Master's programme in public health sciences: societal and individual perspectives

Do you want to know more about what influences people's health? Public health sciences encompass many different perspectives. Our courses on public health and its determinants are firmly rooted in the social sciences.

If you study with us, you will learn about the distribution of (poor) health across different groups in society; what it looks like today but also what it looked like in the past. You will learn more about social and societal structures and how these, through the interplay with individual characteristics, may influence people's habits and living conditions. We go deeper into the ways in which health and disease develop throughout the life course, from childhood to old age. You will also get to know more about how public health policy and practice has developed over time, at both the regional and global levels, as well as gain insights into different measures taken to prevent disease and promote health. The subject of public health sciences is the perfect choice for those wanting a social science education in order to work with, for example, investigations and preventive measures in municipalities and regions, strategic public health work in governmental agencies and the private sector, issues related to health and health care, as well as international aid. As a public health scientist, you can work with municipalities, regions, governmental agencies, organisations, and companies, both in Sweden and internationally.

Below you will find a programme overview with links to all courses included in the programme.

Please note that some courses may have special entry requirements. These are specified on the course web pages respectively.

Year 1

Year 2

Block E: Social perspectives on public health

Population development and social change (7.5 credits)**

Health and policy in the welfare state (7.5 credits)

Global health in a changing world (7.5 credits)

Or

Block E: Individual perspectives on public health

Psychological perspectives on health (7.5 credits)

Stress, recovery, and health (7.5 credits)***

Prevention, intervention, and health promotion (7.5 credits)

Block F: Practical work in public health sciences

  • Optional course (7.5 credits)

Degree project in public health sciences for master's degree

** Given by the Department of Sociology, Stockholm University, within the main field of demography

*** Given in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, within the main field of public health sciences 





Applications must be submitted through www.universityadmissions.se or www.antagning.se (in Swedish).

If you have questions regarding the application process, please see our FAQ.

Additional eligibility criteria


Required supporting documentation

CV form required

You will need to fill in a CV form to to assist our assessment. The form must be uploaded via universityadmissions.se or antagning.se:  CV form (61 Kb)

For admitted students 2025

Have you been admitted to a our international Master's Programme in Public Health Sciences? By following the link below you will find some important information about preparatory steps etc, as well as useful links new students at Stockholm University.

Link to website "New student - Department of Public Health Sciences"








Study Counsellor

Study councelling for all study levels.
Contact person for study support to students with long-term disabilities.

Education Administrator, Basic and Advanced Level

Coordinator, Master's Programme in Public Health Science

Director of Studies, Basic and advanced levels

Jonas Landberg