Master´s programme in Oral Sciences

Presentation

Start-up Date

Autumn

The Degree

The master´s programme leads to the degree Master of Philosophy in Oral Sciences. It is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits).

Objectives and content

The Master´s programme in Oral Sciences includes the main disciplines in oral research, such as epidemiology, oral biology and public dental health, and provides an introduction to international health (major global health problems, culture and health). The programme aims to enable you to initiate, implement and evaluate research projects relating to oral health and diseases.

Programme profile

The Masters programme offers a variety of research possibilities within which you can realise a research project. You will be part of one of these research groups:

• Dental biomaterials
• Craniofacial function and development
• Behaviour and community dentistry
• Cancer biology
• Oral inflammation and infection

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the degree/master´s programme in Oral Sciences students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a clear conceptual understanding of the key factors and processes shaping oral health and oral quality of life of populations with particular emphasize of low and middle income countries
• Understand the evidence base for research and the basic principles of research methodology and be able to suggest relevant design for research that is appropriate in diverse environmental settings
• Critically analyze, formulate, synthesize and construct effective and appropriate responses to policy and practice issues in health service delivery in diverse settings
• Demonstrate competence in utilizing relevant and appropriate tools and frameworks for planning, developing and managing and evaluating responses to oral health challenges in resource poor settings
• Communicate effectively to diverse audiences utilizing a range of media
• Examine their own practice in a critical manner.

Programme structure

The Master´s programme consists of an individual research project (Master´s thesis) of 60 ECTS credits, and 60 ECTS credits consisting of courses. Some of the courses are compulsory, but the rest of the courses can be freely chosen. The programme is concluded by an oral examination and a public defence of the thesis.

Master thesis

The Master´s thesis is the most important part of the programme. During the two first semesters, you will, together with your supervisor(s), design a research project. The Master´s students are accepted as part of one of the research groups and can establish a research project in accordance with the research groups´ thematic focus. The thesis may be written as two manuscripts for scientific articles or as a monograph. The research groups cover a variety of subjects within dental research: Autoimmune disease, biomaterials, oral cancer, international health and community dentistry, inflammation and infections, gerodontology, maxilliofacial function and development and pedodontics. The aim of the thesis is for you as a student to demonstrate knowledge of central research principles and to critically and systematically analyse different research topics and data materials.

Method

Research projects can be outlined by choosing between various scientific methods, such as experimental laboratory work, fieldwork, epidemiological surveys and literature studies.

Programme structure

Programme structure

This programme gives an international research degree and all instructions are given in the English language. The study is estimated to require two full-time academic years and is equivalent to 120 credit points (credits). It is comprised of a core curriculum (courses) and a research project (thesis). The course is estimated to 60 credits and is comprised of a compulsory and a free-option part. The research project is a written thesis of 60 credits. The programme is finished by an oral examination and defence of the subjects of the thesis.

Admission

Start-up Date

Autumn

Admission Requirements

Competence in the English language must be demonstrated by obtaining an adequate score on the TOEFL or IELTS test or an equivalent qualification. The required minimum entrance score is 600 for TOEFL or 6.0 for IELTS. Exemption is given to applicants from countries whose language of instruction has been English throughout secondary school and university or, alternatively holding an A-level examination in English with the mark C or better.

Who may apply

International master's degree applicants residing abroad can apply for an international Master's degree at UiB. Applicants must be able to document sufficient financing of living expenses for their study period in Norway, you will find more information on this webpage: http://www.uib.no/en/education/48934/international-masters-degree-applicants-residing-abroad#

Applicants residing in Norway can also apply, you will find information on this webpage:
http://www.uib.no/en/education/49448/international-applicants-residing-norway