PhD Programme in Library and Information Science Programme description

Admission takes place directly to the chosen specialisation. The requirement for admission to the Master’s Degree Programme in Health Sciences is a bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree within a specified field, with an average grade of at least C. However, an average grade of C does not guarantee admission. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of places on the programme, the applicants will be ranked according to the applicable ranking rules.

Reference is made to the Regulations relating to Admission to Studies at OsloMet. The specialisations will only be run if a sufficient number of qualified candidates apply.

Admission requirements for the Specialisation in Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Health

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree in physiotherapy. Applicants must also hold Norwegian authorisation as a physiotherapist.For admission in 2021, applicants with an internship license that extends to 15 October 2021 can also be admitted.

The target group for the PhD programme are those who wish to be qualified for research in the field of library and information science, teaching positions at universities and colleges and other positions which place high demands on professional competence.

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 Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Health

The following additional learning outcomes apply to candidates taking the Specialisation in Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Health:

• can critically assess and apply current knowledge of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, diseases and disorders (MSDs) in the field of practice
• can critically assess the physiotherapist’s role in the current health services in terms of interprofessional cooperation and the implementation of well-documented knowledge
• can describe knowledge on the relationship between work and musculoskeletal health
• can contribute to the whole process involved in research and development projects on MSDs

Upon completion of the program, the candidate shall have the following learning outcomes consisting of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate

• masters the areas of knowledge in the areas chosen for specialization in library and information science
• will have attained broad and in-depth knowledge of theory and approaches in library and information science in general
• can contribute to the development of new knowledge and theory and methods in the professional area

Skills

The candidate

• will be able to formulate relevant questions in library and information science based research projects
• can evaluate the appropriateness and application of various theories and methods in relation to a library and information science research project.
• can carry out research at an advanced international level
• can deal with complex academic questions and challenge existing knowledge in the professional field     

General competence

The candidate

• can identify questions in regard to research ethical questions
• can participate in and guide inter-disciplinary projects
• can disseminate research through recognized professional publication channels and through practice and to the general public

References

Correct use references and validation are a demand in all professional work and is an important principle in all research and reporting. In the course of all course work and research, the candidates must follow the guidelines for the use of reference and citation. Failure to follow the established guidelines can be considered as plagiarism and cheating and a breach of research ethical guidelines in accordance with The Act Governing Universities and Colleges, paragraphs 4-7.

The master’s programme is designed to be comprehensive, and the academic content and educational tools are interlinked, showing a clear context between learning outcome descriptions, learning activities and forms of assessment.

The Master’s Degree Programme in Health Sciences has three or four compulsory common courses, depending on the chosen specialisation. In addition to these, there are at least two compulsory specialisation courses for each specific specialisation, and a master’s thesis worth either 30 or 50 ECTS credits, depending on the specialisation. The students can also choose one or more elective courses depending on their chosen specialisation.

The courses in the programme description build to some extent on each other to ensure progress, with increasing requirements for knowledge and understanding within each specialisation. The courses are mainly taken over the course of the semester, with start-up at the start of the semester and examinations towards the end. The exceptions are certain compulsory specialisation courses that include external supervised practical training. For a full overview, see the tables below showing the normal structure of the programme for each specialisation.

The academic year is 40 weeks long, and the expected workload for a full-time student is 40 hours per week. This includes scheduled activities, students’ own study activity and examinations. The course descriptions provide more details about learning outcomes, work methods, coursework requirements and examinations. Tables 1 and 2 below show the course organisation for normal study progress for full-time students writing a master’s thesis worth 50 and 30 ECTS credits, respectively. The tables are read from left to right.

Content of compulsory common courses

The programme includes a compulsory common course MAVIT4100;Quality Improvement and Implementation of Evidence-based Practice,;10 ECTS credits. The purpose of this course is to enable students to actively contribute to promoting safe and high-quality health and care services. By health and care services is meant both public and approved private services, as well as health promoting work in the public and private sectors. The course introduces students to the organisation and management of health and care services. It also gives students experience of interprofessional quality improvement cooperation. Through the course, the students will learn about different quality improvement models and the interaction between user knowledge, experience-based knowledge and research-based knowledge in clinical decision-making processes.

There are also three common courses in the theory of science and research methods:;MAVIT4050 Theory of Science and Research Methods, 10 ECTS credits,;MAVIT4060 Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, 10 ECTS credits and;MAVIT4070 Research Design and Project Description, 10 ECTS credits. These courses aim to help the student to read, understand and critically assess research literature, to critically assess various sources of knowledge that form part of clinical decision-making processes, to acquire in-depth knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, and lead up to the development of a project description for their master’s thesis.;;

In the first course, MAVIT4050, the students are introduced to theory of science and research methods and research ethics.

