Do you want to make living environments such as companies, educational institutions or communities liveable and sustainable for all people? In the Master's degree programme in Lifestyle-Oriented Health Promotion, you will learn how to systematically plan, implement and evaluate such processes. One focus is on understanding the inseparable interaction between health, society and the environment. You will also have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in practice over two semesters.
Study in an informal atmosphere with active teaching formats based on the Heidelberg Model of Moving University Teaching. Methods such as movement breaks or discussion walks as well as elements of the CORPUS seminar concept promote a needs-orientated learning environment, professional competence, self-care and personal growth.
We teach you skills for steering, management-orientated and networking activities in practice. The focus is on questions of sustainable design, cooperation between relevant stakeholders and the structural anchoring of health-promoting decisions - also with a view to an academic career.
The focus is on living environments such as (high) schools, municipalities and companies. You will learn how to analyse stress, strengthen resources and build health-promoting structures - from resilient working environments and liveable neighbourhoods to educational institutions that anchor health as a guiding principle.
The prerequisite for admission is a qualified university degree (at least 180 ECTS) with
- health science knowledge (at least 9 ECTS) and
- basic methodological knowledge (at least 9 ECTS).
If the Bachelor's degree is not yet available at the time of application, admission can still be applied for with proof of at least 150 ECTS from a Bachelor's degree programme.
The degree programme qualifies you to conduct evidence-based research into living environments such as communities, companies and educational institutions and to design health-promoting programmes. You will learn to develop programmes and projects for different target groups, to plan intersectorally and to manage change processes professionally. You will combine individual and relationship-orientated approaches with a holistic, planetary understanding of health.
The principles of the World Health Organisation (Ottawa Charter) as well as the Sustainable Development Goals and equal participation are guiding principles. In addition to scientific and methodological competences, you will strengthen your skills in interface management, evaluation and evidence-based research as well as in communication, reflection and responsible action - with the aim of enabling healthy and sustainable living conditions for all.
The Master's degree programme comprises four semesters of full-time study. The programme is divided into three subject areas: concepts and theories, transfer and methods in research and practice, which are interlinked in each semester.
- In the area of concepts and theories, you will deepen your understanding of health and health behaviour and develop a planetary perspective. In the third semester, you will focus on a living environment (community, company or educational institutions) and can pursue individual interests in the elective area.
- The transfer area combines theory and practice: over the course of two semesters, you will develop and realise your own project in a specific living environment - optionally also in connection with research projects.
- In the area of methods in research and practice, you will acquire and deepen your skills in qualitative and quantitative research, evaluation and evidence-based research.
You will complete your Master's thesis in the fourth semester. You will work independently on a scientific question from the field of study and will be accompanied by a supervisor.
Standard period of study: 4 semesters
The degree programme comprises 120 credit points. One credit point corresponds to around 30 hours of student work (attendance, preparation and follow-up work, self-study, examination).
Study and examination regulations [to follow]
Module handbook [to follow]
The degree programme offers you the opportunity to integrate a stay abroad into your studies - either via an exchange programme or self-organised. If you would like to venture beyond Germany, you can study abroad for one or two semesters at a university or complete an internship, for example. The second and third semesters are a particularly favourable time for a stay abroad. Digital teaching formats, e-learning programmes and modern communication channels can help you to continue your studies smoothly during your stay abroad.
The International Office can provide you with information and advice on the various options and scholarship programmes.
To the International Office
You will graduate with the academic degree Master of Arts (M. A.). This will qualify you for a wide range of fields of activity in lifeworld-orientated health promotion - in practice, management and science. You will combine strategic thinking with methodological expertise and actively shape healthy living conditions in different social contexts.
As a graduate, you will work, for example
- in the public health service (ÖGD),
- in federal or state institutions (e.g. ministries of health or state associations for health),
- in health authorities,
- as a health manager in companies,
- as a prevention specialist at health insurance companies or in educational institutions.
You will plan, coordinate and evaluate health promotion measures, develop sustainable strategies and support change processes in different environments.
In addition, the degree opens the door to an academic career - for example through a doctorate or activities in research and teaching. The Graduate School at Heidelberg University of Education will support you on your path into academia.
Academic career
