Curriculum: Health Promotion 2020

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A health promotion specialist is a specialist with professional higher education, whose activities are directed at development of the health and quality of life of individuals, groups, organizations and the general population. The aim of his/her activities is to contribute towards creation of a supportive environment for health and equal opportunities for different social groups for comprehensive development of their health potential.
The main areas of activity of a health promotion specialist are: 1) developing of the capacity of communities and groups to deal with local problems; 2) influencing various policy decisions and legislation to achieve health-promoting decisions; 3) development of partnerships between different sectors and institutions to address health problems; 4) development of public health awareness and kills; 5) starting of support groups to create a supportive environment for vulnerable groups; and 6) creation of health and counselling services and analysis of the health situation of the population.
According to the Public Health Act (RT I 1995, 57, 978) functions of health promotion lie at the national level, on the local government level, on the non-profit system and on the private sector.
Opportunities to work in the field of health promotion are: as a health promotion specialist in local governments, in public authorities (ministries, state agencies), in the National Institute for Health Development, in Estonian Health Insurance Fund, at schools, in child care institutions, in private companies and for non-profit organizations.
It is possible to continue education in Master`s studies.
Upon completion of the curriculum in its full capacity, the graduates can apply for the professional qualification of health promotion specialist.

Aim of the curriculum is to provide the students with internationally recognised quality professional higher education for working in the field of public health, and to enable the student to acquire necessary competencies for professional work and continuing their education on Master degree level.

Curriculum contains 7 modules (180 ECTS)

Basics of Health Promotion 28 ECTS
Applied Health Promotion 63 ECTS
Population Health Globally 20 ECTS
Basics of Organism Vital Functions 19 ECTS
Professional Development 20 ECTS
Research Methodology 20 ECTS
Elective Subjects 10 ECTS

Volume of Practical Training 37 ECTS
Volume of Graduation Thesis 5 ECTS
Volume of Elective Subjects 10 ECTS

1. Has basic knowledge about health promotion, development of public health, global population health and skills for planning interventions and implementing them in health promotion.
2. Has an overview about the basics of scientific work and research, contemporary epidemiology and research methods in health promotion, and knows how to determine the interdisciplinary connections in different fields and how to implement them in professional activities.
3. Is able to correctly express himself or herself in Estonian and English, both orally and in writing, and to draw up specific information for the public and is able to contribute to professional discussions, including on topics, such as health policy and population empowerment.
4. Shows initiative on initiating health promoting projects and conducting them, and has the leadership and teamwork skills necessary for their work.
5. Is able to associate and apply the acquired knowledge and skills in professional work, including solving the problem of inequality in general population’s health, based on ethical principles.
6. Is able to critically analyse and evaluate the results of their professional activities upon solving the problems of the general population’s health.
7. Acquires principles of lifelong learning and values application of them in professional development as a health promotion specialist.

English.

Students will choose elective subjects to the extent of 10 ECTS. Elective subject may be chosen from the module of Elective Subjects of their curriculum, or from the elective module of other curriculum offered by the College. Instead of the module the student may choose the elective subjects out of their curriculum to the extent of same volume.

Certificate of the secondary or vocational secondary education or equivalent qualification.

Completing the curriculum in full and receiving a positive grade in defending the graduation thesis.

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSc)

Diploma of Professional Higher Education with academic transcript and Diploma Supplement in English.

Master's studies.