Programme description for Master's programme in Psychosocial health (2023–2025)

On successful completion of the programme, the student is expected to have the following learning outcomes defined as knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• has advanced knowledge of how psychosocial health can be understood from different perspectives: historical, biological, psychological, social, existential and cultural perspectives
• has specialised insight in a delimited area within psychosocial health
• has advanced knowledge about human diversity
• has advanced knowledge of inclusive and exclusionary conditions in society
• has in-depth knowledge of communication and supportive relationships
• has advanced insight in knowledge-based methods and work methods at individual-, group and societal level to promote psychosocial health
• can apply knowledge to relate critically to various practices in psychosocial health
• can analyze professional issues based on the subjects history, traditions, uniqueness and place in society
• has in-depth knowledge of philosophy of science and scientific methods used in psychosocial health

Skills

The student:

• can analyze existing theories, methods and interpretations within psychosocial health
• can work independently with practical and theoretical issues within psychosocial health
• can analyze and relate critically to various forms of knowledge and apply them in academic reasoning related to psychosocial health
• can independently evaluate and apply relevant methods for research and professional work
• can analyze conditions in society that promote or inhibit psychosocial health
• can use advanced communication skills in supportive relationships
• can carry out an independent, limited research project under supervision and in line with current research-ethical guidelines

General competence

The student:

• can analyze relevant professional and ethical issues in research and in practice
• can analyze psychosocial issues from different academic perspectives
• can apply knowledge and skills within psychosocial health in new areas in the implementation of advanced work tasks and projects
• master the field’s expressions and can communicate extensive independent work in different ways
• can communicate academic issues, analysis and conclusions in the research community, within the field of practice and to the general public
• can contribute with innovation in innovation processes in the field of psychosocial health

General requirements for admission include holding a bachelor´s degree or the equivalent level of education of minimum three years/180 credits.

The basis for admission to the different specializations must include:

• Admission to the master’s programme in Psychosocial health with specialization in mental health-, substance use- and addiction related work include holding a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent education in Child Welfare Education, Ergonomics, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Nursing, Public Health, Pre-school Teacher, Elementary School Teacher or Social education. At least one year of relevant professional practice after completed education is also required.
• Admission to the master’s programme in Psychosocial health with specialization in sexology include holding a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in Child Welfare Education, Ergonomics, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Nursing, Public Health or Social Education, or professional education in medicine or psychology. At least one year of relevant professional practice after completed education is also required.
• Admission to the master’s programme in Psychosocial health with specialization in milieu therapy include holding a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in Child Welfare Education, Ergonomics, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Nursing, Pre-school Teacher, Elementary School Teacher, Special Needs education or Social Education.

Applicants with other college or university education at an equivalent level of education and at least one year of relevant professional practice after completing their education, may upon special consideration be accepted as students by these specializations.

Applicants who have completed at least one of the following continuing educations of 60 credits at UiA, may apply for admission of entry for the research part of the master’s programme in Psychosocial Health:

• Mental Health Work
• Psychosocial work with children and adolescents
• Sexology
• Substance-related work and psychosocial health
• Mental health-, substance use- and addiction related work
• Milieu therapy

The introduction course in psychosocial health is obligatory and must be part of the master’s programme.

Admission takes place according to the regulations of admission to studies and courses at the University of Agder (http://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2013-11-27-1387)

Psychosocial health is a broad term that includes physical, mental, cultural, social and existential dimensions related to health. These areas interact in a complex way and require a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to the field of education, research and work.

Work with psychosocial health involves promotion and improvement of people's psychosocial health, as well as pointing out and seeking to change conditions in society that create ill-health and contribute to functional difficulties, stigmatization processes and social exclusion. The purpose is to strengthen people's perceived self-worth and vitality, assist in processes that develop experiences of coherence and opportunities to cope with everyday challenges, as well as create inclusive and sustainable local communities.

The master’s programme in psychosocial health is based on this broad understanding of the term psychosocial health and provides opportunities for specialized insight in one of the following professional areas: mental health-, substance use- and addiction related work, milieu therapy or sexology.

The purpose of the programme is to give the students independent competence for work with psychosocial health. This may include both clinical practice, research, as well as development and quality assurance of services. The programme qualifies for work with psychosocial health by providing students with advanced knowledge of different perspectives on psychosocial problems and their development, human diversity, inclusive and exclusionary conditions in society, and health- promoting processes. The students will receive advanced knowledge of various theories and methods in health promotion, different approaches to treatment and help, and various evaluation- and research methods as well as experience in applying and communicating this knowledge within the field of study.

Political guidelines that are relevant to the field are presented, analyzed and discussed during the course of the study programme. A high academic level is ensured by the students being qualified in critical analysis, reflection and research evaluation of services and work methods, in light of political guidelines, experiences from both users and professionals, recent research and the relationships between these. Thus, the master's programme gives the students competence in developing knowledge and perform work based on this knowledge.

The programme consist of two main parts:

1) Professional part and 2) Research part.

These two parts elaborate and strengthen each other mutually so the students in total develop a broad practice-oriented professional- and research competence at master’s degree level.

1. Professional part (60 credits)

The professional part will develop students' vocational skills related to psychosocial health. It consists of an obligatory introduction course (PSY424 Psychosocial Health), which provides a common basis for understanding psychosocial health.