The second course, MAVIT4060, provides students with a deeper understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods. These two courses are compulsory for all students taking the programme.

The third course, MAVIT4070, is compulsory for students on most specialisations. The students will work more thoroughly with their chosen method and develop a project description for their master’s thesis. This is to ensure that the students get to grips with work on their master’s thesis at an early stage.

Master’s thesis – 30 and 50 ECTS credits

The master’s thesis in the programme is worth 50 ECTS credits (MAVIT5900) or 30 ECTS credits (MAVIT5910/MAVITD5910/MAVITD5920), respectively. Whether the students are able to choose the scope of their master’s thesis depends on the specialisation they have been admitted to. Normally students will develop a project description as part of the course MAVIT4070 Research Design and Project Description, 10 ECTS credits. The project description is developed with the support of the lecturer, who quality assures the project with respect to scope and degree of difficulty.

The same requirements apply to scientific and research-related work regardless of the length of the thesis. Students can choose to write the master’s thesis individually or in pairs. Students can also apply to write the master’s thesis with students from other specialisations, provided that the scope of the master’s thesis is the same. On application, interdisciplinary innovation projects can be written in groups of up to four students. Students are encouraged to contact potential supervisors about possible project ideas.

Elective courses

In the course of the master’s programme, the students can choose one or more elective courses depending on their chosen specialisation. This does not apply to the two specialisations cancer nursing and public health nursing as they only have compulsory courses in their programme structures. Which elective courses that are available will vary. These elective courses cover a broad area of the health sciences. Students must apply for a place on elective courses no later than the semester before, subject to specific deadlines. There will be an upper limit for places on each elective course. Elective courses could be cancelled by the Faculty if enrolment is below the minimum of 6 students. More information about the elective courses can be found here.Informasjon om valgemner for master i helsevitenskap - Student - minside (oslomet.no)

The following courses are elective for all students taking the Master’s Degree Programme in Health Sciences:

• MAVIT4400;Innovation within Healthcare, 10 ECTS credits. (AUTUMN)
• MAVIT4600;Supervision / Counselling, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MAVIT4700 Food, Health and Sustainability, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MAVIT4800 Personalised Nutrition, 10 ECTS credits (SPRING AND AUTUMN)
• MAVIT4900;Quality of Life, 10 ECTS credits (SPRING)
• MAVIT5000 Advanced Education in Psychological Support for Adolescent and Young Adult Patients with Acquired Diseases, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MAVIT5100 Health communication 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MAVIT5200 The Health and Welfare of Migrant Populations, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MVAIT5300;Knowledge Translation, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MAVIT5400 Alliance and Shared Decision Making, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MAVIT5500;Adolescent Health, 10 ECTS credits. (AUTUMN)
• MAVIT5600 Physical Activity and Exercise in a Life Course Perspective and with a Special Focus on Aging, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MAVIT5700 Pain – Multidimensional Assessment and Health Professional Interventions, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)

Students can also choose some compulsory specialisation courses from other specialisations as elective courses. This is on condition that the student meets the prerequisite requirements given in the relevant course description and that there is a place on the course. This applies to:

• MAEMP4100 Public Health, Empowerment and Health Promotion, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MAEMP4200 Health Pedagogy, 10 ECTS credits (SPRING)
• MAHAB4100 Coping and Participation in the Rehabilitation Process, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MERG4100 The Knowledge Base for Occupation and Participation, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MAERN4100 Energy and Nutrients, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MABU4100 Physiotherapy for Children and Adolescents - Part 1, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MAELD4100 Physiotherapy for Home-dwelling Older Adults, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MAELD4200 Physiotherapy for Older Adults with a Disability, 10 ECTS credits (SPRING)
• MAMUS4100 Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions – Part 1, 10 ECTS credits (AUTUMN)
• MAMUS4200 Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions – Part 2, 10 ECTS credits (SPRING)
• MAKLI4200 Practical Ethics, 10 ECTS credits (SPRING)

Study progress;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

The following progress requirements apply to the programme:

• All courses in the programme must be passed before the student can submit their master's thesis for assessment.
• Some courses may have separate progress requirements; see the individual course descriptions.

See the course descriptions for MAMUS4100 and MAMUS4200 for a more detailed description of the content of the specialisation courses.

Course work

The course work consists of instruction in the various subjects in meetings over several days. The approach includes lectures given by the instructor and student presentations.

The dissertation

 Advising

The doctoral candidate has the right to advising during the preparation of the dissertation and is expected to actively make use of this offer. In the event that the advisor is not associated with the programme, an secondary advisor associated with the programme will normally be appointed.

The doctoral candidate has the right to a total of 210 hours of advising in the course of the study. The time schedule is established in the advising agreement. A schedule of advising shall be worked out in the first meeting with the advisor each semester. The advising includes preparation, discussions with the doctoral candidate and post meeting work. The rights and responsibilities in connection with advising are regulated in the Provisions paragraph 11. Guidelines are prepared concerning extended time in a PhD programme at OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University after the PhD fellowship has expired.

