"The master programme gave me a new strategic foundation."

During her studies at the Master programme in Health Science, Annika Karlsson Juliussen took a step forward in her career and became head of public health.

Annika Karlsson Juliussen discovered Kristianstad University via India. She has a background in nutrition and a keen interest in international issues. She previously worked on a ForumCiv funded project related to small-scale farming and food security in rural India. To analyse the work, she opted for an independent course in evaluation offered by Kristianstad University. She then discovered that the university also offered a master programme in health sciences, which gained her interest.

"I liked the broad approach to health in Kristianstad."

– I already had a master's degree in international public health nutrition. But I liked the broad approach to health in Kristianstad, and the fact that the programme took a stance in the social sciences in a clearer way than my previous degrees.

Inspiration from lectures

She decided to go back to university. While studying remotely at Kristianstad University, she also worked as a public health developer, and eventually became head of public health for the public health team. In her work, she was able to draw a lot of inspiration from lectures and assignments at the university.

– The programme covers topics such as leadership, collaboration with organisations, and the integration of different perspectives and professions to health-related measures. These were topics that suited me very well, as they could be applied directly in my job as head of public health.

"I found it very enjoyable and interesting to study, so I remained motivated."

To work full time and study at university at the same time can be a challenge. But Annika Karlsson Juliussen describes the remote education as flexible, allowing students to take responsibility for structuring their work.

– I found it very enjoyable and interesting to study, so I remained motivated. Of course, careful planning is necessary, deciding which days or evenings to dedicate to studies.

Engaging debates and new perspectives

An online remote education, of course, differs from an on-campus experience.  But Annika Karlsson Juliussen thinks that it has worked well to manage discussions and tasks via the platform. 

–  The students' different backgrounds and the programme's international profile have also contributed to exciting debates and new perspectives on health and society

As her degree project, she chose a subject that is particularly close to heart: children's and young people's participation and influence in decisions that affect them, and what experiences municipal politicians have in children and young people's participation in decision-making processes at the municipal level. The degree project was eventually published in a scientific journal.

In June 2022, Annika Karlsson Juliussen receive the degree certificate, which showed that she had received her master's degree in health sciences. She feels that the programme has strengthened her in her role as a public health manager and given her new tools to use when she sets up strategies or performs analyses together with employees in the team.

Collaboration between organisations

– It's both rewarding and challenging to work with leadership. And thanks to the master´s programme I have a new strategic foundation to stand on.

Her task is to lead the public health team in the five municipalities of Hallsberg, Kumla, Lekeberg, Laxå and Askersund.

– The nature of the work is very much about collaboration between different organisations such as municipalities, regional health and medical services, regional development department, county administrative boards, and the civil society.

"Providing children and young people with safe conditions to grow up in is crucial for public health."

Right now, she is working on preparations for a democracy network that will meet later this week, where the participants will discuss, among other things, how organisations can listen to the voices of children and young people.

– For us in the public health team, children and young people are a priority target group. Providing them with safe conditions to grow up in is crucial for public health.

Text and image: Kerstin Weman Thornell