The European Patients’ Forum is partnering with Cattolica University: First Master’s degree on International Patient Advocacy

The European Patients’ Forum is partnering with Cattolica University* to present the first ever Master’s degree on International Patient Advocacy, starting in March 2023.

*Cattolica University (Patient Advocacy Lab, of the Graduate School of Economics and Management of Healthcare Organizations (ALTEMS), of the Graduate School of Psychology Agostino Gemelli (ASAG), of the Faculty of Economics and of the Faculty of Medicine “A. Gemelli”, in collaboration with EngageMinds Hub – Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center of Università Cattolica and the Foundation Policlinico universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS).

The Master’s course
The II level University Master’s Course lasts one academic year (first edition March 2023 to May 2024) for 60 credits in total, equal to 1500 hours of lessons and study. The course will provide the management skills required for a successful coordination and development of the activities of patients’ organisations in the reference healthcare scenario.

The lessons will span from healthcare management, European legislation on health, Patient Involvement, fundraising, strategic communication, planning and bookkeeping, stakeholder management and more. See here the full programme.

Master’s calendar

The course is addressed to those who already have a Master’s degree and aims to provide a professional training to develop management skills for patients’ organisations working at local, national, and international level.

The teaching activity is then divided into ten modules, from March 2023 to May 2024. The lessons are a mix or fully remote self-learning, hybrid or in presence lessons in Rome and Milan.

Admission criteria

The course is primarily addressed to:

i) representatives of patients’ organisations and patient advocates

ii) institutions’ leaders and managers

iii) pharmaceutical companies’ leaders and managers.

The course is addressed to people who already have a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in healthcare, medicine, pharmacy, humanities, sociology, economics, management, communications, and marketing, achieved in any Italian or foreign university and afferent to any of the classes indicated by the DM 26 luglio 2007.

A certificate of equivalence of qualification needs to be attached to titles achieved in a country different from Italy (where the university is based).
Previous experience in patient advocacy is qualifying, but not necessary.

The maximum number of participants for the Master’s course in International Patient Advocacy Management is 30. 18 places are reserved for patients’ representatives.

To be admitted to the course, the candidates need to pass an interview to verify their motivation, knowledge about patient advocacy and English language.

To be admitted to the course, the candidates need to reach the minimum grade established by the commission before the interview and the titles examination.

You can find more information on the criteria and how to apply here.

The participation fee is 5000 euro and you can find more information on fees, here.

For any queries you can refer to Cattolica University, and you will find the contact details here.