USI addresses the health challenges with a new Master of Science in Health

At a time marked by profound transformations and growing global health challenges — from chronic diseases to population ageing, from mental health to inequalities, from social, commercial and economic determinants to the impacts of climate change, from infectious threats to misinformation, and from accelerated digitalisation to the sustainability of health systems — the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is responding with a new educational offering: the Master of Science in Health (MH). The programme, which will begin in the next academic year, will train professionals capable of addressing these and other major transformations through interdisciplinary competencies and advanced operational tools.

Beginning in the 2026/27 academic year, USI will launch the new Master of Science in Health (MH), a two-year, 120 ECTS programme that expands the University’s current offering of 28 Master’s degrees. The programme addresses the increasingly complex challenges in the field of health by training professionals able to work in a participatory, multi- and interdisciplinary manner, supported by cross-cutting competencies in topics, theories, methods, data, economic and communication mechanisms, and ongoing digital transformation. Graduates will be prepared to understand and improve population health, contributing to a more equitable and healthier society through monitoring, analysis, the design and evaluation of interventions, management, and the effective and equitable communication of health issues.

The Master of Science in Health is designed to respond to emerging societal health needs. It offers practical and forward-looking training for future health professionals, researchers, policymakers, innovators and communicators. Its interdisciplinary approach builds on the expertise of the Faculties of Biomedical Sciences, Communication, Culture and Society, and Economics, allowing students to choose from three distinct and complementary pathways.

From September 2026, two Majors will be offered: the Major in Digital Public Health, which develops competencies in digital-era public health through the consolidated academic and practical experience of the Institute of Public Health (IPH); and the Major in Health Communication, which draws on the expertise of the Institute of Communication and Public Policy (ICPP) and focuses on the crucial role of communication within a complex information ecosystem, including social and cultural determinants and sustainability.

From September 2027, the Major in Health Economics and Management, supported by the Institute of Economics (IdEP), will be added. This pathway is designed to address challenges related to the sustainability, efficiency and governance of health systems.

Training is closely connected to real-world needs. Students will gain valuable experience preparing them to work in health departments, agencies and ministries, hospitals, healthcare networks, and international organisations. They will also be well equipped to work in technology start-ups, MedTech companies, NGOs, public policy think tanks and communication agencies.

Registrations are open.

To request interviews with the programme directors, please contact [email protected].

Contacts:
• Prof. L. Suzanne Suggs, Director of the Major in Health Communication
• Prof. Emiliano Albanese, Director of the Major in Digital Public Health
• Prof. Fabrizio Mazzonna, Director of the Major in Health Economics and Management