Arehone Maraheni: Graduate of Master of Health Sciences in Transdisciplinary Health Promotion

Health promotion is the “process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve their own health”.

However, health promotion becomes even more powerful when we approach it using a transdisciplinary lens.
Transdisciplinary health promotion is a behavioural social science that draws from the biological, environmental, psychological, physical and medical sciences to promote health and prevent disease, disability and premature death through education-driven voluntary behaviour change activities.

In reality, South Africa has a unique situational landscape and challenges in how the promotion of health is being understood or implemented. Herein lies the opportunity to define, unpack and describe what this means to the community and consider their challenges, resistance and objections. The goal is to achieve collaboration and implementable solutions, and ultimately, the adoption of health improvement tips, tools and practices amongst all the people of the nation.

MHSc. in Transdisciplinary Health Promotion requires graduate candidates seeking to investigate and research:

• Health Promotion & Wellbeing Activation
• Strengthening Health Systems
• Sustainable Community Development and Engagement
• Digital behaviour change interventions
• Chronic disease prevention, support and solutions
• Antimicrobial resistance

Completing this Master’s qualification in Transdisciplinary Health Promotion enables graduates to:

• inform social mobilisation in bringing together all societal and personal influences that raise awareness of, and demand for, health care,
• assist in the delivery of resources and services, and
• cultivate sustainable individual and community involvement.

Are you ready to tackle the wicked health problems escalating on a global scale?

These complex societal issues, often called "wicked problems," pose significant challenges that demand our attention. Poverty, inequality, climate change, and the rising burden of chronic diseases are just a few examples. Addressing these issues requires action on multiple fronts.

At AUTHeR, we recognise that solving wicked problems goes beyond the efforts of health researchers and professionals alone. We believe it takes different perspectives, approaches, and knowledge domains to address these complex issues and promote health effectively. We understand that wicked problems reveal the need for new ways of thinking and doing. That's where transdisciplinarity comes in.

Transdisciplinary research is an approach that brings together diverse stakeholders to solve complex health-related problems that are crucial to society. By co-creating new knowledge that integrates science and society, we can develop practical solutions to address real-life problems relevant to South Africa.

Our Master of Health Sciences in Transdisciplinary Health Promotion degree is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge of health promotion principles, values, and approaches. We are committed to preparing our students to take on some of the most complex health issues faced by South Africa. Through our comprehensive curriculum, you will gain the necessary skills to make a tangible impact on the health of South Africans.

By choosing our program, you will join a community of passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference. Our staff are experts in their respective fields, and they will guide you through this transformative learning experience. You will be able to collaborate with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a rich and dynamic learning environment.

Refiloe Mosola: Graduate of Master of Health Sciences in Transdisciplinary Health Promotion