Work and health: health promotion and disease prevention
Summary
This course is aimed at master’s students in public health and related fields who want to deepen their understanding of how working conditions and environmental exposures influence individual health, population health, and health equity. You will develop the ability to analyze how workplace and environmental risks contribute to disease, wellbeing, and inequalities, and how these risks can be prevented through public health action, policy, and regulation. The course provides knowledge and tools that are valuable for future work in public health practice, health promotion, environmental and occupational health, policy development, and research.
About
The course aims to provide a deeper understanding of the interplay between working conditions, environmental exposures, and individual and public health. It provides knowledge about basic principles for risk assessment, risk management and risk communication, focusing on the interplay between occupational factors, the general environment, and human health, with attention to physical, chemical, psychosocial, and social determinants. Students will also gain knowledge and understanding of opportunities and barriers related to national and international regulations in the field. The course content is relevant in both national and international contexts, and students will have flexibility to shape individual assignments according to their previous experience and interests.
Who should apply?
This course is suitable for students who want to develop a broader and more applied understanding of how environmental and occupational factors influence health, wellbeing, and health equity. What makes the course unique is its integrated perspective on working life, the general environment, and public health, combined with a focus on both scientific understanding and the policy and regulatory frameworks needed to promote healthier societies.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
Qualification for admission to the programme requires professional degree/Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits in a health science, social science, science, economics, arts or engineering field of education and grade Passed/E in English B/English 6.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
After graduation
After completing the course, you will be better prepared to analyze and address how working conditions and environmental exposures affect health at both individual and population levels. The knowledge gained is relevant for future work in public health practice, environmental and occupational health, health promotion, policy development, and research. The course can also provide a strong foundation for continued studies in public health and related areas, including thesis work focusing on health determinants, prevention, and sustainable and healthy environments.
