The Bachelor in Health Promotion and Mental Health program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that progresses through three years, each with specific focus areas and learning outcomes. Here's a detailed description of the academic progression and the work involved in the bachelor's thesis:

1st Year:

In the first year, students acquire broad, research-based knowledge about nutrition and how mental health can change throughout the lifespan, as well as its significance in society. The nutrition component focuses on communicating national dietary guidelines and providing evidence-based recommendations for good health and the prevention of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. The mental health component introduces students to the concept of mental health across the lifespan, emphasizing how societal factors at micro, meso, and macro levels affect individual psychological well-being - from close relationships to structural societal conditions. Students explore the interplay between chronic illness, biological, psychological, and social factors, and their impact on mental health through various life stages. The relationship between personality psychology and mental health is examined, along with how activity medicine can influence both chronic diseases and individual mental health. Motivational communication is used to create changes in health behavior.

2nd Year:

In the second year, students further develop their competence in activity medicine and nutrition, focusing on health promotion and individual mental health. They learn to plan and implement tailored exercise programs for individuals with non-communicable diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders, and musculoskeletal issues. In nutrition, students learn to guide people with different needs and in various life stages, with particular focus on physical activity, children, the elderly, in pregnancy, and individuals with weight reduction goals. They practice using dietary tools, assessing body composition, and providing advice tailored to individual circumstances. Students gain knowledge of different ways to understand mental health by focusing on factors that contribute to good mental health and mental illness. An introduction to the most central mental disorders is provided, along with how emotions develop, and their function for human mental health, cognitive processes, and social relationships. The fourth semester is entirely dedicated to elective courses, offering an opportunity for exchange and allowing students to personalize their bachelor's education.

3rd Year:

In the third year, students further develop their competence as health counselors, with a particular focus on the practical application of subject knowledge in health assessment. They receive training in various testing methods and learn to conduct health profiles on individuals of different ages and physical conditions, including planning, testing, interpretation, and counseling. Students delve into health counseling with an emphasis on sustainable lifestyle changes. The course on health, politics, and power provides insight into how political decisions, power structures, and legal frameworks affect the healthcare system. Students gain knowledge of the organization of the Norwegian state and characteristics of a welfare state, debates on the development of health services, and the responsibilities of municipalities and counties in monitoring health status. The course covers the legislation underlying health policy in Norway, the actors responsible for monitoring health status, and health influencing factors. The bachelor's thesis allows students to delve into a relevant issue and develop competence in research methods and scientific work. The year concludes with a focus on professionalization and preparation for the workforce, including a practical placement at a relevant workplace. The combination of independent scientific work and practical tasks is designed to equip students to tackle challenges in the workforce and ensure lifelong learning.

This structured progression ensures that students build a solid foundation in health promotion and mental health, while also developing specialized skills and practical experience that prepare them for professional roles in the field.

Study program LIF

Bachelor in Health Promotion and Mental Health