The Master's Degree Programme in Public Health (MPH) is offered by the Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, in collaboration with the Department of Nursing Science. We educate experts for public health related fields and sectors in regional and global contexts. Our graduates work as epidemiologists, researchers, administrators, managers, field workers, health educators, and entrepreneurs around the world. The MPH is a 2-year programme of 120 ECTS credits. It is primarily contact teaching with elements of online learning.
We incorporate modern teaching methodologies according to the UEF's aims, which we are very proud of. The MPH provides a strong foundation for understanding public health and related research, and, depending on the choice of track, issues of global health, public health nutrition, epidemiology, or health promotion in nursing science. Global health is the way of the future, and here at UEF we are at the centre of creating solutions for it.
For instructions on how to apply and a direct link to the application form on Studyinfo, please scroll down. The application period is open 8 January 2025 - 22 January 2025.
Key information
- Level of degree: M.Sc. (Health Sciences)
- Programme duration: 2 years full-time (120 ECTS credits)
- Language of instruction: English
- The programme admits 25 students annually
- Programme starts annually in September
- Tracks:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health Nutrition
- Globe, Culture and Public Health
- Health Promotion in Nursing Science
- Campus: Kuopio
Studies
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 since 1993, is at the forefront of integrating the global dimensions of public health. 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 science. Each track comprises 20 ECTS of compulsory track-specific courses and a subject-related Master's thesis. 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, health policy, health economics, occupational health, and environmental health.
Curriculum
We use student-centred teaching methods, and the teaching includes both class-room teaching and online elements. In the class-room students will benefit from the interactive sessions with fellow students and teachers with a multicultural background. Online assignments are designed to help gain a deeper understanding and apply their knowledge. Different assignments also provide training in scientific writing. Studying includes both group work and independent learning.
The curriculum includes both compulsory and elective studies. To plan the track-specific and elective courses, each student creates a personal study plan. This also helps with scheduling and adjusting the work-load over the two-year studies on campus. In their study plans, students can choose courses from a wide selection, including those offered by other departments, university networks (e.g. UNIPID, Finnish University Partnership for International Development) and UEF Summer Schools. The courses offered by the university library and language centre help students improve their general academic skills. An elective internship can also be included in the study plan.
Curriculum of the MSc Degree Programme in Public Health 2024-2026
Common module 60 ECTS
4455010 Orientation to MPH studies
8031003 University Study Skills
Finnish language and/or international studies
TL00DF19 Foundations of Public Health
4455908 Global and Local Public Health Issues
TL00DF08 Introduction to Health Promotion
8020310 Information Skills and Sources in Health Sciences for International Students
TL00DP73 Epidemiology 1
4455041 Evidence Based Health Care
TL00BN76 Research in Public Health
4455300 Research Seminar Series
TL00BN57 Qualitative Research
4455057 Biostatistics I
TL00BN80 Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
TL00DE53 Principles of Nutrition
4455035 Introduction to Health Policy and Management
4455407 Advanced Health Policy
4455609 Health Economics and Public Health
TL00DF23 Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Public Health and Medicine
TL00BN58 Ethics and Health
TL00DP35 Occupational Health and Safety
Track I Globe, Culture and Public Health (20 ECTS)
TL00BN59 Health, Culture and Society
TL00BN60 Arts and Health
4455302 Public Health in Humanitarian Crises
TL00BN61 Public Health and Vulnerable Groups
Either one of the following two courses
TL00DF22 Public Health Challenges in Asia
TL00CK88 Post-Soviet Public Health
Track II Epidemiology (20 ECTS)
TL00BN62 Epidemiology II
4455042 Nutritional Epidemiology
TL00DE77 Current Trends in Epidemiology
TL00BN63 Clinical epidemiology
TL00BN64 Advanced Topics in Epidemiology
4455202 Biostatistics II
Track III Public Health Nutrition (20 ECTS)
TL00BV76 Nutrition in Life Cycle
TL00BV79 Public Health Nutrition
4455405 Food and Nutrition Programs and Policies
4455606 Food and Culture
4455042 Nutritional Epidemiology
Track IV Health Promotion in Nursing Science (20 ECTS)
TH00DI74 Community Based Health Promotion
TH00DJ04 Health Impact Assessment
4311006 Patient Safety
4318001 Evaluation of Nursing Knowledge in Nursing Science
4318005 Values and Knowledge Basis in Nursing Science
Electives 10 ECTS (Minimum)
Thesis (appropriate to the track) 30 ECTS
Total 120 ECTS
Tracks
Globe, Culture and Public Health
Globe, Culture and Public Health is one of the four specific tracks in the UEF's Master's Degree Programme in Public Health. It could actually be called Global and Public Health Programme in itself, since the aim of the track is to explore public health in a very broad context. Students will learn to identify health threats from both local, regional, and global perspectives. Health inequalities across the world are specifically highlighted. One part of this mission is to study social and economic forces that shape human health and behavior together with, and beyond, biological factors. Students are also expected to gain understanding of various cultural aspects of public health. It is emphasized how human life is inherently embedded in culture. Public health, and health services as part of it, greatly depend not only on socioeconomic realities, but also on what is taking place in the overall cultural setting. Special emphasis is put on vulnerable populations, humanitarian crises, and global health development, especially in the light of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as outlined by the United Nations. Pandemics is naturally one of the topics in the track. Environmental health is yet another core theme, not forgetting the enormous public health challenges that climate change is creating for all of us. The overall aim of this track is to develop appropriate attitudes and create essential global health knowledge base for students. This in turn would help young public health professionals to engage in the worldwide efforts to tackle public health challenges in the rapidly developing world.
