International Community Health

In this master programme you will learn about the major global health challenges, and how actors committed to international and global health operate. You will be able to generate research evidence and use research findings to help improve the quality and effectiveness of community health action.

International Community Health is a research- based programme that prepares you to carry out your own master research project from day one. The first year will introduce you into important global community health topics and research methodologies. You will also finalise a project plan of your master thesis project. In the third semester you will carry out a fieldwork to collect data for your master thesis. In the fourth semester you will work on your analysis and finalize your master thesis.  

Read more about fieldwork and a semester abroad

Throughout the programme you will meet teachers connected to different health institutions and organisations and learn how your education in International Community Health is relevant for these institutions and organisations, and others.

A multidisciplinary education

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

The programme seeks applicants with a background in social sciences and health sciences

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.

Career prospects

The Health Sector needs people educated within the field of International Community Health to meet the global disease challenges and ensure the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). We aim to prepare students to participate in community-based health promotion and disease prevention research and intervention.

Throughout your studies you will also have great opportunities to get in contact with relevant 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.

Take part in an active study environment

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

Oslo has 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)

Honours certificate

Are you academically ambitious? It is possible to supplement your master's degree with an Honours certificate worth 20 credits. You take the certificate concurrently  with the master's programme.

The application deadline is 15 October

Study global health in Oslo

Read more about being a health student in Oslo