Inequalities in Health – Mechanisms and Measurement

Third-cycle level | 3.0 credits (HEC) | Course code: K9F5693
HT 2025
Study period: 2025-11-10 - 2025-12-05
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION: The course is given in English
Application period: 2025-04-15 - 2025-05-06
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Course description

This course delves into the theories, mechanisms, and measurement techniques behind health inequalities, providing students with critical tools to analyze and address disparities in public health.

Through a mix of lectures, group discussions, and hands-on assignments, you will:
*Examine key theories on health inequalities and social determinants of health
*Explore the social gradient in health and its impact on populations
*Evaluate measurement methods for socioeconomic position and health disparities
*Apply concepts to your own research, critically reflecting on health inequalities in your field

This course is an excellent opportunity for those in public health and related disciplines to deepen their understanding and enhance their research with a focus on equity. 

Prerequisites and Selection

Prerequisite courses, or equivalent

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

Selection

Selection 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

Course syllabus

K9F5693

Department

Department of Global Public Health

Doctoral programme

Public Health Science (PHSP)

Type of course

**Other course

Keywords

Equity, inquality, inequity, social determinants of health, theory, mechanisms, public health, social inequality

CONTACTJanne Agerholm

janne.agerholm@ki.se