The study programme in NHES takes into consideration conditions for quality of life and health processes in a life course perspective. It refers to a societal and system level, as well as to group and individual levels in various contexts.

It is focused on the significance of processes and relations for healthy living. The programme intends to elaborate and develop professional and disciplinary aspects related to the foundation, tradition and contemporary values of public health.

Basic topics are related to health as a human condition and social phenomenon. Established truths and newer developments are questioned and discussed with the ultimate aim to strengthen and develop the knowledge base. Main subjects refer to the development and change in professional and societal conditions regarding public health work in local and national contexts. Other subjects are attached to changes in environmental factors and the effects of globalisation for optimal life conditions. The study programme contains a basic core curriculum and three options for specialisation: Public Nutrition (PN), Health, Environment, Communication and Learning (HECL) and Health and Empowerment (HE). The program is organised in modules. The programme qualifies for in-depth cognition of theory of science and mastery of research methods as well as an in-depth understanding of the chosen disciplinary specialisation.

The study programme aims at stimulating and promoting collaboration and participation in a multi-disciplinary and multi-professional environment. The recruitment policy, accordingly, aims at a student population with various educational and professional backgrounds.

Qualifications
The master programme will qualify students for current and innovative activities in the public health sector demanding multi-disciplinary and specialised knowledge and skills. Relevant work related areas could be the public and voluntary sector at local, national and global levels as well as industrial and business fields. Professional activities could be health related needs assessment, strategic plans development, project initiation and participation, evaluation and innovation tasks, leadership and collaboration in different areas. Further, the programme qualifies for teaching, information, communication and dissemination of knowledge and skills within the field. A central area would be initiating and participating in research and developmental activities at local, national and international levels. Completed Master degree qualify for advanced studies at doctoral level.

Internationalisation
International collaboration in the area of NHES is becoming continuously more important for clarifying and discussing topics and questions related to the development of democracy and welfare in a worldwide perspective. Accordingly, the aim, objectives and topics in the programme are of national and international interest. The profile of the study programme is developed in an international perspective and several of the topics are taught in English. Teachers and students are participating in European exchange programmes and opportunities are available to take part in international research and developmental projects.