Universities: Shaping the future of health promotion
As academic institutions, universities play a pivotal role in shaping the future of health promotion. Their health promotion courses provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective health promotion practitioners.
The International Union of Health Promotion Education (IUHPE) is a global organisation dedicated to health promotion. Their accreditation system ensures quality, competence, and mobility in health promotion worldwide. It's flexible, context-sensitive and includes accreditation of health promotion-related tertiary education courses and registration of health promotion practitioners. IUHPE accredits the health promotion-related tertiary education courses and National Accreditation Organisations (NAOs) are approved by IUHPE to register practitioners. NAOs follow IUHPE criteria and guidelines as outlined in the IUHPE accreditation system handbook.
There are a range of benefits to universities offering accredited courses.
Benefits of offering accredited health promotion courses:
- Enhanced credibility: Accreditation lends credibility to the universities and their programs. Their courses ensure students achieve IUHPE core competencies.
- Offering more to students: The opportunity to become registered on graduation is an additional benefit that can be offered to prospective and graduating students.
- Competitive advantage: Accreditation sets a university apart from institutions that do not have accredited courses. It can provide a significant competitive advantage in the higher education sector.
- Global recognition: Accredited courses are recognised internationally, allowing graduates to pursue opportunities abroad or collaborate with universities and organisations in other countries.
- Networking opportunities: Universities with accredited courses gain a further opportunity to connect with other accredited institutions, accrediting bodies, and professionals in the field, fostering valuable networks.
- Contributing to the profession: By offering accredited courses, universities contribute to the growth and professionalisation of health promotion, ensuring formal recognition.
NOTE: AHPA, who administers the registration system in Australia, is not responsible for course accreditation. For more information on how to apply and register for accreditation, please visit the IUHPE website here.
For a list of currently IUHPE accredited course, please see the list as at September 2023 here.