EPN-V2

MAPSY4400 Mental Health of Migrants and Minorities Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Psykisk helse for migranter og minoriteter
Study programme
Interdisciplinary Advanced Programme in Mental Health and Addiction - Full Time
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Interdisciplinary Advanced Programme in Mental Health and Addiction - Part Time
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Curriculum
FALL 2025
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

Language of instruction: English (Norwegian if no English speakers are registered for the course)

Migration has long shaped individuals and societies, bringing both benefits and challenges. It improves well-being and offers safety to migrants, and boosts productivity and growth in both host and origin countries. However, migrants and their descendants face various socio-economic and psychosocial challenges, including poverty and marginalization, which increase health risks across pre-, peri- and post-migration phases. Minority populations also face similar vulnerabilities, particularly in hostile social and political climates.

This course addresses migration perspectives related to mental illness and substance abuse within the context of multicultural societies. It examines the mental health of migrants and their descendants through interdisciplinary theories and processes, emphasizing the development of equitable, culturally sensitive healthcare.

Framed by principles of human rights and belonging, the course also explores the mental well-being of Indigenous people and minorities in Norway, incorporating both majority and minority perspectives with a focus on mental illness and substance abuse.

Migration and minority positions are complex, and comparative knowledge and methodologies foster a holistic understanding. Students will reflect on diverse social and cultural perceptions of mental illness and substance abuse, as well as factors influencing health-seeking behaviours across the life course among migrants and minorities in Norway and other contexts.

Required preliminary courses

Admission to the programme or course.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowlegde

The student

  • can discuss the importance of sex and gender, age, socio-cultural and economic contexts and living conditions, including labour, housing and social participation in relation to mental health and substance abuse
  • can analyse and discuss common ethical issues and values related to mental health care
  • can discuss the need for self-help, peer-to-peer support and voluntary work
  • can analyse the relationships between migration and experiences of traumatisation, and its impact on mental illness and substance abuse

Skills

The student

  • can analyse the interactions between gender, age, and socio-cultural context (e.g., within minority groups) concerning mental health and substance use issues and apply this knowledge to assess support needs.
  • can work at individual, group, and societal levels to promote well-being, improve daily life, and encourage social participation for individuals, their families, and support networks, including in settings like schools and workplaces
  • can support self-help, peer-to-peer work, and voluntary work with individuals experiencing mental health and substance use issues, as well as with their families and support networks
  • can analyse and critically reflect on self-perceptions, attitudes, and the influence of personal values and behaviours on work with the individual affected, their family, support network, and collaborative partners

General competence

The student

  • can apply knowledge and skills to exercise professional judgment when working with migrants, minorities, and others affected by mental health and/or substance use issues
  • can apply equitable, inclusive and culturally sensitive health- and social services

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, and a variety of student active learning activities, like group work and reflections in study groups, practical exercises and simulation (SIM), and self-studies.

Course requirements

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the examination:

  • 80% compulsory participation in the study group works.
  • Written assignment, in groups (3 students), 1,500 words (+/- 10 %).

Assessment

Individual home examination, with academic discussion questions (maxiumum 2500 words), 6 hours.

The course is taught in English. Students may also choose to write/conduct the examination in a Scandinavian language (Norwegian, Swedish or Danish).

Permitted exam materials and equipment

All aids are permitted as long as the candidate use literature references in accordance with existing guidelines.

Grading scale

Grade scale A-F.

Examiners

All answers are assessed by one examiner.

An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

Overlapping courses

10 credits overlap with MAVIT5200 The Health and Welfare of Migrant Populations, 10 credtis and MAPSD5100 and Mental Health Care with Minority Patients: Migration and Exile, 10 credtis.

The previous Advanced Programme in Mental Health Care at OsloMet from 2018 generally covers academic content within migration and minorities and overlap this course.