Master Programme in Public Health Science, 60 credits

Aim

The programme aims to provide the student with a qualified education that leads to a Master Degree (60 credits) in Public Health Science.

The programme gives the student an opportunity to further develop his/her ability to independently integrate and use his/her knowledge. Furthermore, the student receives an opportunity to develop a more in-depth ability to manage complex situations that arise in professional life within public health science.

The programme also provides the student with an opportunity to develop his/her ability to undertake independent research and development work. Throughout the programme the student shall learn an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach to the subject’s operational and research issues.

On completion of the programme, the student will be well equipped to manage and implement change, evaluation and development work and measures, and to contribute to research-based activities within the chosen field.

Programme objectives

In addition to the outcomes specified in chapter 1, section 9 of the Swedish Higher Education Act and annex 2 to the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance, the Master Programme (60 credits) in Public Health Science has the following local learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding
After completion of the programme the student shall:
- be able to theorise regarding health and public health science.
- be able to identify health-promoting factors, health risks and public health problems.

Competence and skills
After completion of the programme the student shall:
- be able to use relevant research methods within the field of public health science.
- have acquired, based on a critical and analytical approach, in-depth knowledge
of various scientific methods within the student’s chosen main field of study within the area of public health science.
- have the ability to present an argument for, synthesise and apply various theories, in relation
to how good health can be promoted and maintained, and how ill health can be prevented and
mitigated.
- be able to plan and implement scientific work and measures within the chosen field.

Judgement and approach
After completion of the programme the student shall:
- be able to identify, analyse and evaluate benefit and risk aspects in ethical
issues in connection with research.

Content

Public Health Science MA, Health and implementation, 7.5 credits
Public Health Science MA, Quantitative method and epidemiology, 7.5 credits
Public Health Science MA, Qualitative method, 7.5 credits
Public Health Science MA, Public health psychology, 7.5 credits (provided by the University of Gävle)
Public Health Science MA, Strategic public health work, 7.5 credits
Public Health Science MA, Selected review of literature I, 7.5 credits
Public Health Science MA, Independent Project/Thesis course I, 15 credits

During the study period, certain changes may be made to the name, content, credit allocation and/or scheduling of courses.

Entry requirements

Basic prerequisites
Completed Degree of Bachelor of at least 180 credits, including thesis work of at least 15 credits or an equivalent foreign qualification, in one of the main subject areas of public health science, nursing or rehabilitation science, or within some other main subject area within health science or social science; or, alternatively, a degree in teaching of at least 180 credits, including thesis work of at least 15 credits within one of these main subject areas.

Description of programme

The programme shall provide the student with increased knowledge about what health means and how good health can be promoted, maintained and recaptured, and how ill health can be prevented and mitigated. Various aspects of health, public health work and scientific theories and methods are addressed. Models for planning, implementation and evaluation of public health work are included.
On completion of the programme, you will have acquired in-depth knowledge of public health science that leaves you well equipped to face the requirements of a changing society and professional life, and to manage and implement change, evaluation and development work and measures within the area of public health science.
This Master Programme (60 credits) also gives you the possibility of additional in-depth studies in a Master Programme (120 credits), and together these programmes provide a good foundation for continued studies at doctoral level.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Programme with restricted admissions

Specific prerequisites for courses within the programme are stated in each course’s syllabus.

Teaching and examination

The form of teaching is specified in each course syllabus.

The form of examination is specified in each course syllabus.

Title of qualification

Degree of Master of Arts/Science (60 credits)

Magisterexamen med huvudområdet folkhälsovetenskap
translated into
Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) with a major in Public Health Science