is conceived as a Masters programme for students whose previous studies have focused on health-related subjects and who now would like to expand their knowledge through qualifying themselves for the research-oriented consecutive Master degree. This particular programme, offered by the Fulda University of Applied Sciences, gives the students the opportunity to specialize in the fields of health care management or health promotion. In addition, students may choose to specialize in another Public Health related subject offered by one of our cooperating universities within Europe.

Each academic year, the department of nursing and health sciences allots about 15 places for new applicants to be admitted. Selected modules are taught in an interdisciplinary manner, integrating the Master degree programmes “Public Health Nutrition” and “Education for Nursing- and Health Care Professions” with the “Masters of Public Health” programme.

Public Health

According to the Oxford Textbook of public health, (2000) “Public health is the process of mobilizing and engaging local, state, national, and international resources to assure the conditions in which people can be healthy... public health embraces both social action and scientific knowledge.” It is an interdisciplinary field of research and instruction that is geared towards internationality, focusing on population-based health promotion, the increase of life expectancy and aiming at improving the quality of life for sick and ailing individuals.

Public health includes three related dimensions of action: confidential, primarily epidemiological analysis of the population-based state of health (assessment); formulation of public policy in collaboration with the socially responsible representatives (policy) and the safeguarding of adequate and affordable health care, including prevention and health promotion (assurance). Institute of Medicine, Committee for the Study of the Future of Public Health, Division of Health Care Services (1988)

Public Health examines the determinants of health (Public Health Action Cycle) and attempts to systematically influence them by means of interventions that are directed at communities or are setting-oriented.  In addition it is concerned with:

• the population-based assessment of the state of health and social differentiation of health prospects
• the improvement of health care, including aspects of health economics
• the promotion of health by means of implementing change with respect to living conditions and the influence of individuals and groups on their health
• the design of global health policy

Public Health is an academic educational pathway with significant international prevalence. It is a prerequisite for assuming tasks in the fields of health care and the design of health care systems. So far, there are only a limited number of universities and academic institutions offering courses and degree programmes in public health.

National and international networking

• via the MOCCA project: networking and cooperation with academic institutions in the north- and eastern-European Realm
• “German Society for Public Health” – the public health programme at Fulda University of Applied Sciences is a subscribing member.

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