Master's Programme in Health Sciences - specialisation in Psychomotor Physiotherapy Programme description

The programme was established under the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges and the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University.

Candidates who pass the programme will be awarded the degree Master of Health Sciences (Norwegian: Master i helsevitenskap) in accordance with Section 3 of the Regulations concerning Requirements for the Master's Degrees. A specialisation in one of the following 15 specialisations forms part of the master’s degree programme:

Specialisations for applicants with backgrounds in health or social care:

• Health Sciences
• Empowerment and Health Promotion
• Mental Health and Addiction
• Rehabilitation and Habilitation

Specialisations for applicants who are authorised health personnel in the specified professional fields:

• Nutrition for Health Personnel
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy for Children and Adolescents
• Physiotherapy for the Older Adult
• Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Health
• Psychomotor Physiotherapy
• Advanced Nursing Practice
• Public Health Nursing
• Cancer Nursing
• Nursing – Clinical Research and Professional Development

Specialisations for applicants from the professional field of nutrition:

• Public Health Nutrition

The specialisation will also be stated on the diploma alongside the name of the degree: Master of Health Sciences.

The master’s degree programme has a scope of 120 ECTS credits. Some of the specialisations are taken full-time over two years, while others are taken part-time over three or four years.

The programme comprises compulsory common courses, compulsory specialisation courses and elective courses, in addition to the master’s thesis. A more detailed overview of the programme’s structure for each specialisation is given under the section Content and structure.

According to the UN Agenda 2030, a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development is that everyone is able to live healthy lives. The Master’s Degree Programme in Health Sciences is primarily aimed at the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, Good Health and Well-being, while SDGs 4, 5 and 10 on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, and achieving gender equality and reducing inequality, are also relevant. The 17 SDGs must be seen as a whole, however, where each goal is seen in conjunction with the others. The purpose of the programme is therefore to educate candidates who are qualified to help to ensure good health and promote quality of life for everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, education, sexuality and functional ability, while also attempting to address considerations relating to sustainability, including life-long learning.

The students taking the programme can choose a specialisation in health promotion, illness prevention, treatment, palliative care and (re)habilitation work. The programme teaches the students to handle professional problems at the individual, group and system level in close cooperation with other professions, patients, users, next of kin and other services. The candidates should also be able to contribute to safe, effective, holistic and integrated services with good use of resources, and to innovation, improvement work and systematic user involvement.

Relevance to working life

Possible fields of work and careers after completing the programme include:

• research and development in the health sciences
• teaching, development and advisory functions in the guidance, administration and dissemination of knowledge in the health professions
• clinical work that is based on specialised expertise
• health and social care management positions

Relevance to further education

Students taking the Master's Degree Programme in Health Sciences who choose to write a master’s thesis worth 50 ECTS credits can apply for admission to the research programme for health sciences while taking the master’s programme. This is taken in parallel to and as an extension of the master’s programme. The research programme develops researcher expertise over and above that provided during the master’s programme and results in a research work that can later form part of a PhD-level work.

Candidates with a Master's Degree in Health Sciences are qualified to apply for admission to PhD programmes, including the PhD Programme in Health Sciences at OsloMet.

Specialisations

The Master's Degree Programme in Health Sciences has a number of specialisations that candidates can choose. Applicants must choose and apply directly for the specialisation they wish to take when applying for the master’s programme. The specialisations are subject to different admission requirements. However, the students will take a significant part of the programme together with students from the other specialisations, partly through compulsory common courses and partly through elective courses across the specialisations. More information about this is found in the section Content and structure.

MAPFY: Psychomotor Physiotherapy

The Specialisation in Psychomotor Physiotherapy is based on an understanding of the body as both concrete and biomedical, as well as relational and communicative. Norwegian Psychomotor Physiotherapy (NPMP) forms the core of the specialisation. In this approach of physiotherapy, physical problems and symptoms are assessed in relation to the overall muscle tensions and mobility in the body. The goal of the treatment is to give the patient new insights into themselves, their body and physical habits, and in this way help to make changes in the patient’s life that can lead to improvement. The specialisation forms part of the basis for the right to increase fees for psychomotor physiotherapy through the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (Helfo) (helsedirektoratetet.no). The specialisation includes practical training with access to patients who are going to receive psychomotor physiotherapy. The students will perform 200 patient treatments and 72 hours’ of group guidance in their practical training throughout the programme.

