Masterstudium i helsevitenskap - spesialisering i fysioterapi for muskelskjeletthelse Programplan

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.

MAMUS: Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Health

This specialisation focuses on concepts, theories and research related to injuries, diseases and conditions of the spine and joints, osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal conditions such as fibromyalgia and tendinitis. A broad understanding of causal connections and approaches is emphasised, both from an individual and a societal perspective.

The target group is students with a bachelor’s degree in health or social care who want to work on professional development and/or participate in research in their field, and potentially conduct clinical work in their chosen specialisation. The programme is a relevant additional education to a number of health and social care programmes.

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.

Admission to individual courses

For admission to individual courses, the admission requirements are described in the course description. The grade C requirement does not apply to admission to individual courses. More information about admission to individual courses can be found on the programme’s website.

Reference is made to the Regulations relating to Admission to Studies at OsloMet. The specialisations and single courses 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. Applicants with an internship license can also be admitted.

The target group is students with a bachelor’s degree in health or social care who want to work on professional development and/or participate in research in their field, and potentially conduct clinical work in their chosen specialisation. The programme is a relevant additional education to a number of health and social care programmes.

Masterprogrammet skal fremstå som helhetlig ved at faglig innhold og pedagogiske virkemidler kobles sammen, slik at det er tydelig sammenheng mellom læringsutbyttebeskrivelser, læringsaktiviteter og vurderingsformer.

Masterstudiet i helsevitenskap omfatter 3-4 obligatoriske fellesemner, avhengig av valgt spesialisering. I tillegg kommer minimum 2 obligatoriske spesialiseringsemner for den enkelte spesialisering, samt masteroppgave på enten 30 eller 50 studiepoeng, avhengig av spesialisering. Videre kan studentene velge ett eller flere valgfrie emner, avhengig av spesialisering. Unntak fra dette er kreftsykepleie, helsesykepleie og psykisk helse-, rus- og avhengighetsarbeid som kun har obligatoriske emner i sitt studieløp.

Emnene i studieprogrammet bygger delvis på hverandre og gir faglig progresjon med stigende krav til kompetanse og forståelse innenfor hver spesialisering. Emnene går i hovedsak som langsgående emner gjennom semesteret, med emnestart i begynnelsen av semesteret og eksamen ved semesterslutt. Unntakene er enkelte obligatoriske spesialiseringsemner hvor ekstern, veiledet praksis inngår.

Studieåret er på 40 uker, og for en fulltidsstudent forventes det en arbeidsinnsats på normalt 40 timer per uke. Dette inkluderer både timeplanlagt aktivitet, studentenes egenaktivitet og eksamen. Emneplanene gir en nærmere beskrivelse av læringsutbytter, arbeidsformer, arbeidskrav og eksamen.

Innhold i obligatoriske fellesemner

I programmet inngår et obligatorisk fellesemne MAVIT4100 Kvalitetsforbedring og implementering av kunnskapsbasert praksis, 10 stp. Formålet med dette emnet er å gjøre studentene i stand til å bidra aktivt i arbeid med å fremme helse- og omsorgstjenester som er trygge og av god kvalitet. Med helse- og omsorgstjenestene menes både offentlige og godkjente private tjenester, samt helsefremmende arbeid innen offentlig og privat sektor. Emnet gir en innføring i organisering og ledelse av helse- og omsorgstjenestene, og forbereder til tverrprofesjonelt kvalitetsforbedrende arbeid. Gjennom emnet vil studentene lære om ulike modeller innen kvalitetsforbedring, og om samspillet mellom brukerkunnskap, erfaringsbasert kunnskap og forskningsbasert kunnskap i kliniske beslutningsprosesser.

Videre inngår tre fellesemner innen vitenskapsteori og forskningsmetode: MAVIT4050 Vitenskapsteori og forskningsmetode, 10 stp., MAVIT4060 Kvalitative og kvantitative forskningsmetoder, 10 stp. og MAVIT4070/MAMUS4070 Forskningsdesign og prosjektbeskrivelse, 10 stp. Disse emnene skal gjøre studenten i stand til å lese, forstå og kritisk vurdere forskningslitteratur, kritisk vurdere ulike kunnskapskilder som inngår i kliniske beslutningsprosesser, tilegne seg dybdekunnskap om kvalitative og kvantitative forskningsmetoder samt lede til utarbeidelse av en prosjektbeskrivelse for masteroppgaven.

