Master's Programme in Public Health 120 credits

While studying

Evidence, equity and action

The programme is built around three interconnected themes: evidence, equity and action.

You will study epidemiology, quantitative and qualitative research methods, health economic evaluation and health economic modelling. You will learn how to generate and critically assess evidence, combine different forms of knowledge and apply scientific approaches to evaluating interventions, policies and health outcomes.

You will also explore how public health priorities are identified and translated into policy and practice. You will consider how evidence, values, resources and feasibility shape public health decisions, and learn how to use this understanding to inform action. You will examine how effectiveness, affordability and equity can be balanced in different contexts. This will help you understand not only what works, but also what is feasible and fair.

Implementation, leadership and health systems
Improving health requires more than identifying what works. You will develop skills in implementation, leadership and change, and learn how to translate knowledge and evidence into action.

You will examine public health challenges at individual, organisational and structural levels. You will explore the roles of different actors and sectors in shaping health and consider how interventions and health systems can be strengthened. This provides a basis for contributing to more effective and equitable health systems in different contexts.

An active and international learning environment
Our Pedagogical Vision of the Educational Environment is based on core principles and didactic strategies including active, collaborative, and reflective learning

Pedagogical Vision of the Educational Environment

You will study alongside students and teachers with a wide range of professional, academic and national backgrounds. The programme has attracted students from more than 70 countries, bringing a wide range of experiences and perspectives into discussions, group work and problem-solving. All teaching is in English. 

You will take an active role in your learning by working with different types of evidence and perspectives, critically assessing public health questions and applying theoretical and methodological knowledge to practical challenges. Collaboration and reflection will help you develop independent thinking and the ability to use a scientific approach in practice.

The international environment will also help you explore how public health challenges vary across contexts and how different perspectives can inform decisions and action.

Description of the programme

This programme comprises of 120 credits (two years) and the first year includes courses on global health conditions, health systems analysis and health promotion.  You will study the methods you need to carry out public health work; epidemiology, quantitative and qualitative methods and health economic modelling.

The second year builds on the first-year studies with courses on advanced research methods, health economic modelling and courses exploring health systems from economic, equity, critical, and leadership perspectives.  There is an opportunity to graduate after one year, i.e., after 60 credits.

Master’s thesis

The master’s thesis work is an important part of the studies in this programme and gives you a possibility to apply the knowledge that you have gained to develop a deeper understanding and specialization within a chosen area. Our teachers are also researchers which means that you will have a supervisor who has experience in public health research. The thesis work comprises 30 credits within the programme’s main field of study and takes the form of two separate theses that are examined during semester 2 and semester 4 respectively.

Read more about the thesis work first year

Read more about the thesis work second year

Programme overview

First year

• Global Public Health

• Biostatistics

• Epidemiology

• Qualitative methodology for public health

• Health Systems: Organization and Financing

• Health Economic Evaluation Methods

• Theory and Management in Health Promotion

• Master thesis, first year

Second year

• Health Systems: Evidence, Equity and Action 
• Qualitative Analysis: Principles and Practices
• Advanced Methods in Epidemiology  
• Health Economic Modelling for Policy-Making 
• Economics for Health Systems
• Critical Perspectives on Health Systems
• Leading Change in Public Health Practice
• Master Thesis, Second Year

Future and career opportunities

You will be prepared you for roles in public health practice, policy development, health system improvement, international organisations and research. You will graduate with the ability to critically assess evidence, navigate complexity and contribute to informed decisions and action for better and more equitable health.

This programme gives knowledge that can be used in NGO’s, public organisations, and private companies. Many graduates will work in the public sector in local and state institutions, from e.g., hospitals to the Ministry of Health. They may work with public health policies, health advocacy, legislation, management, evaluation of interventions or to analyse the effect of decisions on different levels.  

Graduates can find jobs in non-profit organizations such as Red Cross, Save the Children, Médecins Sans Frontièrs or Clinton Health Access initiative. Other graduates will go to the private sector working e.g., for pharmaceutical companies or for health insurance companies. Others will work for the health minister or at WHO.

A future university career in research is another path since the programme is designed for those already working as, or planning to become, public health practitioners. Further studies can lead to a PhD degree.

Read more about our research

How to apply to the programme and document your work experience

You can find general information on how to apply at the bottom of this page. Priority to this programme is given to students with at least two years of work experience within a field relevant to Public Health.

Use this form to document your work experience