Public Health Research - Concepts and Theories

Third-cycle level | 3.0 credits (HEC) | Course code: H1F6116
HT 2026
Study period: 2026-11-04 - 2026-12-02
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION: The course is given in English
Application period: 2026-04-15 - 2026-05-05
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Course description

This course offers an introduction to the multidisciplinary field of public health, with a particular focus on key concepts and theories, as well as the development of public health as a research area. Students will explore how health is understood and measured, global health needs and priorities, health policy, health promotion and disease prevention, as well as determinants of health and health inequalities.

The course also highlights theoretical perspectives on social stratification, gender, and intersectionality, providing students with valuable tools for understanding complex public health challenges.

The course is specially designed for students whose research relates to public health, but who do not have a formal background in public health science and provides a strong foundation for placing one’s own research in a broader public health context.

Through lectures, group discussions, peer review, and article seminars, students will critically reflect on public health knowledge and connect key concepts and theories to their own research area. The course is ideal for those who want to strengthen their theoretical understanding of public health and develop their ability to apply public health perspectives in research.

Prerequisites and Selection

Prerequisite courses, or equivalent

No prerequisite courses, or equivalent, demanded for this course. 

Selection

Selection, within each category of applicants (selection category), will be based on:
1) the relevance of the course syllabus for the applicant’s individual study plan/research (according to written motivation).
2) start date of doctoral studies (priority given to earlier start date).


Course director

Janne Agerholm janne.agerholm@ki.se

Megan Doheny megan.doheny@ki.se

Course syllabus

H1F6116

Department

Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society

Doctoral programme

Public Health Science (PHSP)

Type of course

**Other course

Keywords

Public health equity

CONTACTMegan Doheny

megan.doheny@ki.se