Masters Degree Programme in Public Mental Health
The Master's Degree Programme in Public Mental Health at the Unive...
Masters Degree Programme in Public Mental Health
Turku
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Master's Degree Programme in Public Mental Health at the University of Turku is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and skills to tackle mental health challenges on a public health scale. The program focuses on understanding the social, psychological, and biological determinants of mental health, as well as the strategies and interventions needed to improve mental health outcomes within communities and populations. Graduates will be equipped to work in public health, mental health policy, and the design of mental health services, addressing both local and global challenges related to mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, integrating insights from psychology, public health, social work, and healthcare management.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Master's Degree Programme in Public Mental Health offers a robust combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students engage with a wide range of courses covering key topics such as the epidemiology of mental health disorders, mental health policy, the impact of social determinants on mental health, mental health promotion strategies, and the design of mental health services and interventions. In addition to core courses, students can select from electives that allow them to specialize in areas such as substance abuse, child and adolescent mental health, mental health in aging populations, or global mental health. The program also includes a research-oriented thesis component, where students have the opportunity to conduct original research in public mental health and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the public mental health sector.
Research Focus: The University of Turku is recognized for its strong focus on research in public health and mental health. The Master's Degree Programme in Public Mental Health is closely linked to ongoing research projects in these fields, allowing students to gain insight into cutting-edge developments in mental health research. Key research areas at the university include the prevention of mental health disorders, early intervention strategies, mental health policy development, and the impact of societal factors such as income inequality, urbanization, and access to healthcare on mental health. Research is also conducted on mental health care systems, service delivery models, and the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare. Students in the program have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers on these projects, providing them with a hands-on approach to understanding the complexities of public mental health issues.
Industry Engagement: The Master's Degree Programme in Public Mental Health at the University of Turku is closely linked to industry and community organizations that work in the mental health and public health sectors. The university has established strong partnerships with governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and healthcare institutions, which offer students opportunities to engage in practical internships and collaborative research projects. These partnerships ensure that students gain exposure to real-world mental health challenges and solutions, while also enabling them to build professional networks within the mental health sector. Students are encouraged to participate in internships where they can apply their academic knowledge to the development, implementation, and evaluation of mental health programs, policies, and services. Additionally, experts from the industry are often invited to contribute to the curriculum, providing students with valuable insights into the current trends and challenges in public mental health.
Global Perspective: The Master's Degree Programme in Public Mental Health at the University of Turku takes a global perspective on mental health, recognizing that mental health challenges transcend borders and are influenced by a variety of cultural, social, and economic factors. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding mental health from an international standpoint, preparing students to work in diverse and global contexts. Students are encouraged to explore global mental health issues, such as mental health in low- and middle-income countries, humanitarian crises, and the role of international organizations in promoting mental health worldwide. The program also fosters international collaboration through exchange opportunities, joint research projects, and partnerships with global institutions. Graduates of the program are prepared to contribute to international mental health policy, research, and intervention efforts, addressing the global mental health crisis.
Location
Turku
Score
Tuition Fee
€ 12000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: €100
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- English language test waiver is applicable if the Bachelor's, Master's, Licentiate, or Doctoral degree is in English language.
The University of Turku offers various scholarships for international students, aimed at supporting students with the cost of their tuition fees and ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their studies in Finland without financial concerns. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from across the globe, particularly for Master’s degree programs, as the university has a strong international student body.
University of Turku Scholarship Scheme: The University of Turku offers a merit-based scholarship scheme for international students applying to Master’s degree programs. These scholarships cover part or all of the tuition fees for students from non-EU/EEA countries. The scholarships are competitive and are awarded based on the academic excellence and merits of the applicants. Students who are accepted to a degree program at the university are automatically considered for this scholarship.
External Scholarships: The university provides information and guidance on various external scholarships that are available to international students, including scholarships offered by Finnish government agencies and private foundations.
Erasmus+ Grants: Students who are part of the Erasmus+ exchange program may be eligible for grants to support their studies in Finland.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Some countries have specific scholarship agreements with Finland, and students from these countries may apply for additional financial support.
Graduates of the Master's Degree Programme in Public Mental Health from the University of Turku are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in both public and private sectors. This interdisciplinary program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the challenges of mental health from a public health perspective.
Mental Health Policy Development: Graduates can work in governmental organizations, NGOs, and international agencies where they can influence mental health policy and advocacy. These roles include working on national mental health strategies, public health campaigns, and social policies aimed at reducing mental health disparities and promoting mental well-being in communities. Graduates may take positions as policy advisors, analysts, or project managers, contributing to the creation and evaluation of mental health policies.
Public Health Consultant: With an expertise in public mental health, graduates can work as consultants, advising health organizations, government bodies, and international organizations on mental health-related issues. They can help develop public health initiatives that promote mental well-being and reduce the burden of mental illness. Consultants may work with public health departments to assess needs, design interventions, and evaluate the impact of various mental health programs.
Mental Health Program Manager: Many graduates of this program go on to manage or oversee public mental health services. These roles involve the coordination and delivery of mental health programs at a local, regional, or national level. Graduates may be responsible for managing teams, budgets, and resources, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of services provided. They may work in governmental health agencies, NGOs, or non-profit organizations focused on mental health.
Community Outreach and Engagement: Graduates can take roles in community mental health services, focusing on outreach, support, and intervention programs for vulnerable populations. These roles involve working closely with local communities, schools, and healthcare providers to implement mental health promotion activities and early intervention programs. Graduates can also engage in public health education, helping to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma.
Research and Academia: For those interested in research, the program provides a strong foundation for pursuing academic careers in public health or mental health research. Graduates can contribute to advancing knowledge on mental health issues through conducting research, publishing papers, and leading projects in academic or governmental settings. These positions are often found in universities, research institutions, or organizations focused on public health research.
Mental Health Services Manager: Graduates can pursue leadership roles in managing mental health services within hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. These roles include overseeing the administration, delivery, and coordination of mental health care services, ensuring that services are efficient, effective, and meet the needs of the population. Managers may be involved in quality control, staff management, and the implementation of new mental health programs or interventions.
International Development and Humanitarian Aid: For those interested in global mental health, the program opens opportunities to work in international development organizations or humanitarian settings. Graduates can work on mental health interventions in conflict zones, disaster relief efforts, or in countries with low-resource healthcare systems. They may contribute to the development and implementation of mental health strategies in these challenging contexts, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the mental health support they need.
Corporate Mental Health Programs: Some graduates may choose to work within the private sector, particularly in corporate wellness or employee assistance programs. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of supporting the mental health of their employees. Graduates can help design and manage mental health programs that promote psychological well-being and help reduce workplace stress.
Clinical and Therapeutic Roles: While this program focuses on public health, graduates with an additional background in clinical psychology or social work may pursue roles in therapeutic settings. These can include working in mental health clinics, private practices, or as part of multidisciplinary teams, providing counseling and therapy for individuals with mental health disorders.
