MSc “Environmental health and communication in general and special education and training”

The Postgraduate Studies Programme (MSc. ) entitled “Environmental health and communication in general and special education and training” of the Department of Public and Community Health of the School of Public Health of the University of West Attica aims to further promote scientific knowledge, the development of research and the high level specialization of graduates in theoretical and applied areas on issues related to both the promotion of responsible environmental behavior and health promotion of the participants.

The aim of the MSc is to provide high quality postgraduate education in the scientific field of Environmental Communication, Health Promotion and Special Education and Education, providing specific information and promoting critical evaluation skills on environmental issues and Special Education and Education. It is imperative that these skills are integrated and disseminated in order to promote the educational process in the school environment in both general and special education, and in the community at large. These skills will enable those concerned to participate and lead in the processes of implementing relevant educational – and not only – programmes for both the general population and people with disabilities, thus defining the quality of health and the environment in the coming decades.

Objectives of the MSc:

1. To promote social, professional and ethical responsibility and sensitivity to issues of diversity and interculturalism.
2. Provide academic knowledge in the field of environmental communication, health promotion and special education and training.
3. Developing research in the field of new technologies related to Special Education and Training, Ecotherapy and Health Promotion.
4. Development of a multifaceted professional career for postgraduates and utilisation of the knowledge gained during their studies for the better performance of their professional work.
5. Evaluation of advanced and complex concepts, approaches and methods from communication science, with particular reference to the inter- and trans-disciplinary problems and approaches identified in the scientific literature.
6. Apply appropriate design for quantitative and qualitative empirical research, selecting appropriate research methods for data collection and analysis and demonstrating the ability to identify needs for new theoretical, methodological and practical approaches.
7. Evaluate educational principles that can improve the effectiveness of teaching in special education as well as critically compare the appropriateness of different teaching methods in different learning contexts (e.g. individual, group, formal, informal).
8. Promote the initiation of constructive interdisciplinary and intersectoral discussions and collaborations within and between different social and scientific organisations and professions.
9. Critical analysis of how different health, wellness and healthcare knowledge, communications and practices are used to shape and organise the lives of general and special education students and the wider population.
10. Evaluate the means used in scientific and social approaches to understand, mediate, advocate for health and wellbeing and design innovative actions to bridge these approaches in the context of inclusive education and ensuring equal opportunities.
11. To produce scientists with the skills required for successful careers in the private, public and academic sectors in the field of special education and training and in the field of prevention – public health promotion.
12. Preparation for postgraduate studies at doctoral level. During the studies the student is encouraged to conduct research and encouraged to participate in national and international conferences, as well as to publish studies in international scientific journals.