Swedish name: Magisterprogram i Folkhälsovetenskap
This programme syllabus is valid: HT16 and valid until HT21 (newer version of the programme syllabus exists)
Programme syllabus for programmes starting HT21
Programme syllabus for programmes starting HT16 and until HT21
Programme syllabus for programmes starting HT16 and until HT21
Programme code: VAFHV
Credit points: 60
Responsible faculty: Faculty of Medicine
Revised by: Programme council for the International Master Programme in Public Health (PRPH), 2017-02-02
A Bachelor's degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) or an equivalent higher education of a minimum of 180 higher education credits (120 credits), from an internationally recognised University, in Public Health, Health Care, Health education or a relevant field in social or behavioral science. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
Master of Science in Medical Science (60 credits). Main field of Study: Public Health.
(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1 Section 9) A second-cycle (graduate) programme shall build on the knowledge the students acquire in first-cycle (undergraduate) programmes or equivalent knowledge.
A graduate programme shall entail a deepening of knowledge, skills and abilities in relation to undergraduate studies and, in addition to what applies for undergraduate studies, shall:
- further develop the students’ ability to independently integrate and use knowledge,
- develop the students’ ability to handle complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
- develop the students’ qualifications for professional practice, which places considerable demands on independence, or for research and development work. Act (2006:173).
Knowledge and understanding
For the master’s degree, the student shall:
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study for the programme, including both an overview in the field and specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field, as well as insight into current research and development efforts
• Demonstrate specialised methodology knowledge in the main field of study for the programme.
Skills and abilities
For the master’s degree, the student shall:
• Demonstrate an ability to integrate knowledge and to analyse, assess and handle complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information,
• Demonstrate an ability to independently identify and formulate issues and to plan and perform advanced tasks with adequate methods within given time frames
• Demonstrate an ability to orally and in writing clearly present an account of and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments that form the basis of them in dialogue with various groups and
• Demonstrate the skills required to participate in research and development work or to work in another qualified capacity.
Judgement and approach
For the master’s degree, the student shall:
• Demonstrate an ability to make assessments in the main field of study of the programme, considering relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects and demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
• Demonstrate an understanding of the opportunities and limitations of science, its role in society and mankind’s responsibility for how it is used, and
• Demonstrate an ability to identify their need for further knowledge and to take responsibility for the development of their knowledge.
Examinations entail an assessment of the student’s achievements and constitute a basis for grading. The assessment takes place through written exams, oral exams in a seminar format and written reports and assignments. Exams shall be structured so that an individual assessment of the student’s achievements is possible. The examination formats are presented by each course syllabus.
A student who has failed at an ordinary examination session has the right to another exam (a retest), no earlier than ten working days after the results from the ordinary exam were announced and no later than three months after the ordinary exam and a further retest within one year, known as a catch-up test.
On condition that the student complies with the University’s rules for written examinations and does not exceed any limits in the number of examination sessions, a student may not be refused the opportunity to participate in an exam. This also applies when there are compulsory programme components that shall have been completed before passing the component/course. However, to pass, the student must complete the compulsory component afterwards or be granted an exemption from it.
A student who has undergone two exams for a course or a part of a course without passing results has the right to request a change of examiner.
Grades are set on completed courses. A three-point grading scale is used: pass with distinction, pass or fail.
The student has the right to have a review done of whether earlier studies or activities can be accepted for credit transfer. For more information, refer to the Higher Education Ordinance and the University’s rules at www.umu.se
A negative decision regarding credit transfer can be appealed with the Swedish Higher Education Appeals Board. A negative decision shall also be justified in writing.
The studies in the Master’s Programme in Public Health (60 credits) comprise a total of two semesters (one year), which corresponds to courses of a total of 60 higher education credits. The degree project comprises 15 of these credits and is done in the form of a project that is examined during the second semester.
The studies are characterised by a high degree of independence, actively seeking knowledge, problem solving, critical analysis and evaluation based on a scientific approach. The work formats vary between individual work, work in study groups, seminars and lectures. The course syllabuses present the entry requirements applicable for each course.
All teaching takes place in English.
Some courses are presupposed to be taken in a certain order, as presented by the course syllabus.
Core courses
All courses in the programme are core courses, meaning that there is no room for elective or optional courses. The students in the programme are guaranteed a place in these core courses.
Elective courses
There is no room for elective courses in the programme.
Optional courses
There is no room for optional courses in the programme.
Programme overview
Academic year 1, autumn semester
Course, Credits, Level
Global public health, 10 credits, Graduate
Biostatistics, 5 credits, Graduate
Epidemiology, 10 credits, Graduate
Qualitative methodology in public health, 5 credits, Graduate
Academic year 1, spring semester
Course, Credits, Level
Health systems: Organisation and financing, 5 credits, Graduate
Health economic evaluation methods, 5 credits, Graduate
Social pathways in global health and health promotion, 5 credits, Graduate
Master thesis, first year, 15 credits, Graduate
Degree project/independent studies
For the Master of Science in Public Health, the student must have completed, within the scope of the course requirements, independent studies (degree project) comprising at least 15 higher education credits in the main field of study of the second-cycle (graduate) programme.
Deferment of the start of studies can be granted if special grounds exist. Examples of special grounds are illness, military service, pregnancy, care of a child or another care responsibility, etc.
A negative decision regarding a deferment of the start of studies can be appealed with the Swedish Higher Education Appeals Board.
Course roll-call
Participation in the programme’s introduction week is mandatory. Exemption from roll-call can only be granted when special grounds exist. Absence without a valid excuse can lead to a loss of the place in the programme. A decision to this regard is made by the programme coordinator.
A leave from studies can be granted if special grounds exist. A negative decision regarding a resumption of studies after a leave from studies can be appealed with the Swedish Higher Education Appeals Board.
A student who leaves the programme shall notify the programme study advisor of non-completion.
Plagiarism policy
For information on the University’s plagiarism policy, refer to the University’s website.
Rules for the programme
Rules for the programme are in the Higher Education Act (1992:1434) and the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), as well as the Rules and Regulation for First-cycle Education at Umeå University.