I det første emnet, MAVIT4050, gis studenten en innføring i vitenskapsteori og forskningsmetoder, og forskningsetikk.

I det andre emnet, MAVIT4060, skal studenten få en dypere forståelse for kvalitative og kvantitative forskningsmetoder.

I det tredje emnet, MAVIT4070/MAMUS4070, fordyper studenten seg ytterligere i sin valgte metode og utarbeider prosjektbeskrivelse for sin masteroppgave. Slik sikres det at studenten kommer tidlig i gang med arbeidet knyttet til masteroppgaven.

Masteroppgave – 30 og 50 studiepoeng

Programmet har masteroppgave på henholdsvis 50 studiepoeng (MAVIT5900/MAMUS5900) eller 30 studiepoeng (MAVIT5910). I hvilken grad studentene har anledning til å velge omfang på masteroppgaven avhenger av hvilken spesialisering de er tatt opp på. Studentene utarbeider normalt prosjektbeskrivelsen som del av emnet MAVIT4070/MAMUS4070 Forskningsdesign og prosjektbeskrivelse, 10 stp. Prosjektbeskrivelsen utarbeides med støtte fra faglærer som kvalitetssikrer prosjektet med tanke på omfang og vanskelighetsgrad.

Uansett lengde på oppgaven, ligger de samme rammene for vitenskapelig arbeid og forskningsmessig håndverk til grunn. Studentene kan velge om de vil skrive masteroppgaven individuelt eller i gruppe på to. Studenter på tvers av spesialiseringer kan søke om å skrive masteroppgaven sammen, forutsatt at de skriver masteroppgave av likt omfang. Ved tverrfaglige innovasjonsprosjekter kan inntil 4 studenter søke om å skrive masteroppgave sammen. Studentene oppfordres til å oppsøke potensielle veiledere om mulige prosjektideer.

Valgfrie emner

I løpet av masterprogrammet kan studentene velge ett eller flere valgfrie emner, avhengig av spesialisering. Dette gjelder ikke kreftsykepleie, helsesykepleie , psykisk helse-, rus- og avhengighetsarbeid som kun har obligatoriske emner i sitt studieløp. Hvilke valgfrie emner som tilbys hvert semester vil variere. De valgfrie emnene dekker et bredt spekter innen det helsevitenskapelige området. Studentene søker plass på sine valgfrie emner senest semesteret før, etter nærmere angitte frister. Se nærmere informasjon om valgfrie emner her: https://student.oslomet.no/valgemner-master-helsevitenskap

Det vil være en øvre grense for hvor mange studenter det er plass til på hvert valgfritt emne. Gjennomføring av valgfrie emnene forutsetter et visst minimum av studenter. Ved færre enn 20 påmeldte studenter, kan fakultetet velge å ikke tilby emnet.

Følgende emner er valgfrie for alle studenter på masterstudiet i helsevitenskap:

MAFAR4100 Innovasjon i helse, 10 stp.

MAVIT4600 Veiledning, 10 stp.

MAVIT4700 Mat, helse og bærekraft, 10 stp.

MAVIT4800 Persontilpasset ernæring, 10 stp.

MAVIT4900 Livskvalitet, 10 stp.

MAVIT5100 Helsekommunikasjon, 10 stp.

MAVIT5300 Kunnskapstranslasjon, 10 stp.

MAVIT5500 Ungdom og helse, 10 stp.

MAVIT5600 Fysisk aktivitet og trening i et livsløp med spesielt fokus på aldring, 10 stp.

MAVIT5700 Smerte – multidimensjonal vurdering og helsefaglige tiltak, 10 stp.

MAVIT5800 Innføring i kliniske studier for helsepersonell, 10 stp.

MAPSY4400 Psykisk helse for migranter og minoriteter, 10stp

MSLV4200 Samarbeid og samarbeidsledelse, 10 stp.

MAVIT4400 Klinisk nevrofysiologi, 10 stp.

VSHSO6000 Seksuelle overgrep - Forebygging, avdekking og oppfølging, 10 stp.

VSHFS6000 Seksuell helse ved funksjonshemming og sykdom, 10 stp.

HETEK4300 Bakteriologi og antimikrobiell resistens, 10 stp.

I tillegg gis det mulighet for at enkelte obligatoriske spesialiseringsemner kan velges som valgfrie emner av studenter på øvrige spesialiseringer. Forutsetningen er at studenten fyller forkunnskapskravene som er angitt i den aktuelle emneplanen, og med forbehold om ledig plass. Dette gjelder:

Studenten må være tatt opp på masterstudiet i helsevitenskap

MAEMP4100 Folkehelse, empowerment og helsefremmende arbeid, 10 stp.

