concentrations as approved by the HPME graduate coordinator.

Emphasis: Health Technology Assessment

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5301H Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research.

  • HAD6765H Health Technology Assessment Comprehensive Course (Credit/No Credit).

  • Three courses (1.5 FCEs) from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

  • One course (0.5 FCE) from the following list:

    • HAD5730H Economic Evaluation Methods for Health Systems Research.

    • HAD5771H Resource Allocation Ethics.

    • HAD5779H Evidence Synthesis for Health Services, Systems, and Policy Research or HAD5308H Evidence Synthesis: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis.

Emphasis: Organization and Management Studies

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5742H Mixed Methods for Health Systems Research.

  • HAD5750H Seminar in Organizational Behaviour.

  • HAD5773H Introduction to Theories of Organizational Behaviour and Applications to the Health Care Sector.

  • HAD6762H Organization and Management Studies Comprehensive Course.

  • HSR1001H Introduction to Qualitative Methods for Health Systems and Policy Research.

  • One course (0.5 FCE) from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

Emphasis: Outcomes and Evaluation Studies

Students must complete 3.0 FCEs as follows:

  • HAD5743H Evaluation II.

  • HAD6761H Outcomes and Evaluation Studies Comprehensive Course.

  • HSR1001H Introduction to Qualitative Methods for Health Systems and Policy Research.

  • Two courses (1.0 FCE) from the following list:

    • HAD2003H Learning Health Systems Part 1: Identifying Opportunities for System Change and Designing Sound Innovations.

    • HAD5720H Evaluation I.

    • HAD5728H Performance Measurement in Health Care: Theory and Application.

    • HAD5730H Economic Evaluation Methods for Health Systems Research.

    • HAD5740H Intermediate Level Qualitative Methods.

    • HAD5742H Mixed Methods for Health Systems Research.

    • HAD5763H Advanced Methods in Health Services Research.

    • HAD5779H Evidence Synthesis for Health Services, Systems, and Policy Research or HAD5308H Evidence Synthesis: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis.

    • HAD5781H Case Study Research for Health Services, Systems and Policy.

  • One course (0.5 FCE), generally an advanced methods course, from the course listing for the Health Systems Research concentration.

PhD students in the Health Systems Research concentration who are pursuing the emphasis in Outcomes and Evaluation Studies may fulfil the concentration requirements by replacing HAD5772H Intermediate Statistics for Health Systems Researchers with CHL5202H Biostatistics II or HAD5316H Biostatistics II: Advanced Techniques in Applied Regression Methods.

Chidozie Ojobor

“I wanted to pursue a very aggressive and quality research program and U of T was the best fit for me. ”

Chidozie Ojobor
PhD, Molecular Genetics
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