Informatics Engineering

1. Program Mission and Educational Objectives

The MSc in Interdisciplinary Management of Chronic Diseases, Disability and Ageing at the Hellenic Mediterranean University is an interdepartmental postgraduate programme organized jointly by the Departments of Social Work and Nutrition & Dietetics Sciences (School of Health Sciences) and the Department of Business Administration and Tourism (School of Administrative Sciences and Economics). Its mission is to prepare professionals who can respond to the complex, multifactorial clinical, psychosocial, and nutritional challenges associated with chronic diseases, disability, and ageing through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach. The programme emphasizes contemporary management principles, evidence-based practice, leadership, and human resource management in health and social care contexts, enabling graduates to assume roles of leadership and innovation within diverse organizational and societal settings. Graduates are equipped with advanced analytical, communication, and ethical decision-making skills to contribute effectively to the wellbeing of individuals and communities affected by long-term health conditions and age-related functional decline.

2. Curriculum Structure and Learning Progression

The MSc extends over three academic semesters in a full-time format and five semesters in a part-time format, awarding a total of 90 ECTS credits. The programme combines advanced coursework with applied research and professional reflection. According to national programme data, students undertake coursework and research activities following structured progression from foundational interdisciplinary knowledge to specialized domains of leadership, care practice, and evidence-based management.

The programme begins with core courses designed to establish a comprehensive understanding of chronic diseases, disability frameworks, ageing processes, and essential skills in interdisciplinary team leadership. As students advance, the curriculum introduces specialised courses aligned with their chosen field of focus where they explore advanced topics in social work, dietetics, leadership, health services management, policy analysis, and evidence-based practice. In the final semester, students complete a Master’s Dissertation that synthesizes knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme, allowing them to conduct independent research or implementation-oriented projects that address real-world issues in healthcare or social service contexts.

3. Academic Domains and Specializations

The structure of the MSc supports three interconnected specialisation tracks that reflect both professional practice domains and research priorities in the collaboration among health sciences, social practice, nutrition, and management:

Leadership in Interdisciplinary Health & Social Care Teams focuses on developing competencies in leadership, teamwork, integrated service design, and strategic human resource management in health and social care environments. Students examine organizational behaviour, service coordination across sectors, and models of collaborative decision-making that support integrated care pathways for people with chronic conditions, disabilities, and age-related needs.

Social Work in the Management of Chronic Diseases and Disability emphasizes the application of advanced social work theory and practice to complex health-related and psycho social challenges. Students explore social determinants of health, inclusive practice frameworks, advocacy strategies, community engagement, and case management approaches. This specialization prepares graduates for roles that require both direct practice skills and systems-level understanding of social service networks and policy environments.

Evidence-Based Dietetics Practice in the Management of Chronic Diseases and Disability develops expertise in nutritional strategies, clinical dietetics, and evidence-based interventions to support individuals with complex health conditions. Coursework within this specialisation covers advanced nutritional assessment, therapeutic diet design, behaviour change strategies, and critical interpretation of research evidence. Graduates in this pathway are prepared for leadership roles in clinical, community, and public health settings where dietetics practice contributes to chronic disease prevention and management.

Students may also choose to complete the MSc without electing a specialisation, in which case the awarded diploma indicates the general programme title, reflecting the interdisciplinary breadth of the curriculum.

These domains ensure that graduates possess both conceptual depth and practical readiness, reflecting the needs of diverse professional environments — from clinical settings and public health agencies to community organizations and policy-making bodies.

4. Laboratory Experience, Research Integration, and Continuous Improvement

Although the programme is primarily academic and professional in orientation, it integrates applied learning experiences, analytical coursework, and research synthesis that align with international expectations for postgraduate education. Students engage with case studies, project-based assignments, critical literature reviews, and research methods to build competencies in evidence synthesis, program evaluation, and quality improvement. The curriculum embeds interdisciplinary inquiry methods, encouraging students to analyze complex problems through multiple lenses — clinical, social, organizational, economic, and ethical.

The Master’s Dissertation serves as a capstone research experience, enabling students to design and implement an independent research study or applied intervention that advances understanding or addresses policies and practices related to chronic disease management, disability, or ageing services. Under faculty supervision, students apply advanced analytical techniques, data interpretation methods, and communication skills to produce scholarly work aligned with academic and professional standards.

Curriculum review and continuous improvement are supported by systematic feedback mechanisms involving students, alumni, employers, and partner organizations. These processes ensure that the programme evolves in response to emerging global health trends, interdisciplinary practice innovations, and workforce needs in ageing and chronic care domains.

5. Professional Preparation and Graduate Outcomes

Graduates of the MSc in Interdisciplinary Management of Chronic Diseases, Disability and Ageing demonstrate achievements aligned with the HAHE criteria, including the ability to integrate advanced interdisciplinary knowledge, analyze complex problems, design and implement effective interventions, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholder groups, and engage in reflective professional practice. They are prepared to collaborate across health, social, and community sectors and to contribute to evidence-based policy, practice innovation, and organizational leadership.

The programme prepares students for a range of specialist and leadership roles, including positions in healthcare administration, chronic care management, disability services coordination, nutrition and health education, policy advocacy, and community-based practice. Graduates may also pursue careers in research and evaluation within academic institutions, NGOs, governmental agencies, and international health organizations. Additionally, the programme provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies in interdisciplinary health and social sciences, enabling graduates to contribute to scholarly research and innovation in complex care systems.