International Community Health

Globally, people rely on sustainable, well-organized health systems that also address climate-related challenges. This master`s program explores key global health issues including their links to environmental challenges.

At the master`s program in International Community Health (ICH) you will learn to analyze global health issues, policies, and initiatives. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to gather evidence on community health and to design and evaluate programs for health promotion and disease prevention.

You will learn about the roles of different organizations in international and global health, all while considering the impacts of environmental and climate change.

The teaching is research based, and combines theory, methods and ethical reflection with relevant global examples. You will meet educators linked to various global health institutions and organisations, providing insight into how your education is relevant to today’s health challenges and learn how your education in International Community Health is relevant for these institutions, organisations, and others.

You will also collaborate with students from diverse countries, offering you a rich learning experience and preparing you for a global career in health.

After finishing the courses in the first semester, you have the option to choose between two specializations: the Research track or the Thematic track.

• If you choose the Research track, you will engage in more in-depth research, culminating in a master`s thesis worth 60 credits.
• If you prefer the Thematic track, you will receive training in specific themes and conduct research leading to a 30-credit master`s thesis.

You will have the chance to spend a semester abroad during the third semester to either conduct research or attend courses, based on their chosen specialization.

See the programme structure and content of the two specialization tracks.

This master`s degree programme is multidisciplinary, multicultural, and multi-professional, creating a unique opportunity for a broader learning environment.
The teachers facilitating the programme have experience from different academic and research fields such as,

• global /community /public health
• maternal, sexual and reproductive health
• preventive medicine and epidemiology
• infectious diseases
• non-communicable diseases
• health systems
• medical anthropology and medical history
• medical ethics
• environmental and climate change
• planetary and one health

The programme seeks to recruit everyone who has a bachelor’s degree in health or social sciences. It is especially relevant for applicants with a background in

• Health Science fields such as medicine, nursing, nutrition, physiotherapy, environmental and planetary health
• Fields related to Social Science and Epidemiology such as public health, social anthropology, political science, health economics, sociology, gender studies and epidemiology.
• Applicants to the programme are encouraged to submit a motivation letter and provide information on prior relevant work experience which counts into the final selection score.

The Health Sector needs people educated within the field of International Community Health to meet the evolving global disease challenges and ensure the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). We aim to prepare our students to participate in community-based health promotion and disease prevention research and interventions.
Throughout your studies you will also have great opportunities to get in contact with relevant global community health institutions and organisations which are located in Oslo.

Graduates from international community health can work in:

• academia
• research organizations
• civil services organizations
• international organizations
• government health policy and programming positions
• and other relevant health related sectors

Graduates from this programme can also continue to do a Ph.d.
Read about job prospects in Norway and abroad.

As a student pursuing Master in International Community Health at the University of Oslo you can take part in different organisations and activities both within and outside of the University.

Oslo offers a safe environment with a rich cultural life and has a lot of hiking opportunities nearby. Read more about student life and find your student association at the University of Oslo.

Students studying in various programme at the Institute for Health and Society (HELSAM) have backgrounds in both health services and non-health sciences fields.
By participating in HELSAM`s study environment, you get the opportunity to build networks, share expertise and gain new perspectives in various aspect of health.
You can contribute to the development of the study environment by running as a student representative and being a member of the Health Faculty Union (HFU).

Are you academically ambitious? It is possible to supplement your master`s degree with an honors certificate worth 20 ECTS. You complete the certificate concurrently with the master`s programme.

Read more about being a health student in Oslo.