Overview:
The Future Health Minor Programme offers an exceptional opportunity for third and fourth-year international bachelor students to explore and address global health challenges. This programme fosters the development of innovative solutions within a dynamic and diverse international learning environment.

 

About the Programme:
The Future Health minor programme offers an advanced interdisciplinary curriculum that equips third and fourth-year bachelor students with comprehensive insights into contemporary global health challenges. Through an intensive 20-week programme (30 ECTS), participants engage in a dynamic international learning environment that fosters cross-cultural collaboration and innovative problem-solving approaches.

Aligned with the World Health Organization's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this programme integrates multiple disciplines including epidemiology, sociology, public health, and emerging technologies. Students develop sophisticated analytical frameworks to examine health trends, population dynamics, and cultural determinants of health outcomes across diverse global contexts.

The curriculum emphasises evidence-based methodologies and practical applications through integrated project-based learning, alongside first-hand experiences in various health oriented envrionments. Under the guidance of distinguished faculty and industry experts, students formulate innovative interventions that address pressing health challenges. This experiential learning approach cultivates essential competencies in cross-cultural communication, strategic planning, and implementation of sustainable health solutions.

This minor is particularly valuable for students pursuing careers that incorporate healthcare, health administration, public health policy, health technology innovation, or international development. Upon completion, graduates possess both the theoretical foundation and practical expertise to contribute meaningfully to advancing global health outcomes in an increasingly interconnected world.

The framework of the minor programme consists of the following inter-related modules: 

 

Tech Driven Wellness:
The world is becoming increasingly digital and interconnected. At the same time, Western societies are grappling with the challenges posed by an aging population and a growing demand for healthcare services. This module aims to help learners make a positive impact in their communities by exploring ways to use technology to tackle these important challenges. However, sustainable implementations must not only highlight the benefits but also address potential risks, such as resource usage, accessibility, and bias. 

Learners will develop these skills by collaborating with their peers to create a working prototype of a hardware and/or software application. They will present their product, along with the development process, strengths, and weaknesses. Following the presentation, each learner will individually evaluate the safety, ethical, and legal implications of their product. 

 

Sustainable Future:
The Sustainable Future module is part of a forward-thinking minor programme on the future of healthcare, empowering senior bachelor students to champion global sustainable development policies, engage in profound ethical reflections on health and well-being, and collaborate to eradicate gender discrimination and violence. Regardless of their background, students will find this module invaluable as they connect with like-minded individuals, advocate for equality, and contribute to a sustainable and inclusive future in health.

 

Redefining Ageing:
Key themes addressed are those associated with demographic changes in the context of an ageing population. The module examines both the difficulties and opportunities of growing older whilst challenging stereotypical ideas associated with ageing. Practical research carried out on seniors in the form of a semi structured qualitative interview is an integral element of the module. This allows students to apply interview skills in order to facilitate deeper understanding and knowledge of experiences in later life. 

 

Family Health and Wellbeing:
The demand for informal care is rising due to aging populations, chronic illnesses, and healthcare system challenges. Families and informal carers provide essential support, often bridging gaps in formal care. However, this reliance places emotional, physical, and financial strain on carers and their families. Cultural beliefs and traditions further shape caregiving roles and expectations. 

This module focuses on systemic thinking and innovative care practices. Using family systems theory, students will explore how individuals influence and are influenced by their family and social environments. A systemic perspective helps professionals provide holistic, culturally sensitive care that supports both patients and their families. 

Additionally, as healthcare systems face increasing pressure, innovative and evidence-based approaches are needed to strengthen informal care. Policies should enhance financial support, respite care, and training for carers, while organizations can develop integrated care models, digital health solutions, and community-based support networks. 

Students will apply their knowledge to develop a proposal for innovative, evidence-based interventions or solutions that enhance patient- and family-centered care. 

 

Health Innovation Lab:
The Health Innovation Lab module is at the heart of the Future Health Minor programme. This 10EC project is designed for the learner to dive deep into a pressing health challenge, providing an opportunity to explore and develop innovative solutions that can make a real difference for the world. Throughout the 10 week course, you will collaborate in an international and multidisciplinary team utilising the design thinking process, guiding you through the stages of identifying, understanding and addressing real-life health issues. This collaborative effort will culminate into an end product that highlights the findings and proposed solutions, showcasing the creativity and problem-solving skills that have been developed within the programme. After this module, one will have gained invaluable experience in interdisciplinary teamwork and project execution, with careful guidance from experts in the field of healthcare.

General Learning Outcome:
Upon completing the Future Health minor programme, the student demonstrates advanced analytical capabilities in addressing complex global health challenges through an interdisciplinary lens from integrated perspectives. Graduates possess the competency to develop and evaluate innovative health interventions while demonstrating cultural sensitivity and strong collaborative skills essential for contributing to sustainable health solutions in diverse international contexts.

Module specific learning outcomes and goals will be shared in course documents.

Admission Requirements

• You are a third-year or fourth-year student (Bachelor level undergraduate or associate degree).

• You have completed the first year of your programme and have obtained at least 45 ECTS in the main phase (year 2, 3 (or 4)).

• Language requirements English preferably at a B2 Equivalent or Academic IELTS 6.0 overall.

• A background in nursing, allied health care studies, midwifery, social studies, human technology studies or sport studies are desired but not required. 

Good to Know: You will work in an international interprofessional multidisciplinary team in the English language. Useful additional personal characteristics for participation in such a team are: an open mind, the ability to listen actively, tolerance, flexibility, transparency in motives, interests and values. 

Please note that the programme is subject to cancellation if the minimum number of registered students has not been achieved. 

Will be published on the intranet.

Schedule:

Will be announced after registration. During the teaching weeks, there is an average of 16 contact hours per week consisting of lectures, tutorials, trainings and workshops and fieldtrips.  

Assessment:

Tech Driven Wellness:
Assessment- Group Presentation & Individual Interview

Sustainable Future:
Assessment- Multiple Choice & Group Debate

Redefining Ageing:
Assessment- Group Interview + Presentation & Individual Reflection

Family Health and Wellbeing:
Assessment- Group Report & Presentation

Health Innovation Lab:
Assessment- Group Presentation

In the minor Future Health, we expect active participation from students. This means that students prepare for classes according to the instructions of the study guide, be on time for class sessions, and display an active attitude within the class with both colleagues and teachers.