Work and Health
People with health problems — particularly those with mental disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and neurological disorders — constitute the majority of individuals who fall outside working life. The need for evidence-based, work-oriented support is increasing, posing challenges for health services, companies, and the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV).
The consequences of large groups of the population being excluded from working life are substantial, both for the individual and for society as a whole. There is a growing need for knowledge and understanding of how these challenges can be better addressed across multiple sectors, including municipal and specialist health services, private enterprises, and NAV. The field of work and health encompasses many disciplines and problem areas, as well as multiple and often complex interventions and approaches that require collaboration and coordination across professions and sectors.
Knowledge
- Has in-depth knowledge of the relationship between work participation, health, and different types of functional challenges.
- Has in-depth knowledge of the consequences of health-related exclusion from working life.
- Has advanced knowledge of different theoretical perspectives and values related to the field of Work and Health.
- Has advanced knowledge of approaches, strategies, and methods for promoting labour market inclusion.
- Has advanced knowledge of the organization of job support and the distribution of roles among health services, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV), and private actors.
Skills
- Can critically identify and analyse different perspectives and values within the field of Work and Health.
- Can analyse professional issues, including the relationships between health, functioning, and work.
- Can reflect on values and interests that may be relevant within the field.
- Can apply knowledge of factors that promote labour market inclusion and work participation at the individual, group, and societal level.
General competence
- Can apply knowledge of labour market inclusion in order to promote a sustainable working life.
- Can contribute to a health-promoting and preventive working life through professional development and the dissemination of updated knowledge.
- Can apply skills in job support for job-seeking clients, service users, and patients.
Lectures, seminars, group work, and self-study.
Spring 2026 – Levanger campus:
On-site gathering at Levanger campus: 2–4 February 2026.
Digital gatherings: 12–13 February and 25–26 February 2026.
Spring 2027 – Bodø campus:
Week 4: 26–28 January 2027 – On-site gathering in Bodø
Week 6: 8–9 February 2027 – Digital gathering
Week 7: 15–16 February 2027 – Digital gathering
