Description

Subject and overview of the MSc programme

The Inter-Institutional Postgraduate Programme Health and Environmental Factors focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to the interaction between the environment and human health. Its aim is to provide postgraduate education and foster high-level research. The programme has been designed to address current public health needs, covering critical issues such as climate change, environmental disasters, pollution, infectious and toxic agents, and emerging health challenges. Its interdisciplinary character is grounded in collaboration among four departments: the School of Medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), which coordinates the programme; the School of Geology at AUTh; the School of Medicine at Democritus University of Thrace; and the Department of Environmental Engineering at the International Hellenic University.

Eligibility and admission

The programme is open to graduates of higher education institutions. Applicants may include graduates of health sciences, environmental engineering, agriculture, forestry and related fields. Selection is based on a points-based assessment of applicants’ CVs, using transparent, predetermined criteria. These include the grade awarded for the first degree, any additional academic qualifications, professional and research experience, and performance in an oral interview.

Duration

The minimum period of study is three academic semesters, and the programme carries 90 ECTS credits. The first two semesters comprise 10 courses in total. The third semester is devoted exclusively to the Postgraduate Dissertation (30 ECTS), which may take the form of a literature review or a research or clinical study.

Language

The programme is taught primarily in Greek. However, as part of its internationalisation and outward-facing development, its future aims and opportunities include expanding its English-language content, developing courses taught in English, and enabling students to write their dissertations in English.

Teaching format

Teaching follows a student-centred blended-learning model. Up to 70% of teaching is delivered remotely, with the remaining 30% taking place in person. Each semester lasts 13 weeks, and classes are held at weekends. Students receive full support through AUTh’s e-learning platform, where all teaching materials—including lectures, books, articles and videos—are made available. The platform also provides opportunities for communication through an online forum.

Teaching staff

The teaching staff brings expertise across a wide range of disciplines and have a strong record of research activity. A list of the programme’s teaching staff is available on its website. (https://websites.auth.gr/medhef/en/faculty/)

Further information

Students have access to modern facilities, including classrooms and laboratories. Student research activity is particularly strong: to date, students have produced more than 85 publications in peer-reviewed journals, delivered over 100 conference presentations and received more than 23 awards for best paper. The programme also regularly organises scientific events and a nationwide conference.

Graduates rate the programme exceptionally highly: it has achieved a top score of 98.0 on the MODIP quality indicator, and 100% of graduates say they would recommend it to other prospective students.