Program Overview

Master in Health Communication (MHC)

Profile

The Master of Science programme in Health Communication at the Universit‡ della Svizzera italiana (USI) in Lugano, Switzerland, provides a high-quality education in developing, designing, managing, evaluating, and improving health-related communication in both the public and private sectors and in high-, middle-, and low-income settings.

Description

Health communication is the science and art of using communication to advance the health and well-being of people and populations. It is a multidisciplinary field of study and practice that applies communication evidence, strategy, theory, and creativity to promote behaviors, policies, and practices that advance the health and well-being of people, populations, and the planet.

Programme Details

• The programme is based in the Faculty of Communication, Society, and Culture at USI.
• It has a strong focus on social, cultural, biological, system, political, and environmental factors that influence health and health-related behaviors.
• The language of the programme is English.
• The programme consists of 120 ECTS, combining core and elective courses with opportunities for study mobility (in Switzerland or abroad).
• It is normally completed in four semesters.
• During the final semester, students can choose between a research thesis (30 ECTS), or a combination of a thesis plus an internship, field project, or additional courses at USI or as part of mobility exchange (30 ECTS total).

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Science in Health Communication programme at USI are well suited for working in a range of sectors and settings, including but not limited to:

• Health departments of public administrations
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• United Nations agencies
• Non-profit organizations
• Hospitals
• Health insurance
• Biotechnology
• Health technology
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Public relations agencies
• Start-ups
• Universities