University of Tromsø

What you'll study

This two-year master's programme builds advanced knowledge and practical skills across core public health disciplines. Typical course topics include epidemiology and advanced biostatistics, health promotion and prevention, health services and policy analysis, research methods and study design, environmental and occupational health, and global health.

The programme emphasises the Arctic and indigenous health context, with specialised modules covering Sámi health, rural health service delivery, and the health impacts of climate change in northern communities. Teaching methods mix lectures, seminars, problem-based learning and supervised practical assignments. A substantial independent research project or master’s thesis, supervised by academic staff, is a central component and usually draws on empirical data, secondary analysis or community-based research.

• Advanced epidemiology and biostatistics
• Health promotion, behaviour and prevention
• Health services research and health policy
• Environmental, occupational and Arctic health
• Indigenous and community health
• Research methods and ethics
• Master’s thesis / independent research project

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent academic qualification in public health, medicine, nursing, social sciences, biology, or another related field. The qualifying degree should include coursework in basic statistics or quantitative methods; some programmes expect introductory courses in health sciences or social research methods.

Selection is based on academic transcripts, the relevance of prior study and work experience, and often a statement of purpose. Applicants whose first language is not English will usually need to document proficiency in English (for example by recognised test scores) unless they have completed prior study in English. Specific documentation such as a CV and references may also be requested. Prospective students should consult the programme admissions page for precise documentation and grade-equivalence guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates are equipped for careers in public health practice, research and policy. Typical employers include municipal and regional public health departments, national public health institutes, hospitals and primary care organisations, non-governmental organisations, international health agencies and consultancy firms. Graduates also progress to doctoral research or academic careers, working on population health surveillance, programme evaluation, health promotion interventions, health systems research and environmental or indigenous health studies.

Skillsets developed in the programme — including epidemiological analysis, programme planning and evaluation, and research design — are also transferable to roles in health informatics, health policy advisory, and community health coordination.

Why study at University of Tromsø

The University of Tromsø (UiT The Arctic University of Norway) offers a distinctive public health education shaped by its Arctic location and longstanding research on northern and indigenous health. Students benefit from access to research centres and faculty expertise in Sámi health, climate-related health impacts, and rural health service delivery.

UiT emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration across medicine, social sciences and environmental sciences, and provides opportunities for fieldwork and partnerships with regional health authorities and national research institutions. The university’s facilities, supervision capacity and links to public health practice create strong conditions for applied research and professional development in public health.

Prospective students seeking a programme with an Arctic and indigenous health perspective, combined with solid methodological training, will find the University of Tromsø a relevant and well-resourced choice.