Master of Science in Health
Health is more than medicine
Health and health systems are shaped by culture, economics, technology, history, and politics, and addressing current and future challenges requires a broad interdisciplinary vision and understanding. The Master of Science in Health at USI brings together the expertise of the Faculties of Biomedicine, Communication, Culture and Society, and Economics. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand health in its multiple dimensions and prepares them to contribute to innovative and sustainable solutions for the future of health.
This two-year degree programme requires the completion of 120 ECTS, consisting of course work, a thesis, and options for internships and field projects. The Master of Science in Health consists of a common first semester of courses followed by three semesters of courses specific to the Major for which they are enrolled:
- Major in Digital Public Health (from A.Y. 2026/2027) - Faculty of Biomedicine
- Major in Health Communication (from A.Y. 2026/2027) - Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society
- Major in Health Economics and Management (from A.Y. 2027/2028 - more information will be available from September 2026) - Faculty of Economics
Students will choose their Major from the programme’s start, also according to their profile which will be evaluated during the admission. Each Major will follow different requirements, but all share the goal of preparing students to take on diverse professional roles in health, in various work settings.
Emiliano Albanese
Emiliano Albanese
Director of the Major in Digital Public Health
Professor Emiliano Albanese is Full Professor of Public Health at Università della Svizzera italiana and Associate Professor at the University of Geneva, where he directs the WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health. He holds degrees in Medicine, Public Health Nutrition, and a PhD in Psychology and Neuropsychology. His international career includes roles at King’s College London, NIH (USA), and the Italian National Institute of Health. His research focuses on public mental health, dementia, ageing, and epidemiology. He teaches across Europe and holds visiting positions in Verona, Lisbon, and Geneva.
L. Suzanne Suggs
L. Suzanne Suggs
Director of the Major in Health Communication
Professor Suzanne Suggs is Full Professor of Social Marketing at Università della Svizzera italiana, where she leads the BeCHANGE research group. She is Vice-President of SSPH+, Chair of the Lugano Summer School, and Visiting Reader at Imperial College London. Her research focuses on health communication, behaviour change, and vaccine hesitancy. She advised the Swiss government during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to lead scientific exchange initiatives. She teaches and lectures internationally, and was the first woman to receive USI’s Best Teaching Award.
Fabrizio Mazzonna
Fabrizio Mazzonna
Director of the Major in Health Economics
Professor Fabrizio Mazzonna is Professor of Economics and Director of the Department of Economics (IdEP) at Università della Svizzera italiana. He holds a PhD in Econometrics from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and has held research roles at UCL and the Max Planck Institute in Munich. He directs the Centre for Economic and Political Research on Ageing (CEPRA). His work focuses on ageing, health economics, and public policy. He is a founding member of the Swiss Society of Health Economics and has led several SSPH+ academic programmes.
