Syllabus - Master's Programme in Public Health within Health and Social Welfare

Outcomes

The Higher Education Act states the following:

Second-cycle studies shall essentially build on knowledge acquired by the students in first-cycle studies, or equivalent knowledge. Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall:

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge,
• develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
• develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work. Act (2006:173).

Below are stated the objectives described in the Higher Education Ordinance's qualification descriptors for a Master's degree (SFS 1993:100 with amendments in accordance with SFS 2006:1053 Annex 2), in addition to local objectives.

Knowledge and Understanding

On completion of the degree programme the student shall:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.

Local outcomes:

• develop in-depth knowledge, with a focus on professional development, within the area where health research and social welfare research converge,
• critically review and argue the case for how the health and social welfare of individuals and groups can be promoted by interdisciplinary cooperation,
• explain and apply definitions and concepts for a sustainable lifestyle, and
• explain and apply definitions and concepts in health promotion work with regard to epidemiological methods, interventions and implementation.

Aptitudes and Accomplishments

On completion of the degree programme the student shall:

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly report and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Local outcomes:

• be able to plan, carry out and evaluate evidence-based practice, including health promotion interventions, in health and social welfare,
• demonstrate the capacity for an innovative approach in health and social welfare.

Ability to Evaluate and Assess

On completion of the degree programme the student shall:

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Local outcomes:

• be able to evaluate equity, access and participation in health and social welfare, and
• be able to evaluate and reflect on scientific theories, models and concepts related to a sustainable lifestyle and health promotion work.

Language of instruction

English.

Contents

One half of the programme consists of courses within the main field of study of Public health Sciences, and the other half of courses within the general area of Health and Welfare.

Public Health Sciences 
The first year's courses are focused on how to promote a sustainable lifestyle such as dietary habits and physical activity. The courses also focus on methods of measuring the lifestyle of populations and how these change over time. A degree project is also included here.

The second year's courses deepen the understanding of theories and models used in health promotion work and also their practical application. The courses give increased knowledge of how to develop and evaluate interventions to promote health and prevent ill-health. Here a further degree project is included, which can be a continuation of the first year's degree project (see Choices within the programme).

Health and Social Welfare
The first year's courses focus on management, teams and organisation as well as evidence-based practice and evaluation in Health and Welfare. In addition to this, scientific methodology as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods of relevance to health and welfare are studied.

The second year's courses broaden and deepen understanding of the area of health and welfare. Here the focus is on equity, access and participation, professional knowledge and development as well as co-production and implementation. In addition to this, a deeper knowledge of scientific theory, qualitative and quantitative research methods are given.

Year 1

Public Health Sciences:
Promoting a Sustainable Lifestyle, 7.5 credits
Methods to Investigate Health, 7.5 credits
Thesis in Public Health Science, 15 credits,
alternatively
Thesis in Public Health Science, Master, 30 credits.
(The student may choose to complete the degree project during year 1 or to continue the degree project during year 2.)

Health and Social Welfare:
Management, Teams and Organisations in Health and Social Welfare, 7.5 credits 
Evidence-based Practice and Evaluation, 7.5 credits 
Qualitative Research Methods I, 7.5 credits
Quantitative Research Methods I, 7.5 credits

Year 2

Public Health Sciences:
Health Promotion - Implementation, 7.5 credits
Developing interventions to promote health and prevent ill-health, 7.5 credits
Thesis in Public Health Science, Master, 15 credits, alternatively 30 credits.
 
Health and Social Welfare:
Qualitative Research Methods II, 7.5 credits
Quantitative Research Methods II, 7.5 credits
Health and Welfare - Co-Production and Implementation, 7.5 credits 
Health and Welfare - Perspectives on Equity, Access and Participation, 7.5 credits 

The above courses may be read jointly with third-cycle studies in Health and Welfare.

Minor changes in the range of courses may be made during the programme as a result of continual quality work.

For students who already have a 60-credit Master's degree in the main field of study and who fulfil the specific entry requirements regarding knowledge of methodology, an opportunity is available to commence the second year of the two-year programme directly.

Choices within the program

The student may choose to write two degree projects of 15 credits or one degree project of 30 credits. On completion of year 1 the student has the opportunity of applying for a 60-credit Master's degree.

University degree

The degree programme is so designed that the studies will lead towards fulfilment of the requirements for the following degree:

• Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) in Science of Public Health
• Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in Science of Public Helath

If the programme contains elective or optional courses, or if a student chooses not to complete a certain course, the choices made may affect the opportunities of fulfilling the degree requirements. For more information about degrees and degree requirements, please refer to the local System of Qualifications on the University website.

Remarks

The consequences of joint studies with opportunities of credit transfer are determined and assessed by the subject coordinators at each programme level. Individual courses from year two may, after assessment, be given credit for in the third-cycle programme.