Master Programme in Public Health Science, 120 credits

Aim

This Master Programme is provided at an advanced level, and the programme aims to provide the student with a qualified education in public health science that leads to a Master Degree (120 credits) in Public Health Science. The advanced level entails more in-depth knowledge and skills in relation to education at basic level.

Throughout the programme the student shall learn an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach to the subject’s operational and research issues.

On completion of this Master Programme in Public Health Science, you will be well equipped to manage and independently implement change, evaluation and development work and measures, and to contribute to research-based activities within the field of public health, both nationally and internationally.

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, this Master Programme in Public Health Science (120 credits) 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 research traditions and scientific methods within public health science.
- have the ability, both verbally and in writing, based on a national and international perspective,
to present an argument for, synthesise and apply various health theories.
- be able to independently 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.
- be able to present an argument and adopt a position in relation to various
scientific theory paradigms.

Content

Years 1 and 2
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, Thesis course I, 15 credits

Years 3 and 4
Public Health Science MA, Theory of science, 7.5 credits
Public Health Science MA, Qualitative and quantitative method with epidemiology, 7.5 credits
Public Health Science MA, Public health policy and health economics, 7.5 credits (provided by the University of Gävle)
Public Health Science MA, Community planning and risk assessment, 7.5 credits
Public Health Science MA, Strategic governance in Public Health, 7.5 credits (provided by the University of Gävle)
Public Health Science MA, Selected review of literature II, 7.5 credits
Public Health Science MA, Master degree project II, 15 credits

For the Master Degree of 120 credits, the student shall complete two separate thesis projects of 15 credits each; one to complete the “first year” (the first 60 credits), and one to complete the “second year” (the second 60 credits).

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

Entry requirements

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

Public health science is a multidisciplinary subject with interdisciplinary ambitions that aims to increase the student’s knowledge about what health means and how good health can be promoted, maintained and recaptured, and how ill health can be prevented and mitigated. Public health science research can be conducted with perspectives at individual, group and societal level.

On completion of the Master Degree (120 credits), the programme increases the student’s ability to face the requirements of a changing society and professional life with regard to in-depth knowledge of public health science. This Master Programme leads to the development of the student’s ability to independently implement development work and measures, and to contribute to research-based activities within the field of public health science. The programme provides 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 (120 credits)

Masterexamen med huvudområdet folkhälsovetenskap
translated into
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Public Health Science