The Global North is a real-time test laboratory in which climate changes, environment and unique social structures have a significant influence on the health and wellbeing of Northern residents. The cultures and societies across the borders in the Northern region are often affected first by global environmental changes . We share the knowledge through the Health and Wellbeing in the Circumpolar Area (MCH) programme. Special features of the North, such as physical environment, social circumstances, linguistic and cultural aspects, peripheral location, place specific demands on the delivery of healthcare and wellbeing services.

Core topics

•  Characteristics of life in a Northern environment (culture, physical environment, economics, social structures and working in northern conditions)
• Specific features of health, wellbeing, cultural transitions and illnesses of northern residents (holistic view)
• Special needs of people living in the circumpolar region in connection to health promotion, prevention, care and rehabilitation
• Specific characteristics of diseases, health care systems, and health and wellbeing services in circumpolar region

• Connections between the northern environment and human health & wellbeing

The learning outcomes of the MCH:

• Student will be able to apply critical and scientific approach to his or her professional work;
• Student will be able to define and explain the special characters of living in a northern environment/ circumpolar conditions;
• Student understands and is able to describe the experience of health, wellbeing, cultural transitions and illnesses of northern residents living in northern cultures;
• Student will be able to detect, assess and to respond interactively to the special needs of people living in the circumpolar region regarding prevention, care and rehabilitation;
• Student identifies, analyses and is able to explain special characters of diseases and health care systems/ health and wellbeing services in northern regions;
• Student will be able to present interventions to maintain and improve health and wellbeing in the northern environment.

MCH graduates will be capable to act as independent professionals in the multiprofessional field of health and wellbeing, e.g. in administrative and managerial positions in health care services and health promotion, as well as in education, development, planning and research.

Contact information

See programme description according to ECTS criteria.