Programme description for Master's Programme in Health Informatics (2023–2025)

The master's programme will educate candidates who have the competence to contribute in the design, development, introduction, application and evaluation of various ICT (information and communication technology) based solutions in the health, care and welfare sectors.

On successful completion of the programme, the candidates will:

Knowledge

• have in-depth knowledge of how characteristics of the health, care and welfare sectors affect the introduction and application of ICT
• have advanced knowledge of recognized theories and methods related to organization and assessment of technology
• be able to critically evaluate opportunities and limitations when applying ICT
• have in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation and ethical issues related to the development and application of ICT
• be able to apply different general and special research methods in the field
• have advanced knowledge of mapping different stakeholders, users and patients' needs related to ICT
• have in-depth knowledge of how new technology can affect work processes, roles and patient safety, quality of life and coping
• be able to analyze academic issues based on the history, traditions, distinctive character and place of health informatics in society

Skills

• be able to identify, analyze and contribute to solving complex issues related to ICT in collaboration with various stakeholders, users and patients
• be able to actively participate in and manage new projects and/or tasks related to the development, implementation and evaluation of new ICT solutions in the health and care sector
• be able to facilitate relevant work processes in connection with the application of ICT
• be able to analyze and relate critically to different sources of information in the field of health informatics and apply these to structure and formulate professional reasoning

General competence

• show creativity and innovation in seeing connections across relevant areas of knowledge in the field of health informatics
• be able to identify and solve complex ICT-related problems
• be able to assess theories and research results in the field of health informatics and their application in different contexts
• have developed an ethical and reflective attitude towards the application of ICT in the health and social care sector
• be able to design and carry out projects related to issues in the field of health informatics
• be able to communicate professional issues, analyses and conclusions within health informatics, both with specialists and to the general public

A minimum of three years health and/or social science education at higher level, and two years of relevant vocational practice after graduation.

As relevant professional practice experience is regarded as, for example, nurse, radiographer, doctor, social educator, child welfare educator, bioengineer, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, social worker and dentist, or experience from other relevant positions in the health and/or social care sector.

Admission is made in accordance with the Regulations relating to admission to studies and courses at the University of Agder. Reference is also made to supplementary rules for admission to health informatics, experience-based master's programmes, https://www.uia.no/studier2/opptak/opptaksforskrifter-og-utfyllende-regler-for-opptak-til-masterprogram/lover-regler-og-forskrifter/utfyllende-regler-for-opptak-til-helse-og-sosialinformatikk-erfaringsbasert-masterprogram

The master's programme in health informatics is a collaboration between the Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering and Science and the Faculty of Social Sciences. The programme is based on a problem-oriented approach, central to this are critical analysis, reflection and research approaches to issues in health and social care practice. Research methodology and project work are important parts of the programme.

The programme is based on seven courses spread over three academic years. In all academic years, one of the courses is organized as project work.

Problem-based learning is a central teaching method in the programme. Learning requires that the student works independently, at the same time learning also takes place in interaction with others, in a learning community where fellow students, teachers and others are included.

Various forms of student-active teaching and learning methods such as:

• Weeklong sessions at the university campus each semester combined with online teaching
• Supervision both during and between the campus-based sessions
• Group work, project work, and assignments

In the work on assignments, students participate in project seminars. Work progress on the thesis is focused on, including presentation of the research question and choice of method with responses from fellow students and teachers.

The Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences facilitates student exchange through established mobility programs. Students can apply for an exchange to one of the faculty's collaborative institutions abroad for one or two semesters while the master's project is being carried out.

Significant parts of the curriculum are in English, and therefore the students learn English terminology. Some of the teaching is also given in English. The course HSI501-G Master's Project can be completed in English, and is available to incoming exchange students.

The programme provides a basis for appointment to positions where health informatics is a key competence in the work to improve services in the health, care and welfare sectors.

Other relevant work is teaching, research, professional development in the health services or scientific positions at universities and university colleges, as well as management positions.