Etter gjennomført emne har studenten følgende læringsutbytte definert i kunnskap, ferdigheter og generell kompetanse: 

Kunnskap

Studenten

• kan gjøre rede for helsesykepleiers ansvar og funksjonsområde på befolknings-, gruppe- og individnivå   
• kan drøfte betydningen av helsesykepleiers ansvar innenfor tverrfaglig og tverrprofesjonelt samarbeid  
• kan kritisk vurdere og analysere vitenskapelige teorier og metoder knyttet til barn, unge 0-20 år og deres familie/omsorgsgivere 
• kan drøfte etikk relatert til fagutøvelsen

Ferdigheter

Studenten

• kan anvende kunnskapsbasert praksis og arbeide selvstendig innenfor helsesykepleiers ansvarsområder, på helsestasjon, i skolehelsetjenesten og på helsestasjon for ungdom 
• kan identifisere behov for veiledning, rekvirere og administrere prevensjonsmidler, herunder langtidsvirkende prevensjonsmidler 
• kan anvende pedagogiske metoder og helsekommunikasjon på befolknings-, gruppe- og individnivå, samt vurdere bruken av ulike pedagogiske tilnærminger   
• kan anvende relevante metoder for å kartlegge og vurdere barn og unges helse, på individ-, gruppe- og befolkningsnivå, og iverksette tiltak etter behov
• kan bidra i arbeidet med kvalitetsforbedring og pasientsikkerhet, herunder dokumentasjons- og meldeplikt
• kan anvende   relevante digitale løsninger og arbeidsprosesser i veiledning og samhandling med barn, unge og familie/omsorgsgivere  

Generell kompetanse

Studenten

• kan reflektere over, samt håndtere etiske dilemmaer i yrkesutøvelsen på befolknings-, gruppe og individnivå  
• kan analysere, reflektere og justere egen praksis basert på eksisterende kunnskap og veiledning  
• kan identifisere behov for, og ta initiativ til, kvalitetssikring og forbedring innenfor helsesykepleiertjenesten  
• kan bidra til å ivareta barn, unge og deres familie/omsorgsgiveres autonomi, og støtte de i å ta informerte helsevalg på individ-, gruppe- og systemnivå 

Learning outcomes at the programme level for the Master's Degree Programme in Health Sciences

The student’s overall learning outcomes for the Master’s Degree Programme in Health Sciences fully cover the description of master’s degree level (level 7) of the Norwegian Qualifications Framework.

A candidate who has completed his or her qualification should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

• has advanced knowledge of health-related services and health-promoting work within their field of specialisation
• can analyse academic problems on the basis of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the health sciences
• has knowledge of different perceptions of body, health, illness, function and functional impairment
• has in-depth knowledge of the individual’s right to autonomy and user participation, and of important considerations in the development of equitable health services and health-promoting work
• has insight into the role of interprofessional cooperation in achieving results in health-related services and health-promoting work
• has insight into the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being, and an understanding of the connection between health and sustainable development in society
• has thorough knowledge of the theory of science, research methods and ethics of particular relevance to health sciences and the area of specialisation

Skills

The candidate

• can understand, motivate and cooperate with individuals and next of kin undergoing health-related learning, coping and change processes
• can analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations in the field of health sciences and work independently on practical and theoretical problem-solving
• can adapt health services and health-promoting work to different groups in society
• can contribute to the expedient and correct use of technology to improve the quality of the health services
• can use knowledge of quality improvement and implementation to improve the services
• can analyse and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments
• can use relevant methods for research and scholarly and/or professional development work in an independent manner
• can carry out an independent, limited research or development project within their specialisation under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics

General competence

The candidate

• can analyse the relationship between the individual, service and societal levels when designing health-related services and in health-promoting work
• can contribute to innovation and quality improvement that builds on relevant knowledge of nursing gained from research and experience, and knowledge of users
• can work in interprofessional teams in order to more efficiently address complex health challenges
• has an international perspective in their field of specialisation
• can assess their own research design and research method based on a specific research question
• can disseminate relevant problems, analyses and research results to specialists and the general public in a way that meets research ethics requirements
• can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes in the health services and in health-promoting work

Specialisation in Rehabilitation and Habilitation

The following additional learning outcomes apply to candidates taking the Specialisation in Rehabilitation and Habilitation:

• can facilitate individual (re)habilitation processes and discuss challenges related to these processes
• can critically analyse, map and set goals in (re)habilitation 
• can analyse (re)habilitation as a process and activity at the individual, institutional and societal levels
• can analyse structural factors in (re)habilitation and how they can be changed through the division of responsibility and tasks

Følgende arbeidskrav må være godkjent for å fremstille seg til avsluttende vurdering:

• minimum 90 % deltakelse i praksisstudiet
• studenten har utarbeidet en individuell plan for praksisperioden basert på læringsutbyttene i emnet
• obligatorisk fremmøte til undervisning og praktiske øvelser knyttet til utvidet rekvireringsrett til helsesykepleiere for prevensjonsmidler
• skriftlig oppgave individuell eller i gruppe inntil 2-3 studenter, inntil 1500 ord 

The increasing globalisation of the labour market makes international experience and knowledge of languages and cultures increasingly important. Internationalisation contributes to raising the quality of education and strengthens the academic community relating to the master’s programme, at the same time as it strengthens the students as global citizens.

