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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Public Health under the number 11119. Who is the Master Public Health – Prevention & Mental Health suitable for?
This master’s programme is aimed at professionals who want to take on responsible roles in prevention, health promotion, or management within the healthcare sector. Typical target groups are graduates from Public Health, Health Psychology, Prevention and Health Management, or related disciplines who wish to specialise specifically at the interface of mental health and preventive interventions. It is particularly designed for employees in healthcare and social service institutions, public administrations, companies (e.g. corporate health management), health insurance companies, or research institutions who want to expand their methodological and professional competencies at master’s level. The distance learning programme allows for flexible study alongside work and is also interesting for professionals who want to qualify in scientific work or leadership roles in the health sector.
What formal criteria apply for admission?
You can be admitted to the Master Public Health – Prevention & Mental Health if you can demonstrate a Bachelor’s degree of at least six semesters with content-related proximity to the field. There are two access routes in detail:
- Direct access: Completed Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Prevention and Health Management, Applied Psychology or a comparable degree programme (e.g. Health Sciences, Health Psychology) at a (technical) university or university. Your study content will be individually assessed. Statistical prior knowledge is recommended.
- Propedeutic course (bridging course): You have a health or social science-oriented Bachelor’s degree (such as Nursing Management, Health Economics, Health Tourism, Social Work, Psychology or Medicine) which is not fully equivalent. In this case, you will complete a propedeutic course of 29 ECTS before commencing the master’s in order to acquire the necessary basics.
A Numerus Clausus (NC) is not required. The start of studies is possible throughout the year.
Important personal requirements include a strong interest in prevention and mental health, analytical thinking skills, as well as a willingness to address interdisciplinary issues using scientific methods. You should be able to work independently and in a structured way, have an interest in empirical research and statistics, and be capable of presenting complex relationships clearly. Communication skills and openness to digital learning formats are particularly important in distance learning. Prior experience in healthcare is helpful but not mandatory if you have a suitable degree.
How does the Master’s degree Public Health – Prevention & Mental Health impart expertise and skills?
The distance learning programme Public Health – Prevention & Mental Health (M. Sc.) at APOLLON University of Health Economics provides comprehensive knowledge on prevention, health promotion, and mental health. The focus is on the analysis of conditions for mental health and illness, the development and implementation of preventive measures, and their evaluation within a societal context.
- Interdisciplinary knowledge of public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and international health systems
- Health psychological competencies, including neuropsychological aspects of health behaviour
- Advanced knowledge in prevention and mental health for different target groups (children, adolescents, working adults, older people)
- Methodological skills for health research, evidence-based medicine, evaluation, and scientific work (Scientific Writing in Health and Medicine)
- Knowledge in care management and public health ethics
- Global aspects: health policy, global public health, digitalisation in prevention, gender-sensitive approaches
In addition, you choose from five elective compulsory modules individual specialisations, e.g. health coaching, prevention in neighbourhoods, digitalisation and health, or gender aspects.
How is the distance learning structured?
The programme is designed as a flexible distance learning course. You can choose between a full-time option (24 months) and a part-time option (32 months). Through the digital APOLLON Online Campus, multimedia learning materials, seminars, and advisory services are made available to you.
- 100 hours of attendance study (mainly online, alternatively also possible on site)
- 785 hours of online teaching and 2,715 hours of self-study
- 14 compulsory modules as well as five elective compulsory modules, of which two are chosen
- Regular dispatch of learning materials: every 3 months (24-month option) or every 4 months (32-month option)
- Assessment tasks: term papers, case studies, exams, seminar assignments, project work, and master’s thesis
- Introductory seminar at the start of the programme
- Free extension of the study period by up to 50% possible
A start of studies is possible at any time. The programme is organised independently of place and time to offer maximum flexibility especially for working professionals.
What professional perspectives does the programme open up?
As a graduate, you are comprehensively qualified for management and specialised roles in healthcare – especially with a focus on prevention and mental health. The master’s degree qualifies you to evaluate, plan, implement and assess preventive interventions based on evidence.
- Responsible positions in public and private health institutions, authorities, health insurance companies, clinics, and research facilities
- Leadership roles in occupational health management, particularly regarding mental risk assessment and prevention at the workplace
- Design, implementation and evaluation of prevention projects for different target and risk groups
- Collaboration in health services research, quality management, and health policy
- Acquisition of official additional qualifications (e.g. BBGM specialist in occupational health management) and recognition for CME points (up to 320 CME with appropriate course design)
The content also prepares you for the interface between practice, science and management – including opportunities for certification and provider qualification according to the requirements of the Central Prevention Testing Centre.
How is the spatial organisation of the programme arranged?
The programme takes place completely online. APOLLON University offers a barrier-reduced and versatile online campus, through which you can access all materials digitally, take examinations and participate in online seminars.
- You are location-independent and can study flexibly from any location – whether in Germany, Austria, Switzerland or abroad.
- Attendance seminars are optionally offered online or in Bremen.
- Exams are possible online or at numerous examination centres, alternatively at Goethe Institutes/consulates worldwide.
The entire study organisation is geared towards maximum flexibility and compatibility with work and private life.
What costs and financing options should you expect?
The tuition fees for the Master Public Health – Prevention & Mental Health are €311 per month for a study duration of 28 months. This results in a total price of €8,760. In the online variant, where you use exclusively digital materials, you can save fees.
- Monthly fee: €311
- Total costs: €8,760
- Free extension of the study period up to 50% of the chosen option possible (e.g. plus 12 or 16 months)
- Four-week free trial period at the beginning of the studies
- Financial support options: BAföG (if eligible), tax deductibility of study costs, further education funding, support from employers
- Partial recognition of previous achievements possible, which reduces overall duration and fees
If you choose the paperless study option exclusively, additional cost savings are possible.
Advisory Service
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