Public Health

A bachelor’s degree corresponding to 180 ECTS, and a specialization of minimum 80 ECTS within the subject areas of the master’s program. Examples of relevant subject areas are health sciences, nutrition, sport science, veterinary science, social sciences, statistics, mathematics, computer science, biology, developmental studies, economics, healthcare management and medical technology. Grade point average of C (3.0) or higher.

Applicants with education from non-Nordic countries must document English language proficiency. The master’s program in Public Health requires the following minimum scores in English proficiency:

• IELTS: Reading 6.5, Listening 6.5, Speaking 6.5, Writing 6.5
• TOEFL: Reading 19, Listening 20, Speaking 20, Writing 24

Admission capacity
15 places

Applicants from Norway or Nordic countries:
Her finner du all informasjon knyttet til søking og opptak.

International applicants from EU/EEA and Switzerland:
You will find more information about international admission here.

International applicants from outside EU/EEA:

• You will find more information about international admission here.
• Non-EU students must be prepared to pay tuition fees, more information here
• The part-time variant is not available for non-EU/EEA applicants.

Program description

The Master of Public Health program offers a flexible and comprehensive curriculum designed to address today’s public health challenges. Students complete five mandatory courses (50 ECTS) in core areas such as public health, global health, health economics and policy, research methods, and sustainable innovation.

You can then specialize by choosing one of three streams:

• Epidemiology and Data Science
• Health Economics
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

Each stream includes 15-20 ECTS of specialized courses, and 20-25 ECTS of elective courses, before writing the Master thesis. You also have the option to join exchange programs, which can replace the stream.

The last 30 ECTS are dedicated to the Master’s thesis, allowing you to plan, develop, and present a scientific project in public health. The thesis can be based on empirical data, a literature review, or a theoretical project.

The program is available for full-time (2 years) or part-time (4 years) study, with a mix of in-person and remote learning options.

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Learning outcomes

After completing the core courses, students will gain:

Knowledge:

• Ability to critically analyze public health in a changing society with an interdisciplinary approach.
• Understanding of global health inequalities, ethics in public health, research methods, demographic changes, and health systems.
• Advanced knowledge in evidence synthesis, policymaking, health economics, and relevant laws and regulations.

Skills:

• Proficiency in using demographic data, designing and conducting research, and applying qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Capability to design, implement, and evaluate public health projects and interventions.
• Development of communication strategies for health promotion and advocacy.

General Competence:

• Leadership, collaboration, and ethical decision-making skills.
• Ability to critically evaluate public health interventions and methodologies.
• Strong presentation and professional accountability skills.

Specialization Streams

• Epidemiology & Data Science in Health

  • Knowledge: Advanced expertise in epidemiology, statistical methods, and health registry data.
  • Skills: Ability to design epidemiological studies, analyze health data, and visualize results using appropriate software.

• Health Economics

  • Knowledge: Understanding of economic concepts, health funding systems, and health economic evaluations.
  • Skills: Ability to evaluate funding systems and conduct cost-benefit analyses of health interventions.

• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

  • Knowledge: Expertise in health promotion strategies, health behavior theories, and public health governance.
  • Skills: Ability to design and evaluate interventions, develop culturally sensitive strategies, and communicate health messages effectively.

This program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to address diverse public health challenges, tailored to their chosen specialization.

Job prospectives

A Master's degree in Public Health is increasingly recognized internationally, and the Department of Community Medicine at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, is a center of international excellence and high quality research. An MPH prepares you for a wide range of careers, from local to global settings. Graduates can pursue roles in policy development, epidemiology, research, program management, health education, and administration. Potential employers include government agencies, non-governmental organizations, regional health authorities, municipalities, the private sector, universities, and research institutions.

Access to further studies

Completion of the MPH degree qualifies you for PhD studies, provided specific grade requirements are met.

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Study plan

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Language of instruction

The language of instruction and all syllabus materials are in English. However, students may choose to submit assignments and exams in English or Norwegian.

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Teaching and assessment

The MPH program courses are typically concentrated and offered in week-long blocks throughout the semester. While some courses require physical attendance in Tromsø, others, or parts of them, may be offered online.

The program emphasizes student-centered learning, encouraging both independent and group work. Students are expected to take an active role in their own learning, including self-study beyond scheduled activities.

The program includes a variety of learning activities:

• Self-studies
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Group work
• Flipped classroom/team-based learning
• Case-based learning

Both written assignments and oral presentations may be mandatory. Exams are designed to reflect the learning objectives of each course.

Assessment methods include:

• Portfolio evaluation
• Written exams
• Home exams
• Oral exams

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