HYGIEIA - Joint Master in Health and Wellbeing across the Lifespan

What is Hygieia?

Hailing from Greek mythology, Hygieia embodied the virtues of cleanliness, sanitation and health, adored by her power to prevent rather than cure – sickness. This mythological figure seems to have a particular relevance in the current world, where integrated preventive strategies throughout the lifespan are in need to achieve Health and wellbeing of the populations.

HYGIEIA- Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifespan Master aims to bring a ground-breaking educational project providing scientific knowledge and competencies that are applicable in risk prevention (rather than treatment) health strategies. This is achieved through non-pharmacological approaches: Nutrition, Lifestyle education and thoughtful use of Cosmetics, Food Supplements and Digital Tools, accomplishing the potential synergies that can be established when a holistic approach is used. HYGIEIA targets a new generation of professionals hoping to undertake a career relevant to the areas of health and wellness. It will be operating in an area of high economic impact and strategic importance, addressing market needs since there is a deficiency of formative offer in this field.

Complementarily, it will contribute to bringing much needed evidence-based scientific knowledge to the industry and businesses.

Curriculum overview

The HYGIEIA EMJM academic program results from a common vision among partners that allowed us to create one single joint curriculum . This curriculum was drawn from the existing formative options and expertise of each university, and was completed with additional subjects to accommodate the ideas raised in the co-creation activities conducted with potential students and stakeholders, in order toachieve a program that fully meets the intended learning outcomes.

Semester 1 - University Lusófona- ULus- PORTUGAL

 In the inaugural semester at ULus, students get immersed on the concept of integrated H&W strategies and explore foundational and transversal subjects that pave the way for the in-depth exploration of specific H&W strategies in subsequent curricular units. Throughout the semester, these courses collectively form a robust foundation, ensuring students gain a comprehensive and interconnected understanding of H&W approaches. This strategic integration sets thestage for their continued exploration of the diverse facets of the HYGIEA EMJM program.

Semester 2 - Universitat de les Illes Balears- UIB- SPAIN

The 2nd semester will be held at UIB. Students will dive into the realm of health strategies centered on nutrition and lifestyle. The curriculum of this semester was designed to provide a holistic understanding of how dietary habits and physical activity profoundly impact overall H&W . As students progress through these subjects, they will not only acquire specialized knowledge but also appreciate the interconnected nature of nutrition and lifestyle in shaping the holistic health of individuals across the lifespan.

Semester 3 - University of Belgrade- UoB- SERBIA

The 3rd semester will take place at UoB. Students will have a deeper contact with non-drug products (cosmetics, food supplements and other food products). This phase of the curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the formulation, production, and evidence-based use of these products, along with their environmental impact and implications on health economics and quality of life.

Semester 4 - Dissertation

In the last semester, a personalized internship program is foreseen, either in industry, healthcare providers, or in research centers, in order to meet the different individual needs and expectations of the students. The internship will also provide the basis for the development of the final dissertation.

The Hygieia program is based on three existing national masters, already accredited by national agencies:

• Master in Health Products and Food Supplements (U. Lus)
• Master in Human Food and Nutrition (UIB)
• Master in Dietetic and Cosmetic Products in Improving Quality-of-Life (UoB)

Leveraging our synergistic strengths and complementary expertise, we have defined a common core of knowledge on health and wellbeing by refining the programs' content to reflect current trends and advances.