Also, when applying for admission one of the three specializations is selected:

• Mental health-, substance use- and addiction related work
• Milieu therapy
• Sexology

The master's degree diploma will describe the choice of specialization, and whether the candidate has a master’s degree in Mental health-, substance use- and addiction related work, Milieu therapy or Sexology.

2. Research part (60 credits)

The research part gives the students competence in systematic knowledge development based on recognized scientific principles. This entails acquiring knowledge about various principles for collection and analysis of data, as well as developing expertise in the philosophy of science and research ethics. Knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative research traditions with special relevance for psychosocial health is emphasized. The master's thesis completes the programme and provides both specific research experience and in-depth knowledge of vocational issues.

Several educational methods are used in the study:

Lectures

Lectures are held by employees and invited guest lecturers. Both knowledge and research-based knowledge dissemination are emphasized.

Seminars

Seminars are arranged in various courses to facilitate dialogue and exchange of experiences.

Group work

The programme facilitates various forms of group work. In general, group work is used to strengthen the student's access to interdisciplinary discussions on specific issues, and the possibility of developing skills and competence in interaction with others. The groups enables time for reflection and personal feedback.

Exercises and skills training

The programme requires that theory and practice be integrated and that specific skills are developed in different areas, eg communication and conversation skills. Therefore, in some courses exercises / skills training under supervision are facilitated. Simulation, skills training in laboratory and other special purpose rooms, and other practice-like learning forms can also be included in some courses.

Project

The students will have knowledge of different aspects regarding project-work, and experience in working project-oriented in different ways during the programme.

Practice

Clinical studies are part of the specialization in mental health-, substance use- and addiction related work. Through clinical studies, students will have relevant experience with practice-oriented work with relevant target groups and issues concerning mental health-, substance use- and addiction related work. Clinical studies are organized and approved by the university, and 90% documented presence is required.

Supervision

Supervision is related to professional and ethical issues in the clinical studies,and should lead to professional and personal development.

Academic supervision is offered in relation to assignments and project work and will strengthen the students' competence for systematic knowledge development and for writing scientific texts.

Self-studies

Self-study gives the students the opportunity to work independently with the curriculum, their own projects, literature search and thesis writing throughout the study programme.

Throughout the course of the study, the student is assessed through various forms of examination. The forms of assessment are also adapted to the learning outcomes and work methods of the courses.

Work requirements

In several of the courses, the students will be given assignments which have to be approved in order to take the exam. This kind of formative assessment should give the students an understanding of where they are in the learning process and what they have to know for the exam.

Individual written examination with supervision

This form of examination will test what the students have acquired of knowledge and skills which are immediately available for them without the use of aids.

Written home examination/Semester assignment

This form of examination renders for example if the students are able to collect relevant information and consider different sources of knowledge, as well as applying this knowledge for new issues.

Oral examination

This form of examination will show the students' oral ability to express themselves, and convey subject matter or draw spontaneous conclusions.

Essay

This form of examination gives the students the opportunity to discuss challenges in relation to practice considering learning outcome, curriculum, lectures and professional discussions.

Group examination

This form of examination will show how the students handle cooperation and how they can use each other’s strengths in a group with the same goal.

Master’s thesis

This form of assessment will show whether the student can master an assignment which requires extensive knowledge and skills which the student has acquired earlier in the study programme and will show the student’s ability to use this knowledge in relation to new and his/her own issues in all the phases of the research work.

Assessment

The study programme uses the assessment expressions passed/not passed, or a graded scale from A to F. For more information about the grading scale (A-F) and guidelines for examinations, please see Regulations for studies and examinations for the University of Agder.

The faculty of Health- and sport sciences facilitates student exchange through established mobility programs, such as Erasmus + and Nordplus, in addition to bilateral agreements with universities in countries outside the EU.

Student exchange can take place related to ME-504 Master's thesis in psychosocial health. In the specialization mental health-, substance use- and addiction- related work there is also a possibility for student exchange in the 4. semester. Please see the university's website on exchange opportunities for further information on which exchange opportunities are available for the students.

The language of instruction is mainly Norwegian. Some lectures can be given in English.

Methods ME-427 Introduction to Research Methods, ME-428 Quantitative Research Methods and ME-429 Qualitative Research Methods are designed to be offered to international students and may be conducted in English.

Large parts of the curriculum are international / in English, and parts of the theoretical perspectives that are reviewed are part of a professional discourse that takes place internationally.

The students have to pass all the courses in the chosen specialization before they can take the examination in the courses included in the research part.

Before submitting the master's thesis, all previous courses (90 ECTS credits) must be passed. Please see the progression requirements included in the individual course descriptions.

Before the students can start working on their master’s thesis, the project plan must be approved by the supervisor and all public approvals in relation to research ethics and privacy must have been obtained. (Please see the guidelines described in the master's manual.)

The programme qualifies for:

• positions in public, private and non-governmental organizations that require independent competence in working with psychosocial health (eg. positions in municipalities and health enterprises)
• positions that require expertise in research- and professional development work (e.g. professional development positions)
• academic positions at universities and university colleges (ex. university lecturer/assistant professor)
• admission to the PhD programme

The teaching will mainly take place at Campus Grimstad, but all students must expect that teaching also is given at Campus Kristiansand.

It is possible to complete the entire Master's programme in Norwegian, but courses in the research part are also offered in English. Significant parts of the curriculum are in English.

The master’s thesis can also be arranged for English-speaking students.