Health Policy & Management Track
PhD in Biomedical Sciences at Alfaisal University

Why Choose a PhD in Health Policy & Management Track?

Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation demands visionary leaders equipped with research expertise and policy insight.

At Alfaisal University, this doctoral program prepares professionals to:

  • Lead health systems reform and policy innovation
  • Advance evidence based decision-making
  • Strengthen national and regional health resilience
  • Drive digital health and data-driven care models
  • Address chronic disease and emerging health threats

This four-year doctoral program develops scholar-leaders capable of improving health outcomes across Saudi Arabia, the GCC, and globally.

Are You Ready to Shape the Future of Public Health?

This program is designed for professionals who want to:

Influence national health policy
Lead hospitals and health systems
Strengthen public health governance
Advance population health research
Drive healthcare innovation and reform

What Makes the PhD in Health Policy Stand Out?

  • Vision 2030 Alignment with national health transformation priorities
  • Two specialized tracks tailored to leadership or analytics careers
  • Research intensive curriculum benchmarked internationally
  • Publication & Dissertation Requirements ensuring global impact
  • Cross sector collaboration with ministries, healthcare providers, and global organizations
  • International level faculty & research mentorship

Graduates produce research that informs policy, improves system performance, and strengthens population health.

Contact Admissions Download Program Guide
MBA in Accounting and Taxation

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Noara AlHusseini

Chair of the Department, Director of the MPH Program, Associate Professor of Public Health; — Health policy and leadership.

Dr. Hani Tamim

Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics — Cancer research, pharmacoepidemiology, research methodology and statistical analysis of epidemiological data.

Dr. Abdullah Alsharif

Adjunct Assistant Professor — Health systems, health insurance and healthcare administration; former Deputy Minister of Health for Planning and Transformation.

Dr. Fouad Jabri

Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology and Biostatistics — Epidemiology, medical statistics and research ethics .

Dr. Abrar Saleh Alturkistani

Senior Lecturer — Epidemiology, health services and population health research, public health intelligence, and environmental and occupational health.


Strengthening Biomedical Research & Innovation in Saudi Arabia

Program Overview

The PhD in Public Health is a full-time, four-year doctoral program requiring 63 credit hours beyond the master’s degree.

Students complete:

  • Core coursework
  • Specialized track courses
  • Electives
  • Qualifying examination
  • Dissertation research & defense
  • Peer reviewed publication requirement

Graduates gain advanced skills in research, policy analysis, and health systems evaluation.


Graduate School

Health Policy & Management Track Features



  • dvanced health policy analysis and health systems research
  • Strategic leadership, governance & public health law
  • Qualitative & mixed-methods research for policy decisions
  • Research seminars & doctoral advisory mentorship
  • Access to research collaborations and international networks
Download Program Guide

Health Policy & Management Study Plan


  • Study Plan
    First Year: Fall Semester First Year: Spring Semester
    Course No. Course Name Course No. Course Name
    DPH 701 Adv Research Methodology & Biostatistics DPH 703 Qualitative Research Methods
    DPH 702 National & Intl Public Health Perspectives DPH 704 Health Economics & Financing
    DPH 705 Health Systems, Policy, Governance & Law DPH 706 Strategic Leadership & Governance
    DPH 7XX Specialized Elective DPH 7XX Specialized Elective
    Total Cr. 12 Total Cr. 12
    Second Year: Fall Semester Second Year: Spring Semester
    Course No. Course Name Course No. Course Name
    DPH 7XX Specialized Elective DPH 718B Dissertation B
    DPH 717 Research Seminar
    DPH 718A Dissertation A
    Total Cr. 9 Total Cr. 6
    Third Year: Fall Semester Third Year: Spring Semester
    Course No. Course Name Course No. Course Name
    DPH 718C Dissertation C DPH 718D Dissertation D
    Total Cr. 6 Total Cr. 6
    Fourth Year: Fall Semester Fourth Year: Spring Semester
    Course No. Course Name Course No. Course Name
    DPH 718E Dissertation E DPH 718F Dissertation F
    Total Cr. 6 Total Cr. 6



Why Public Health Leadership is in Demand in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector is expanding rapidly due to:
Government agencies, healthcare systems, and research institutions are actively seeking doctoral level experts.

Health Policy & Management FAQ




Career Prospects

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across sectors:

Government & Policy

  • Health policy analyst
  • Ministry health advisor
  • Public health authority strategist

Healthcare Systems

  • Hospital executive leadership
  • Quality & performance consultant

Academia & Research

  • University faculty
  • Research center director

International Organizations

  • WHO technical advisor
  • Global health policy specialist

Private Sector & Consulting

  • Health strategy consultant
  • Digital health policy advisor

What You Will Study

Core Areas
  • Advanced Research Methodology & Biostatistics
  • National & Global Public Health Perspectives
  • Health Economics & Policy Decision-Making
  • Qualitative Research Methods
HPM Track Courses
  • Health systems governance & policy
  • Strategic leadership & health management
BSE Track Courses
  • Advanced biostatistics & modelling
  • Epidemiologic analysis & disease trends
Electives Include
  • Digital health & AI policy
  • Health equity measurement
  • Infectious disease modelling
  • Disaster epidemiology
  • Big data & population health analytics
How the MBA in Finance Program Supports Vision 2030

Graduate School Admissions


  • Program Details

    Program Length: 4 Years

    Total Cost: 400,000 SAR

    Credit Hour Fee: Included in program cost

    Application Fee: 600 SAR

    Initial Tuition Installment: 5,000 SAR


  • Admissions Requirements
    • Master’s degree in public health or related field
    • Minimum GPA 3.0/4.0
    • IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent
    • Statement of purpose
    • Three recommendation letters
    • Oral interview
    • Sponsor approval (if applicable)

  • Who Should Apply
    • Healthcare leaders & administrators
    • Ministry & public health professionals
    • Physicians & clinicians seeking leadership roles
    • Public health researchers
    • Policy & governance specialists
    • International applicants interested in GCC health systems

  • Tuition Fees

    Total Program Cost: 400,000 SAR

    Cost per Credit Hour: Included

    Non-Refundable Seat Reservation: 5,000 SAR

    Scholarships: Potential tuition scholarships covering 50%–100% of program tuition, subject to eligibility and approval.



Why Alfaisal University

World class research university in Riyadh
Founded by the King Faisal Foundation
International faculty & global collaborations
Research aligned with national priorities
Stanford Top 2% Scientists recognition among faculty
Strong partnerships with healthcare and industry

How to Apply

Prepare Documents

Transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendations, English proficiency.

Submit Online Application

Upload required documents and pay the application fee.

Interview & Admission Decision

Qualified candidates are invited for an interview.

Apply