Participation in research seminars and interim evaluation

A research seminar will be held each semester where current research and research education questions will be discussed. Each doctoral student shall present his/her project at the beginning, midway and at near the end of his work with the dissertation.

Opponents will be appointed among both doctoral students and internal and external researchers in connection with seminars for submission of dissertation work. The interim evaluation midway consists of an academic evaluation where the doctoral candidates shall present their doctoral projects and evaluate their fellow students¿ doctoral projects. This shall form the basis for the final dissertation and public defence. The midway presentation with the evaluation of the doctoral project shall occur within the first two years of the doctoral studies. Advisors and researchers in the research field will be invited to participate. At the final seminar, the opponent will be an external researcher within the relevant subject area. Doctoral students will function as opponents at least at one seminar in the course of their study.

Dissemination

The doctoral candidates are expected to present their research at least once in an international conference. Doctoral candidates are also encouraged to present their projects in relevant fora and channels.

Varied and student-active teaching methods are used in the programme. Good learning outcomes are first and foremost dependent on the students’ own efforts. The number of hours of adapted teaching at the university will be relatively low. Own effort means both benefiting from teaching and academic supervision and following this up with independent work in the form of theoretical studies and, if relevant, practical skills training. Normal study progress requires students to make great personal efforts. The most important work and teaching forms used in each course in the programme are described below. The individual course descriptions state which work methods each course employs. Practical training is described in a separate chapter; see below.

Web-based work and teaching methods

Several forms of digital learning resources are used in the programme, such as digital textbooks, digital lectures, video clips, podcasts, tests, learning pathways and assignments. These resources can be used to prepare for teaching sessions, during seminars using the flipped classroom method, and as part of self-study. This form of teaching requires the students to meet prepared for the scheduled teaching sessions. Interaction can also take place digitally, in the form of Skype meetings, webinars etc.

Self-study and student cooperation/group work

Learning requires a high degree of own activity and self-study, including both individual work and cooperation with fellow students. Through activities such as exchanging ideas, presentations, discussions, writing assignments and problem-based assignments, students will be stimulated to learn by communicating knowledge and experience, expressing their own opinions and, together, reflecting on their own attitudes, actions and understanding of the field. Students are encouraged to take initiative to schedule and actively participate in study groups to promote learning.

Lectures

Lectures are primarily used to introduce new subject matter, provide an overview and highlight main elements and links within different topics, and also to communicate relevant issues.

Seminars

Seminars emphasise dialogue and discussion between the subject teacher(s) and students in order to stimulate the student's academic development. Verbal presentations by students and discussions are emphasised.

In connection with the master's thesis, seminars are held where the master's theses are presented and discussed. The students receive feedback from their fellow students and teachers, which enables them to learn from each other. Research-related issues, methods and academic supervision are among the topics discussed in the seminars. Seminars can also take place on digital collaboration platforms.

Written assignments and academic supervision

Through written assignments and the master's thesis, students will formulate research questions for assignments and work on them over time, either individually or in cooperation with other students. They will learn theory and develop skills in using and referencing sources, analysis, discussion and written and oral communication. The primary purpose of this is to develop their ability to reflect critically, see elements in context and develop a deeper understanding of a subject.

Developing academic writing skills is a key aspect of all parts of the programme. Supervision is an important component of the work on the master's thesis. The supervision is intended to ensure that the project complies with research ethics principles and help students to formulate the research question and ensure quality in the collection and analysis of data.

The doctorate degree in library and information science will be awarded on the basis of:

• approved completion of the course work, or other approved academic schooling or competence
• approved trial lecture over a given subject, and
• approved dissertation and public defense

The assessment is governed by Provisions paragraph 6. More detailed rules for evaluation of the degree philosophiae doctor (PhD) at OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University are provided upon request.

Up to 5 credits of academic training may be taken as teaching or research activities under the current rules:

• Upon application, the presentation of papers at international conferences can be approved as part of the academic training component, up to 3 credits in total. Up to 2 credits are awarded for one presentation.
• Dissemination with their original lecture, for example to BA or MA students: 1 credit for four teaching hours (excluding factor), up to 2 credits in total. This applies to graduates with no mandatory duties (pliktarbeid), and graduates with no teaching duties in their mandatory duties.
• Study or research at a foreign institution: 1 credit for the first two weeks, then 1 credit for each week. The stay should be at least two weeks. Plan for the stay must be approved by the supervisor and confirmed by the external institution. Participants must submit a written report afterwards. The credits can only be granted if ECTS rewarding course is not taken simultaneously.

    Other activities upon application. The faculty doctoral committee will assess the application and scope of credits.