Epidemiology
The aim of this track is to provide expertise in reading research reports, carrying out epidemiological analyses, and producing scientific evidence in all areas requiring quantitative methodology. Possible future employers include universities, research organisations and institutions, international health organisations, administrative bodies and the private sector.
The track focuses on developing a sound basis for understanding current epidemiologic research. A broad view of the different branches of epidemiology and emerging trends are emphasized. In addition to offering a major tool for successful public health work, epidemiology is the key to approaching complex health related issues in general.
Public Health Nutrition
The aim of the track is to provide expertise for working on public health nutrition-related research, development and projects. Possible future employers include administrative bodies, organisations, industry, schools and research institutions. Public Health Nutrition is closely related to public health and clinical nutrition, which are among the major subjects taught at the university. Public Health Nutrition focuses on the promotion of good health and the maintenance of well-being through nutrition among the whole population. The prevention of dietary-related illnesses is also emphasised. Students will learn how nutrition promotes well-being in different life stages, and how it affects the risk of chronic diseases, how to plan public health nutrition interventions, and how food and nutrition policies affect food environment and consumption, among other things.
Health Promotion in Nursing Science
The aim of the Health Promotion in Nursing Science track is to provide students with academic competence, and critical evaluation skills, ethical consideration in nursing research in health promotion, and the ability to apply research findings to nursing science, participate in the multidisciplinary national and international research projects, employ evidence-based practice and pursue doctorate-level studies.
This track focuses on the topical questions, theories and practices of health promotion from a nursing science perspective. It leads students to deepen their knowledge about health promotion practices in nursing science, its impact on community care and patient care, and developing health promotion and health service environments. This track is offered by the Department of Nursing Science.
Thesis
The Master's thesis (30 ECTS) is completed in the chosen track (Epidemiology; Public Health Nutrition; Globe, Culture and Public Health; or Health Promotion in Nursing science). Students will learn to apply the basics of research, and how to be analytical. We offer courses that train students for research throughout their studies in the Master's programme. Students will prepare their thesis under the supervision of teachers and researchers at the Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition and the Department of Nursing Science.
Students of the MPH programme follow instructions and guidelines of the University of Eastern Finland and the Faculty of Health Sciences. Please visit our student handbook KAMU.
MPH students will have a personal study plan counselling with programme coordinator once a year, in the autumn semester. Students get information on courses from course coordinators and teachers throughout their studies. Responsible teachers of each track guide students on track contents and aims. Master's thesis work begins in the end of the first year and that is instructed by thesis supervisors.
Join our webinar 25 November
We warmly welcome you to our webinar, where you get to learn more about our programme, the admission requirements and meet our staff and students.
How to apply?
You should hold at least a Bachelor 's or equivalent degree in an applicable field to be eligible to apply.
Applicant should hold the university-level bachelor’s degree (or higher) in:
Public Health Science, Global Health, Food and Nutrition, Health Promotion, Medicine (MD or equivalent), Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Environmental Sciences, Nursing Science (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), Health Policy and Management, Health Informatics, or Psychology.
A Bachelor's degree corresponds to at least three years full-time academic studies (equivalent to 180 ECTS credit units in the Finnish university system) and the degree should have been obtained at an internationally recognized and accredited science university or equivalent higher education institution. This does not include Bachelor's degrees from Universities of applied sciences or Polytechnics (such as Finnish amk-degrees). You can apply if you are due to complete your Bachelor's degree by July 2025.
Language requirements
You must demonstrate excellent skills of English language. English language proficiency can be proven with official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing Service (IELTS), CAE/CPE (Cambridge Advanced/Proficiency Examination) Pearson Test of English (PTE) test score report or National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) -test:
· IELTS (Academic): overall 6.5 (min. 6.0 in writing)
· TOEFL iBT: 92 (min. 22 in writing) **
· PTE (Pearson Test of English, academic): 62 and 54 in writing
· Cambridge English Qualification:
C1 Advanced (Certificate of Advanced English) overall score of 180 with min 162 in writing
C2 Proficiency (Certificate of Proficiency in English) overall score of 180 with min 162 in writing
- National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) -test: level 5 in the reading comprehension, writing and speaking subtests; website https://www.oph.fi/en/national-certificates-language-proficiency-yki
**TOEFL code of the University of Eastern Finland is 9779.
Online studies or studies completed on offshore campuses outside the accepted countries cannot be used to indicate language skills, even if the degree-awarding institution is located in one of the accepted countries. You can only indicate the language skills with an incomplete degree if you are applying for the studies with the same degree.
