Master Programme (one year) of Public Health Science, 60 higher education credits

Aim

The objective of the Master’s Programme is to meet with the need for increased skills and knowledge in the field of public health issues, in view of the Swedish Parliament’s resolutions for national public health targets.

“Skills development of those already practising in the profession is highly significant for realizing the proposed targets set for public health issues. To be able, from a short term perspective, to meet with the ever increasing need of highly skilled and competent professionals in the field of public health it is therefore necessary, in the immediate future, to provide continuing professional development for professionals currently practising in the fields of e.g. medial and care services, social services, dental health, student and school health services, social insurance offices and those who are involved in work environmental issues and environmental work in municipalities and county administrative boards. (Government bill 2002/03:35).” Subsequently it is necessary to provide broader and more in-depth knowledge and skills at Master’s level for staff in these activities that have completed different basic academic training.

The training programme is based on a comprehensive view with emphasis on assuring equal prerequisites for good health.

Programme objectives

(Over and above the general objectives stipulated in capital 1, 9th § of the Higher Education Act).

During the course of training students shall acquire the knowledge and skills required to:
- identify elements of health promotion, health risks and health problems
- plan, implement and evaluate health promotion and efforts to prevent disease
- apply relevant methods of research in the field of public health science
- record and report studies in an academic manner – as well as
- from a comprehensive perspective contribute to increasing knowledge in the
operational field the student will be working in

Content

The Master’s Programme (one year) in Public Health Science comprises 60 Higher Education Credits divided into 5 obligatory courses including an academic paper as well as optional courses, 15 HE Credits, relating to the field of public health. The programme co-ordinator will decide whether or not the optional courses are relevant to the training programme.

Public Health Science MA, Health and society, 7.5 Credits
Public Health Science MA, Epidemiology, 7.5 Credits
Public Health Science MA, Qualitative methods in public health, 7.5 Credits
Public Health Science MA, Health Promotion Practice, 7.5 Credits
Public Health Science MA, Thesis course, 7.5 Credits

Optional courses relating to the field of public health, 15 Credits

Entry requirements

Completed Degree of Bachelor or professional qualification (at least 180 HE Credits) - or an equivalent foreign degree in the field of health, behavioural science, social science, social work, education or its equivalent.

Description of programme

In public science people’s social, physical and mental environments are studied, as is the interplay between the population’s health issues, life style and social structure seen from an interdisciplinary perspective.

There is currently a pronounced support for public health work in Sweden. The Swedish Parliament has taken a decision on eleven national public health targets to be used as an indicator for continuing public health work in Sweden. In order to realize these targets practically comprehensive skills and competence must be available in the various sectors and professional groups. By making use of course participants’ different interests, experiences and professions it will be possible to create a broader perspective and increased co-operation in public health work.

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

Students must have passed an exam, Health and the community, 7.5 Credits within the framework for the training programme (or the equivalent) before they can be admitted to Public health work, 5.5 Credits.

Students must have passed the four obligatory courses – 7.5 Credits each – before their academic paper is examined.

Teaching and examination

Studies are on a half-time basis and are mainly web-based, using Moodle as a platform. Studies are carried out individually or in groups in a Moodle forum. Studies are supported by detailed study supervision, advisory services and examination assignments. Radio programmes adapted to the contents of the courses have been produced in co-operation with the Swedish Educational Radio (UR).

Each course is preceded by an introduction day. In connection to students’ individual studies supervision is provided both by WebCt or meeting personally with teachers.

The modus operandi for examinations is mainly made up of individual reporting, reporting group assignments as well as revision of each others work. The assignments are reported and comments are given on Moodle. Web-based home examinations will also be implemented. The individual independent work for 15 Credits will be examined in seminar form by opposition. The grading scale is stated in each respective curriculum.

Title of qualification

Degree of Master of Arts/Science (60 credits)

Magisterexamen med huvudområdet folkhälsovetenskap
translated into
Degree of Master (One Year) with a major in Public Health Science.