Semester 1

In the first semester, you will gain an overview of the field of sexual and reproductive health from a global perspective and, in parallel, deepen your knowledge in related research methodology and implementation of evidence within the field.

You will take these courses:

• Global Sexual Reproductive Health (15 credits)
• Evidence-Based Sexual Reproductive Health and Research Methodology (7.5 credits)
• Implementing Strategies for Quality Improvements in Health Care Settings (7.5 credits)

Semester 2

In the second semester, you will have time to focus on and deepen your knowledge about health systems research, leadership and management while having the opportunity to commence your field work for the thesis. During the second part of the second semester, you will focus entirely on the thesis. This will include in-depth studies within a chosen subject area, analysis and interpretation, report writing and a presentation. The work will conclude with the defence of your thesis at a seminar.

• Healthcare System Research in Low-Resource Settings (7.5 credits)
• Leadership and Management within Healthcare Systems (7.5 credits)
• Thesis: Global Sexual and Reproductive Health (15 credits)

Blended learning, the combination of web-based teaching and campus teaching, is used for this program, which also features guest lecturers and seminars headed by representatives from regional and international partner organisations.

Upon completion of this program, you will receive a Master of Science in Sexual, Reproductive and Perinatal Health (60 credits). You can use this degree to apply for PhD studies in Sweden.

Program objectives

Upon completion of the program, the student shall be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of global sexual and reproductive health based on a number of disciplinary perspectives, including a gender-equity perspective, theories and methods,
• demonstrate advanced knowledge of social and cultural aspects in relation to global sexual and reproductive health, and in such a way integrate aspects of global sustainability development and human rights,
• demonstrate an ability to use research and subject knowledge in the design of field work, the purpose of which is to develop and implement evidence-based interventions in different settings and contexts,
• demonstrate an ability to independently search for and critically review scientific publications, and to review information with a critical review of sources,
• demonstrate advanced knowledge both of research methods used to collect evidence-based information and of the knowledge transfer of evidence-based information into health policies and interventions in clinical practice,
• demonstrate awareness of the significance of leadership in the pursuit of improved sexual, reproductive health and rights, and sustainable development that will ensure a sound and healthy environment, economic and social welfare, and justice for present and future generations.

The knowledge and experiences that you will gain from your fellow students, along with the opportunity to learn from the international research projects that our faculty are working with, will provide you with a sound basis to proceed into the workforce, finding the ideal job within your chosen field.

Upon successful graduation, you will be well prepared for a wide range of employment opportunities and a variety of advanced positions within home ministries, international NGOs and educational institutions.

Examples of positions are health program manager; humanitarian coordinator; civil society program manager; research and advocacy officer; and donor agency health advisor.

You can also apply for a PhD position within Dalarna University's research field entitled Health and Welfare with a Focus on Evidence-Based Practice, or similar fields at any Swedish university.