Master's Thesis in Public Health

This course is mandatory for students in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program and is open only to students enrolled in the MPH program.

The master’s thesis (30 ECTS) constitutes the final component of the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. The thesis is conducted as an independent research project within the field of public health and may take one of the following forms:

• An empirical study based on an existing dataset
• An empirical study involving the collection of new data
• A discussion of a research problem based on a systematic review of relevant literature
• A theoretical study of a concept or model

The study may employ quantitative or qualitative methods, depending on the student’s documented formal qualifications in the relevant methodology and agreement between the student and supervisor. Note: The MPH program does not offer a dedicated course in qualitative methods. If qualitative methods are required, an appropriate course must be identified and completed as part of the elective coursework.

The foundation for a successful master’s thesis is built through knowledge acquired in courses included in the MPH degree, including preparatory master’s thesis seminars. These seminars are offered each semester in conjunction with other mandatory MPH courses and address topics such as selecting a thesis topic and supervisor, developing a study protocol, understanding expectations for the master’s thesis, effective use of library resources, and the academic writing process. Students are strongly encouraged to attend these seminars, decide on a thesis topic, secure a supervisor, develop a project protocol, and apply for data (if relevant) before the start of the HEL-3950 course. All students must complete a supervision contract, which must be signed by the student and the supervisor(s). The contract must be submitted to and approved by the program.

During the HEL-3950 course, students work on their master’s projects and write the thesis under supervision. "Shut up and write" sessions will be organized to support the writing process. At the beginning of the fourth semester, a seminar will be held in which students present their projects and planned timelines. Students and academic staff will provide feedback and engage in discussion. A midterm seminar will be conducted later in the semester, during which students present their progress and preliminary results. The seminar will focus on discussing progress, challenges, and the scientific context of the findings.

The aim of the master’s thesis is to demonstrate the student’s ability to plan, conduct, and present an independent, in-depth study on a defined topic within the field of public health. Students are expected to formulate a clear and precise research question, apply relevant scientific theories and methods, and critically present and discuss their results in relation to existing scientific literature.

Upon completion of the course, the student should have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student will be able to:

• Understand how scientific theories and methods are applied to address research questions in public health
• Justify the choice of scientific theories and methods
• Understand the main steps of the research process
• Identify key challenges in the research process and appropriate strategies for addressing them
• Demonstrate critical awareness of research ethics and copyright requirements
• Critically assess source material and scientific literature

Skills

The student will be able to:

• Formulate precise research question(s)
• Conduct a systematic literature search within a defined topic and critically summarize existing knowledge relevant to the research project
• Carry out an independent, in-depth study using appropriate scientific theories and methods
• Defend the choice of theory, method, conclusions, and recommendations
• Critically discuss the strengths and limitations of the research project
• Produce an academic text in accordance with principles of scientific writing and referencing
• Communicate research results both in writing and orally

General competence

The student will be able to:

• Apply acquired knowledge and skills to participate in and conduct future research projects
• Act in accordance with ethical standards in public health and research
• Demonstrate critical thinking
• Communicate scientific content clearly in both written and oral forms

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

• HEL-3950 Master's Thesis in Public Health 30 ects

The master’s thesis is an independent academic work conducted under supervision. Individual academic supervision during the fourth semester is mandatory for all students, and each student will be assigned a supervisor.

Seminars are organized at the beginning and mid-point of the course and include presentations, discussions, peer review, and feedback from academic staff. In addition, "Shut up and write" sessions are organized to support and facilitate the writing process.

Language of instruction and examination

Schedule

More info about the coursework requirements

To be eligible to take the examination, the student must have fulfilled the following coursework requirements:

• Submitted a signed supervision contract - Approved / Not approved
• Attended both course seminars - Approved / Not approved

More info about the assignment

The final examination in this course consists of submission of the master’s thesis and an oral defense.

Once submitted, the master’s thesis is assessed as a written examination by one internal and one external examiner and graded on a scale from A to E, or Fail (F).

More info about the oral exam

Students who receive a passing grade (A-E) are required to complete an oral defense (digital) within three weeks of submission of the thesis. The date and time of the oral defense are determined by agreement between the examiners and the administration.

The oral examination consists of a public presentation by the student of their work (up to 20 minutes), followed by an oral examination and discussion with the examiners lasting 30-60 minutes.

The oral examination may result in an adjustment of the final grade by one grade up or down.

Re-sit examination