Public Health — specializing in Global Health

Public Health – specializing in Global Health at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary education designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex health challenges worldwide. This program emphasizes a thorough understanding of the determinants of health and disease, including social, economic, environmental, and behavioral factors that influence population health outcomes on a global scale. Students will explore innovative strategies for disease prevention, health promotion, and healthcare system strengthening tailored to diverse settings, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, encouraging critical thinking, research skills, and ethical considerations relevant to public health practice. Throughout the program, students will analyze contemporary global health issues such as infectious disease outbreaks, non-communicable diseases, health inequities, and climate change impacts on health. They will also gain insights into policy development, health system management, and the roles of international organizations, governments, and non-governmental actors in improving health standards worldwide. The program fosters an international perspective through collaboration with global experts, participation in international projects, and exposure to diverse cultural contexts. Graduates from the program will be prepared for careers in public health policy, research, program management, and advocacy, contributing to the development of effective solutions for health challenges affecting populations globally. Offering a blend of lectures, case studies, fieldwork, and research projects, this Master’s program aims to cultivate skilled public health professionals capable of making a significant impact in the field of global health.

The Master’s program in Public Health with a specialization in Global Health at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to address complex global health challenges. The program provides a multidisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from medicine, epidemiology, sociology, economics, and policy analysis to prepare graduates for impactful careers in international health organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions.

Throughout the program, students will explore the determinants of health and disease on a global scale, with particular attention to issues such as infectious and non-communicable diseases, health inequalities, and the social, economic, and environmental factors influencing health outcomes worldwide. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and applied skills, including health systems analysis, program planning and evaluation, epidemiological methods, and quantitative and qualitative research techniques.

A key component of the program is fostering critical thinking and cross-cultural competence, enabling students to analyze health problems in diverse contexts and develop sustainable solutions. Special modules focus on global health governance, international health policies, and the ethical considerations in global health interventions. Students will also benefit from hands-on learning experiences, such as internships, workshops, and collaborative projects with international partners, providing practical exposure to real-world public health issues.

The program encourages research-driven learning, culminating in a master’s thesis that addresses a relevant global health problem, allowing students to apply their acquired knowledge and analytical skills. Upon graduation, students will be well-prepared to contribute to the development and implementation of effective global health strategies, advocate for health equity, and lead initiatives that improve health outcomes across different populations.

Overall, the Master’s in Public Health – Specializing in Global Health at NTNU combines rigorous academic coursework with practical training to prepare a new generation of global health professionals committed to making a positive difference in the world.

Bachelor's degree (or 3-year equivalent) in Health, Development Studies, Sport Sciences, or in Technology/Engineering subjects with relevance for health care. Other relevant disciplines may be accepted after an individual evaluation of the applicant's qualifications. An average grade equal to or higher than the Norwegian "C" is required.For English language requirements, please see: http://www.ntnu.edu/studies/langcourses/languagerequirements

The financing of the Public Health – specializing in Global Health master's program at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology primarily relies on a combination of Norwegian government funding, scholarships, and personal financial contributions from students. Norwegian higher education is largely public and heavily subsidized by the government, making tuition fees for international students relatively low compared to other countries. For residents of Norway and the European Union/European Economic Area, the tuition fee is generally waived, with students only responsible for semester registration fees and living expenses.

International students outside the EU/EEA typically pay tuition fees, which are set annually by the university. These fees are designed to help cover the costs of instruction, infrastructure, and administrative support. Students are encouraged to seek various funding options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The Norwegian government, through programs like the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund, provides financial support and loans to students based on eligibility criteria, including applicants' nationality and academic status.

In addition to government support, the university offers several merit-based scholarships aimed at attracting talented students worldwide. These scholarships often cover tuition fees partially or fully and are awarded based on academic excellence or other criteria determined by the university's scholarship committee. Students are advised to apply for these scholarships early, as competition can be substantial.

Many students also finance their studies through external sources such as government scholarships from their home countries, private foundations, and international organizations promoting higher education. Some students may work part-time during their studies, as Norwegian regulations allow international students to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester.

Moreover, students are responsible for their living expenses, which include accommodation, food, transportation, books, and health insurance. The cost of living in Trondheim, where NTNU is located, is moderate compared to other Nordic cities but still requires financial planning. International students often budget for between 10,000 and 12,000 NOK per month, depending on their lifestyle.

In summary, the financing of the Public Health – specializing in Global Health program at NTNU involves a combination of Norwegian government funding, university scholarships, external scholarships, personal savings, and part-time work. Prospective students are encouraged to explore all available funding sources early and apply for scholarships and grants to support their studies, as these can significantly reduce the financial burden.

The Master's degree program in Public Health with a specialization in Global Health at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of health and disease in a global context. This program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex health challenges across different countries and populations, emphasizing sustainable health solutions and policy development. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including epidemiology, health systems, health promotion, disease prevention, and the social and environmental determinants of health. Students will explore issues such as infectious and non-communicable diseases, health inequalities, health policy, and global health governance. The program also emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds such as medicine, social sciences, and public health. Practical experience is a core component through internships, fieldwork, and project work, often in collaboration with international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies. Graduates will be prepared for careers in international health organizations, NGOs, government health agencies, or academic and research institutions. They will have the ability to analyze and develop effective health interventions, conduct epidemiological research, and advocate for health equity worldwide. The program fosters critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making, essential for tackling health issues on a global scale. Students also gain insight into ethical considerations and cultural competencies necessary for effective practice in diverse settings. The program typically spans two years, leading to a Master of Science (MSc) degree, with opportunities for specialization within the field of global health. Overall, this program at NTNU offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills that prepare graduates to improve health outcomes globally and contribute to the development of resilient health systems worldwide.