Public Health

Public Health at the University of Eastern Finland offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary educational experience designed to prepare students for careers dedicated to improving health and well-being at the population level. This program emphasizes the importance of understanding the social, behavioral, environmental, and economic determinants of health and disease, enabling graduates to develop effective strategies for health promotion, disease prevention, and health policy implementation. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring students are well-equipped to analyze complex health issues, conduct research, and contribute to the development of public health programs and services. Throughout the degree, students will engage with a wide range of topics including epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, health management, health economics, and global health challenges. The program encourages critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement, fostering a holistic approach to health promotion that respects cultural diversity and global perspectives. Students will have opportunities for international collaboration and practical training through internships and research projects, which support their professional development and prepare them for diverse roles in public health organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies. The University of Eastern Finland's Public Health program is committed to fostering future public health leaders who are equipped with analytical abilities, strategic thinking, and a commitment to social justice in health. Graduates will possess the skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate health programs, influence health policies, and conduct research that benefits communities locally and globally. Joining this program means engaging in an innovative, research-driven environment that prioritizes societal impact and aims to improve health outcomes worldwide.

The Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition offers training in Public Health in English. Our internationally recognised Master 's Degree Programme in Public Health (MPH), which has been running for almost 20 years, is at the forefront of integrating the global dimensions of public health. We also offer public health training for medical students. This training provides the necessary theoretical background and tools for health promotion in a cross-cultural learning environment. Our educational atmosphere is characterised by interaction between Finnish and international students from different educational and cultural backgrounds.

Students on the MPH programme first take the core public health studies, after which they can choose to specialise in any of the four options: Epidemiology; Public Health Nutrition; Globe, Culture and Public Health; or Health Promotion in Nursing. 

To contribute to the wider community, we examine health-related issues from social, cultural and global aspects. Students are trained in areas such as: public health, health promotion, epidemiology, nutrition, community medicine, geriatrics, occupational health and environmental health.

Application requirements

Degree certificate

All applicants should have at least Bachelor's or equivalent degree in an applicable health related field corresponding to at least 3 years' of full-time academic studies (equivalent of 180 ECTS credit units in the Finnish university system) obtained at an internationally recognized and accredited university or higher education institution. Bachelor`s degree from either the University of Applied Science or Polytechnic are not eligible. Applicable fields include for example public health, medicine, dentistry, nutrition, nursing science and midwifery. Also pharmacy, psychology, veterinary medicine and environmental sciences are eligible fields. The country-specific regulations are described in University Admissions Finland webpage.

Conditional admission

The admission is conditional if the degree is not completed by 13h January 2017, at 15:00 (GMT+2). The applicant informs the estimated graduation date in the application form. The final deadline to submit the officially certified copy of the Bachelor´s degree certificate (in original language and as translations, if applicable) to the University of Eastern Finland is 15th August 2017. The proof of the completed degree can be submitted together with the confirmation on accepting the offered study placement. If the copy of the official degree certificate does not reach the University of Eastern Finland by the deadline, admission to the Master’s programme will be cancelled. The country-specific regulations are described in University Admissions Finland web-page.

Temporary (provisional) degree certificate

A temporary (provisional) degree certificate is a document issued by an institution to a student who has successfully completed all studies included in the degree and the student has graduated. The temporary degree certificate should include the name of the institution awarding the degree, the date of issue, and the name of the person to whom the degree certificate has been issued and which title/degree the person has been awarded. A temporary (provisional) degree certificate is accepted if it was awarded no more than five years earlier. The country-specific regulations are described in University Admissions Finland web-page.

Official translations

All application documents should be submitted in Finnish, Swedish or English. Also the copies of the documents in original language have to be submitted. Translations of educational documents must be 1) issued by the awarding institution or 2) officially certified copy of a translation issued by the awarding institution or 3) translated by an official translator or 4) officially certified copy of a translation made by an official translator. Each page of an official translation must bear the translator’s stamp and/or signature. Official translations must be exact translations of the original documents. Translations done by the applicant him- or herself are not accepted. The country specific regulations are described in University Admissions Finland web-page. 

Students who are not citizens of an EU/EEA Member State* are liable to pay a tuition fee of €12000 per academic year. For details on exemption please visit Studyinfo

The University of Eastern Finland offers scholarships for non-EU/EEA students. Fifty percent of non-EU/EEA students on the Master 's Degree Programme in Public Health are granted a scholarship in the form of a tuition fee waiver. Scholarships cover either the full tuition fee (€12000) or 80 percent of it (€9600). Decisions on scholarships are made on the basis of each applicant `s academic merits.

Scholarships are awarded for two academic years on the condition of completing 55 ECTS credits per academic year. The academic rector may award discretionary scholarships for the second academic year to students who applied for a scholarship in connection with applying to the university, but did not receive a scholarship for the first year. The prerequisite relating to the progress of studies in the first academic year is also applied to discretionary scholarships.

There is no separate application for scholarship. All applicants need to complete the Student Application Form. Those applicants who are applying for scholarship need to additionally complete the “Application for Scholarship-” form which can be found at the end of the Student Application Form. Decisions concerning scholarships are made in connection with student admission, and the student is notified of the matter in their letter of acceptance.

The scholarship does not cover living costs. Students are expected to cover all living expenses (approximately €800 per month) and other study-related costs from their own financial resources.

The Master’s Degree Program in Public Health at the University of Eastern Finland offers a comprehensive education designed to prepare students for a variety of roles within the health sector, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, health policy, and healthcare management. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating principles from medicine, social sciences, epidemiology, health economics, and environmental health to equip students with a well-rounded understanding of public health issues both locally and globally.

Students enrolled in the program have the opportunity to develop core competencies in assessing population health needs, planning and implementing health intervention programs, and evaluating public health policies. The curriculum includes coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, health systems and policies, and research methods. These courses are complemented by practical training, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, such as collaborating with local health authorities or participating in community health projects.

The program fosters international perspectives by encouraging exchange studies and collaborations with global health organizations, reflecting the university's commitment to addressing worldwide health challenges. Research is a strong component of the curriculum, with opportunities for students to participate in ongoing research projects led by faculty members specializing in infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and health behavior.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in public health agencies, non-governmental organizations, healthcare organizations, research institutions, and international health bodies. They acquire skills necessary for leadership roles, policy development, health education, and health data analysis. The program also supports students interested in pursuing doctoral studies, providing a solid foundation in research methodologies and academic writing.

The University of Eastern Finland’s campus facilities include modern lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries with extensive resources in health sciences. In addition to coursework, students benefit from seminars, workshops, and conferences that enhance their learning experience and professional development. The program’s bilingual instruction (Finnish and English) ensures that students gain language skills relevant to the international health community.

The duration of the program is typically two years for full-time students, with some flexibility for part-time study. Admission is competitive and requires a relevant bachelor’s degree, proficiency in English, and other specific eligibility criteria outlined by the university. International students are warmly welcomed, contributing to a diverse student community that enriches the educational environment.

Overall, the Master’s Degree in Public Health at the University of Eastern Finland aims to cultivate skilled public health professionals who are capable of addressing complex health issues through evidence-based practice, strategic planning, and innovative solutions. Graduates leave equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills and a global outlook necessary for improving health outcomes in various settings worldwide.