The language test certificates are valid for two years from the day they are issued and they have to be valid during the application period. If the result of the language test is below the required minimum, the application will not be considered for the admission. No other means for proving language proficiency than the ones listed in the admission requirements will be accepted. No waivers to the language proficiency requirements are given.
You will be exempt from submitting the official language proficiency test if:
- Passed English exam in Matriculation Examination in Finland
A language test is not required if the applicant has completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or higher degree in English language in EU/EEA -countries*, or in one of the following countries:
Australia, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada, Dominica, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South-Africa, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, the United Kingdom, the United States, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
* EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. EEA countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Curriculum Vitae
Curriculum Vitae (CV) stating how your previous education and experience supports the Master's studies. You must use the MPH programme´s template for CV.
Research experience and publications, and future research ideas
In this document, you will describe your involvement and role in research projects, and future research ideas (max. 500 words) and list all your research.
The 2025 application period is open from 8 January 2025 to 22 January 2025. The application is completed and submitted online. The online application is only open during the application period. The application process begins by entering your basic information at the Studyinfo portal. Application documents must be submitted by the given deadline.
UEF verifies the applicants' language skills according to the programme specific requirements and processes their educational certificates. This includes verifying the authenticity of the educational documents as well as credential evaluation. Applicants will receive an email notification after the documents have been processed by UEF.
To learn more about the application process and the required documents, please visit Studyinfo. Please also note possible country-specific document requirements.
Application checklist
The application should consist of the following:
- Official scanned copies of degree and graduation certificates in their original language
- Official translations of degree and graduation certificates
- Official certified transcript of records in their original language
- Official translations of transcript of records
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Curriculum vitae
- Research experience and publications, future research ideas
All documents must be original. All translations must be officially certified and accompanied by copies of the original documents. Incomplete applications will not be processed, nor will applications received by email or fax. Applications will not be considered unless the documents requested are received in English or Finnish. The official English language test report must be valid during the application period.
In addition to the standard document requirements, there are specific requirements in place for educational documents from certain countries. Please check if there are any country-specific requirements for the country where your degree was awarded and then follow the instructions. The country-specific requirements must be followed first and foremost, before any regular requirements for attesting documents.
The best 25 applicants are accepted to the program and the rest of the applicants are rejected. The programme may accept more applicants by discretion to fulfill the available study places in the programme. Applicants are not placed on the waiting list.
Results for studies starting in September 2025 will be published on 28 May 2025 at the latest. When the selection decision has been made, the results will be posted immediately to applicants by e-mail.
Admitted students shall inform whether they accept their study place by latest on 10 July 2025 at 3 pm (EEST) electronically via Studyinfo portal or by submitting the confirmation form to hakijapalvelut@uef.fi.
According to one-study-place-per-term-provision, a student may accept only one study place leading to a higher education degree in Finland during one academic term. This rule applies to all higher education.
The annual tuition fee for non-EU/EEA students is 10,000 EUR. There are no tuition fees for students who are citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland. Applicants subject to tuition fees can apply for tuition waivers and scholarships during the university application process by completing the relevant section on the application form.
Early Bird Discount: A one-time deduction of €500 for the autumn 2025 semester is available to students who accept their study place and pay the tuition fee via Flywire within three weeks of the result publication (by June 11, 2025).
The number of scholarships offered by UEF is limited, and most are awarded based on merit (best scores in the application process). There are three types of scholarships available:
- UEF Scholarship
A 100% tuition waiver, one per programme. Tuition waiver is granted to Master's students for two academic years (= 4 semesters).
- Tuition Waiver
50% of the tuition fee, for limited number of applicants. Tuition waiver is granted to Master's students for two academic years (= 4 semesters)
- Finnish Language Scholarship
Applied for during studies at UEF.
Students granted a tuition waiver or scholarship must sign and return a student agreement. More information available on Tuition fees, waivers and scholarships website.
Other mandatory fee: Membership of the Student Union. Further information is available on the website of the Student Union.
- EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
- EEA countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
- Switzerland (non EU/EEA).
Application period 2025
Our application period is open from 8 January 2025 to 22 January 2025. The application is completed and submitted online.
Apply via Studyinfo
Studyinfo is the official national admissions portal with all the up-to-date information about study programmes leading to a degree in Finland.
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