The programme has a focus on multicultural and global problems. This approach contributes to an increased understanding and improves the students' ability to work in a professional capacity in a multicultural society. The students gain access to specialist terminology in English through the syllabus, which comprises both textbooks and international research literature.

The staff’s network, research collaboration and cooperation with colleagues in other countries contribute to internationalisation. The programme is represented in international networks.

OsloMet has exchange agreements with educational institutions in Europe and worldwide.

Courses adapted to incoming exchange students

The following courses have been adapted for incoming exchange students:

• MAVIT4050 Theory of Science and Research Methods, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT4060 Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT4100 Quality Improvement and Implementation of Evidence-based Practice, 10 ECTS credits
• MAPHN4100 National and Global Nutrition Challenges, 10 ECTS credits
• MAPHN4200 Public Health Nutrition Policies and Interventions, 10 ECTS credits
• MAMUS4100 Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions – Part 1, 10 ECTS credits
• MAFAR4100 Innovation within Healthcare, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT4700 Food, Health and Sustainability, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT4900 Quality of Life, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT5100 Health Communication, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT5700 Pain – Multidimensional Assessment and Health Professional Interventions, 10 ECTS credits
• MAPSY4400 Mental Health of Migrants and Minorities, , 10 ECTS credits

The course MAVIT4100 Quality Improvement and Implementation of Evidence-based Practice will always be taught in English. The other courses listed above will be taught in English if international students have registered for them. Otherwise, courses will generally be taught in Norwegian.

Semesters adapted to outbound exchange students

Students who wish to take courses at an educational institution abroad as part of their master’s degree normally go on an exchange in the third semester. Students admitted to a specialisation that as a norm has a master’s thesis worth 50 ECTS credits can apply to instead write a master’s thesis worth 30 ECTS credits. The students are responsible for finding relevant courses at partner institutions and must apply to have them approved in advance. An international coordinator can provide guidance in relation to selecting a course.

Reference is otherwise made to the criteria that apply to student exchanges and the information about stays abroad

Ikke relevant.

100 % overlapp med HELPRA1 Kliniske studier for studenter uteksaminert 2016 - 2020.

The increasing globalisation of the labour market makes international experience and knowledge of languages and cultures increasingly important. Internationalisation contributes to raising the quality of education and strengthens the academic community relating to the master’s programme, at the same time as it strengthens the students as global citizens.

The programme has a focus on multicultural and global problems. This approach contributes to an increased understanding and improves the students' ability to work in a professional capacity in a multicultural society. The students gain access to specialist terminology in English through the syllabus, which comprises both textbooks and international research literature.

The staff’s network, research collaboration and cooperation with colleagues in other countries contribute to internationalisation. The programme is represented in international networks.

OsloMet has exchange agreements with educational institutions in Europe and worldwide.

Courses adapted to incoming exchange students

The following courses have been adapted for incoming exchange students:

• MAVIT4050 Theory of Science and Research Methods, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT4060 Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT4100 Quality Improvement and Implementation of Evidence-based Practice, 10 ECTS credits
• MAPHN4100 National and Global Nutrition Challenges, 10 ECTS credits
• MAPHN4200 Public Health Nutrition Policies and Interventions, 10 ECTS credits
• MAMUS4100 Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions – Part 1, 10 ECTS credits
• MAFAR4100 Innovation within Healthcare, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT4700 Food, Health and Sustainability, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT4900 Quality of Life, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT5100 Health Communication, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT5700 Pain – Multidimensional Assessment and Health Professional Interventions, 10 ECTS credits
• MAPSY4400 Mental Health of Migrants and Minorities, 10 ECTS credits

The course MAVIT4100 Quality Improvement and Implementation of Evidence-based Practice will always be taught in English. The other courses listed above will be taught in English if international students have registered for them. Otherwise, courses will generally be taught in Norwegian.

Semesters adapted to outbound exchange students

Students who wish to take courses at an educational institution abroad as part of their master’s degree normally go on an exchange in the third semester. Students admitted to a specialisation that as a norm has a master’s thesis worth 50 ECTS credits can apply to instead write a master’s thesis worth 30 ECTS credits. The students are responsible for finding relevant courses at partner institutions and must apply to have them approved in advance. An international coordinator can provide guidance in relation to selecting a course.

Reference is otherwise made to the criteria that apply to student exchanges and the information about stays abroad.

None

Grade scale A-F

Programme description considered by the Academic Affairs Committee at the Faculty of Health Sciences on 12 February 2020 and finally approved by the vice-dean on 13 March 2025.

Adopted by the University Board 9 september 2020

Faculty of Health Sciences

The programme description applies to students starting the programme in 2024