Goal

The programme provides leadership competence and expert knowledge for developing multi-professional social and health care settings and for meeting the demands of future work environments.

The central content of the studies comprises leadership in social and health care, and aims for students to be able to apply an ethical and sustainable approach in their daily work, have a readiness to lead people, work groups and work communities, ability to promote and lead safety in social and health care and be able to lead evidence-based change work.

The studies also consist of research and development that aims for students to be able to apply a scientific and evidence-based approach in their daily work.

Content of Studies

The programme is for those who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or Health Care or another appropriate higher education degree and who have at least two years of work experience in a relevant field after graduation. The programme corresponds to the competence framework described in European Qualification Framework (EQF, level 7) and The Finnish National Framework for Qualifications (FiNQF, level 7).

The studies have a perspective both on Nordic and global leadership and health. The studies comprise 90 ECTS and are completed on two to three years as part-time studies. The studies can also be completed as full-time studies during 1½ years.

Studies and instruction are conducted 100 % online using a learning platform and distance learning methods. Independently of this, it is mandatory to visit Finland to get the original version(s) of previous degree certificate(s) checked and to strengthen one’s personal identity during your studies.

A graduate of the programme is entitled Master of Health Care/Master of Social Services. The Master’s degree gives the same eligibility for public services as a higher university degree completed at a university.

The studies are conducted 100 % online using a learning platform.

The studies consist of 90 ECTS:

• Advanced studies, 55 ECTS
• Elective studies, 5 ECTS
• Master’s thesis, 30 ECTS

Degree Project

The master’s thesis comprises of 30 ECTS. The thesis is realised as a research and development project related to working life and gives students the opportunity to apply theoretical models to practical problems. The work becomes part of the student's personal skills profile.

Alternatives for the thesis are:

• a research study (e.g., investigation, mapping, analysis and / or evaluation, enquiry)
• a development project (e.g. development of working methods or activities)

Career Opportunities

The programme leads to a higher professional qualification and it is strongly oriented towards working life. After completed studies, the graduate has an advanced theoretical knowledge base for working as a developer in their own professional area and can take greater responsibility within the future leadership challenges in social and health care settings. The master’s degree gives eligibility for postgraduate studies at a university.

Under the Finnish legislation, a person who has completed the master’s degree is qualified for posts or positions for which the qualification requirement is a second-cycle higher education degree. In some cases, the qualification requirement also includes the completion of studies in certain specified fields of study. The degree falls under the Article 11 of the Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications, level e.

Internationalisation

If you choose to participate in our international activities, you will have experiences and memories for life. You can, for example:

• study as an exchange student for a semester, or academic year, at one of our partner schools around the world
• complete an internship abroad
• participate in intensive courses and projects together with international students
• serve as a tutor and liaison for incoming exchange students

Language of Instruction

The studies are conducted in English.

Collaboration With Other Actors

We work with external missions, which means you get new contacts to small and large businesses in the region. Novia UAS also participates in EU-funded projects where we collaborate with other universities, colleges, and organisations. We have organised our collaboration with the business community under NÅA Business Centre.

Continuing Education Opportunities

The master’s degree gives eligibility for postgraduate studies at a university.