MAEMP4200 Helsepedagogikk, 10 stp.

MAHAB4100 Mestring og medvirkning i (re)habiliteringsprosessen, 10 stp.

Studenten må være tatt opp på Masterstudium i helsevitenskap og ha autorisasjon som helsepersonell

MAERN4100 Energi og næringsstoffer, 10 stp.

MERG4200 Komplekse intervensjoner i hverdags- og arbeidsliv, 10 stp.

Studenten må være tatt opp på Masterstudium i helsevitenskap og ha 20. stp. innen ernæringsfag

MAPHN4100 Nasjonale og globale ernæringsutfordringer, 10. stp.

Studenten må være tatt opp på Masterstudium i helsevitenskap og ha autorisasjon som sykepleier

MAKLI4200 Praktisk etikk

MAKRE4100 Teoretiske studier i kreftsykepleierens funksjons- og ansvarsområder 1

Studenten må være tatt opp på Masterstudium i helsevitenskap og ha autorisasjon som ergoterapeut

MERG4100 Kunnskapsgrunnlaget for aktivitet og deltakelse, 10 stp.

Studenten må være tatt opp på Masterstudium i helsevitenskap og ha autorisasjon som fysioterapeut

MABU4100 Fysioterapi for barn og unge – Del 1, 10 stp.

MAELD4100 Fysioterapi for hjemmeboende eldre personer 10 stp.

Progresjon i studiet

Følgende progresjonskrav gjelder i studiet:

MAVIT4070/MAMUS4070 må være bestått før masteroppgaven kan påbegynnes.

Alle obligatoriske emner i studiet må være bestått før innlevering av masteroppgaven til sensur

Enkelte emner kan ha særskilte progresjonskrav. Se den enkelte emneplan.

Se emneplanene for MAMUS4100 og MAMUS4200 for nærmere beskrivelse av innholdet i spesialiseringsemnene.

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 Public Health Nutrition

The following additional learning outcomes apply to candidates taking the Specialisation in Public Health Nutrition:

• has specialised insight into how food and nutrition policy, as well as social, cultural, economic and climate-related factors, are connected with the health and nutrition situation at local, national and global level
• can monitor and assess the extent and causes of diet and nutrition challenges among different population group
• can use theories, models and strategies, as well as knowledge of political actors and processes to plan, implement and evaluate nutrition-related, health promoting and preventive interventions and policies
• Can promote equitable access to safe, healthy and sustainable food though all life cycles at local, national and global level

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. This does not apply to the specialisations cancer nursing, public health nursing and mental health and addiction as they only have compulsory courses in their programme structures.

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.

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.

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, and prepares for interprofessional quality improvement work. 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/MAPHN4070 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, research methods and research ethics.

The second course, MAVIT4060, provides students with a deeper understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

The third course, MAVIT4070/MAPHN4070, 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/MAPHN5900) or 30 ECTS credits (MAVIT5910), 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/MAPHN4070 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 specialisations cancer nursing, public health nursing and mental health and addiction 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. More information about the elective courses can be found here. https://student.oslomet.no/valgemner-master-helsevitenskap

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 20 students.

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

MAFAR4100 Innovation within Healthcare, 10 ECTS credits.

MAVIT4600 Supervision / Counselling, 10 ECTS credits

MAVIT4700 Food, Health and Sustainability, 10 ECTS credits

MAVIT4800 Personalised Nutrition, 10 ECTS credits

MAVIT4900 Quality of Life, 10 ECTS credits

MAVIT5100 Health communication 10 ECTS credits

MAVIT5300 Knowledge Translation, 10 ECTS credits

MAVIT5500 Adolescent Health, 10 ECTS credits.

MAVIT5600 Physical Activity and Exercise in a Life Course Perspective and with a Special Focus on Aging, 10 ECTS credits

MAVIT5700 Pain – Multidimensional Assessment and Health Professional Interventions, 10 ECTS credits

MAVIT5800 Introduction to Clinical Studies for Healthcare Personnel, 10 ECTS credits

MAPSY4400 Mental Health of Migrants and Minorities, 10 ECTS credits

MSLV4200 Collaboration and collaborative management, 10 ECTS credits

MAVIT4400 Clinical Neurophysiology, 10 ECTS credits

VSHSO6000 Sexual Abuse - Prevention, Detection and Follow up, 10 ECTS credits

VSHFS6000 The Impacts of Disability and Illness on Sexual Health, 10 ECTS credits

HETEK4300 Bacteriology and Antimicrobial Resistance, 10 ECTS credits

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:

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences.

