The Nursing School of Ningxia Medical University offers a doctoral program in Aging Health and Social Behavior, aimed at nurturing academic professionals of high caliber who possess a robust theoretical grounding, innovative research skills, and a global perspective. Graduates are equipped to assume leadership roles within the domain of aging health and contribute to national health strategies for the elderly.

Program Aims

The Ph.D. program aims to train students to:

Develop a deep understanding of aging health and social behavior theories and research methods.

Conduct independent and innovative research with original outcomes.

Address complex health management challenges in practice.

Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

Communicate fluently in English and publish in international academic journals.

Maintain physical and mental well-being while pursuing academic excellence.

Research Tracks

Students may specialize in one of the following research directions:

Prevention and Evidence-Based Intervention for Geriatric Syndromes

Social Behavior and Health

Program Structure

The program is designed as a full-time, on-campus study model with a mentor-led and group-guided approach. The training integrates coursework, research, practice, and academic exchange.

Duration

Standard duration: 3 years

Maximum study period: 5 years

For combined Master-Ph.D. students: duration is calculated from the date of Ph.D. enrollment.

Curriculum & Credits

Total credits required: 14 credits
(16 lecture hours = 1 credit)

Course Categories

Course Assessment

Course instructors determine assessment methods based on the specific course focus, emphasizing both knowledge acquisition and skill development. A variety of assessment methods may be used, including but not limited to:

Written Exams, Oral Examinations, Computer-Based Tests, Essays & Reports, Practical Operations, Project Design (e.g., experimental, survey), Presentations, Literature Reviews, Comprehensive Evaluation.

Compulsory Training Components

1. Academic Integrity & Ethics (1 credit)

Online/offline workshops on academic norms and ethics.

Mandatory annual participation throughout the program.

2. Teaching & Practice (2 credits)

Assist in teaching activities (≥5 hours) under faculty guidance.

Evaluation based on teaching performance.

3. Academic Activities (5 credits)

Requirement: Earn ≥5 credits in total, with ≥2 credits from giving presentations.

a. Attend academic conferences:

University-level seminar (0.2 credits per conference)

National/regional conference (0.5 credits per conference)

International conference (1.0 credits per conference)

b. Present at academic conferences:

University/School-level academic conference (0.5 credits per conference)

Regional or National academic conference (1.0 credits per conference)

International academic conference or participating in a short-term overseas exchange program (2.0 credits per conference)

All activities must be recorded in the official Graduate Training Logbook for approval.

4. Research Proposal Writing (2 credits)

Draft a national-level research project proposal under mentor guidance.

Approved by mentor for credit.

Dissertation Process

Literature Review & Topic Selection: Conduct comprehensive literature review and define research direction.

Proposal Defense: By the end of the 3rd semester.

Mid-Term Assessment: By the end of the 4th semester.

Research Logs: Maintain detailed records of research progress.

Dissertation Writing & Defense: Independent completion of original research dissertation.

Graduation & Degree Award

Complete all courses and credits.

Fulfill academic publication requirements.

Pass dissertation defense.

Awarded Doctor of Medicine (Ph.D.) in Aging Health and Social Behavior. Awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D. ) degree.

Supervision & Management

Each student is guided by a primary supervisor and a mentoring group.

Biweekly meetings with the supervisor are mandatory.

Three-level management: University → Nursing School → Degree Program.

Financial Support

Full scholarships available covering tuition fees.

Modern dormitories for enrolled students.

Support for attending international academic conferences.

Why Choose Our Ph.D Program?

Focus on aging health and social behavior—a growing global priority.

Strong mentorship and interdisciplinary research environment.

Opportunities to contribute to national health strategies.

Supportive academic and living environment for international students.

Application

For application requirements, procedures, and deadlines, please contact the Graduate Training Office of the Nursing School.