MAEMP4100 Public Health, Empowerment and Health Promotion, 10 ECTS credits

MAEMP4200 Health Pedagogy, 10 ECTS credits

MAHAB4100 Coping and Participation in the Rehabilitation Process, 10 ECTS credits

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences and hold authorisation as healthcare personnel.

MAERN4100 Energy and Nutrients, 10 ECTS credits

MERG4200 Complex Interventions in Work and Everyday Life, 10 ECTS credits

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences and have 20 ECTS credits in nutrition

MAPHN4100 National and Global Nutrition Challenges, 10 ECTS credits

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences and hold authorisation as a general nurse.

MAKLI4200 Practical Ethics, 10 ECTS credits

MAKRE4100 Nursing and Treatment for Patients with Cancer, 10 ECTS credits

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences and hold authorisation as an occupational therapist.

MERG4100 The Knowledge Base for Occupation and Participation, 10 ECTS credits

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences and hold authorisation as a physiotherapist.

MABU4100 Physiotherapy for Children and Adolescents - Part 1, 10 ECTS credits

MAELD4100 Physiotherapy for Home-dwelling Older Adults, 10 ECTS credits

Study progress

The following progress requirements apply to the programme:

MAVIT4070/MAPHN4070 must be passed before the student can start working on the master's thesis.

All compulsory 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 MAPHN4100 and MAPHN4200 for a more detailed description of the content of the specialisation courses.

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 assessments are carried out in accordance with the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges, the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations, and the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at the University. For assessment during the clinical training, please refer to the chapter on clinical training.

Assessment

The grading system in use is pass/fail or a grade scale with letter grades from A to F, where A is the highest grade, E is the poorest pass grade and F is a fail. In connection with group exams, all students in the group are awarded the same grade.

Resit and rescheduled exams Resit and rescheduled exams are carried out in the same manner as the ordinary exam unless otherwise specified in the course description. In special cases, resit and rescheduled exams in courses with group exams may be held as individual exams.

Appeals against grades

Grades awarded for written exams can be appealed. It is not possible to appeal the grades awarded for oral and practical exams. In connection with a group exam, the result of an appeal will only have consequences for the candidate(s) who submitted the appeal. The other students will keep their original grade.

Suitability assessment

The suitability assessment is a continuous overall assessment that takes place throughout the study programme. A student must be suitable for professional practice in order to receive diploma/certificate for the study programme.

If it appears that a student may pose a potential danger to the lives, physical and mental health, rights or safety of patients, clients and users during practical training or in future professional practice, it should be asked whether the student is suitable for the profession. University staff, personnel in practical training establishment, as well as students can submit a notification of doubt. The students concerned should be informed as soon as possible if such a notification of doubt has been sent. They should receive guidance and advice on how they can improve or be advised to withdraw from the programme.

https://student.oslomet.no/en/suitability-assessment

Coursework requirements are all types of work, tests and compulsory attendance that are requirements for being permitted to take the examination. Coursework requirements can be individual or in groups. Required coursework is assessed as approved/not approved. The coursework requirements for each course are described in the relevant course description.

The primary purpose of coursework requirements is to promote students' progress and academic development and to encourage them to acquire new knowledge. The programme's main coursework requirements are in the form of compulsory attendance, written assignments and tests.

Compulsory attendance

Attendance is compulsory in areas where the student cannot acquire knowledge and skills simply by studying literature.

If a student exceeds the maximum limit for absence stated in the course description or do not participate in a group presentation, the lecturer will consider whether it is possible to compensate for absence by meeting alternative requirements. This can e.g. be written assignments or oral presentations, individually or in groups. If it is not possible to compensate for the absence, the student must take the course the next time it is taught. Whether or not it is possible to compensate for absence depends on the extent of the student’s absence and which activities he/she has missed.

Written assignments

Several courses have compulsory written assignments or reports as part of their coursework requirements. Written work that is not approved must be improved before re-submission. If the work is not approved on re-submission, the student cannot take the ordinary examination/assessment.

The students are entitled to a third attempt before the resit/rescheduled examination. If an assignment is not approved the third time it is submitted, the student must re-take the course with the next class.