: Structure

Academic Regulations

ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI

SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT

Postgraduate Studies [MSc] Programme

"PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH POLICY" Updated Academic Regulations of the MSc, according to Law 4957/2022

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS of the MSc "PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH POLICY"

Updated Academic Regulations of of the MSc, according to Law 4957/2022General provisionsThe present Studies Regulation complements the provisions of Chapter IX [Organization and Operation of Second and Third Cycle Study Programs] of Law 4957/2022 (Government Gazette 141/t.A'/21-7-2022): "New Horizons at the Higher Educational Institutions: Strengthening the quality, functionality and connection of Universities with society and other provisions", as well as the Regulations for the Operation of Postgraduate Studies Programs of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Article 1The Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences organizes and operates an MSc entitled "Public Health - Health Policy".

Subject and purpose of the MSc

The subject of the MSc is the interdisciplinary fields of Public Health and Health Policy.The aim of the MSc is to provide specialised knowledge and the expansion of research activity in the fields of Public Health and Health Policy.

The interdisciplinary and holistic approach to health at the population level is the main orientation of the proposed new MSc.

In order to analyse the factors that determine the level of health of the population, knowledge will be provided in the fields of epidemiology, biostatistics and preventive strategy. At the same time, in order to deepen the understanding of health policy, the subjects of political economy of health, sociological approach to health and planning of health services will be developed.

Modern public health and health policy challenges require specialised and interdisciplinary research and training and the development of human resources with relevant knowledge and skills. The aim of this MSc is for graduates to be able to record, analyse and monitor population health status and corresponding health care needs; to plan and evaluate health services with a focus on an accurate and timely response to the health care needs of the population; to analyse, evaluate and propose specific health policy interventions; to plan and implement specific public health interventions on a case-by-case and place-by-place basis.

The learning outcomes and qualifications of those who successfully completed the MSc are the following:

Understanding and critical analysis of the main theoretical currents and axes in the scientific disciplines of Health Policy and Public Health
The comparative evaluation and critical analysis of health policies and public health programmes at local, national and international level
Linking theory to practice through the development of specific skills for assessing population health needs, assessing risk factors of specific population groups, identifying, quantitatively and qualitatively assessing population health inequalities, planning, prioritising and detailed design of health services, public health and health promotion programmes
Exposure of students to methodological problems and interdisciplinary research methods in the scientific fields of Public Health and Health Policy
To train students in the collection, analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data necessary for the formulation and evaluation of health and public health policies
The development of critical and research skills required for doctoral level

Article 2

Awarded title of the MSc

The MSc "Public Health and Health Policy" (MPHHP) awards a single Master's Degree (MSc) in the following two (2) directions:

Α. Public Health

B. Health Policy

Successful completion of the studies leads to level seven (7) of the National and European Qualifications Framework according to article 47 of Law No. 4763/2020 (Α΄254).

Article 3

Bodies of the MSc

The competent bodies for the administration, organisation and operation of the postgraduate programme are:

Ι. The Senate of the Foundation: is the competent body for the academic, administrative and organisational issues of the MSc, and exercises all the competences related to the MSc that are not assigned by law to other bodies.

II. The Committee for Postgraduate Studies: is constituted by decision of the Senate and consists of the competent Vice Rector, who acts as the President, as well as one (1) member of the Teaching and Research Staff from each Faculty of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and one (1) member from the categories of Special Teaching Staff (S.T.P.), Laboratory Teaching Staff (L.T.P.) and Special Technical Laboratory Staff (S.T.L.P.) of the Aristotle University of The term of office of the Committee shall be two (2) academic years.

III. The Assembly of the Department: the Assembly of the Department of Studies has the following responsibilities:

(a) sets up Committees for the evaluation of the applications of prospective postgraduate students and approves their enrolment in the MSc,

(b) assigns the teaching work to the lecturers of the MSc,

(c) recommends to the Senate the amendment of the decision establishing the MSc, as well as the extension of its duration,

(d) recommends to the Senate the amendment of the decision to establish the MSc, as well as the extension of the duration of the MSc,

(e) set up examination committees for the examination of t h e theses of postgraduate students and appoint the supervisor for each thesis,

(f) certifies the successful completion of the course of study in order to award the degree of the MSc,

(j) approve the report of the MSc, following the recommendation of the Coordinating Committee (CC).

By decision of the Assembly of the Department, the responsibilities of the following sections shall be transferred to the Department. (a) and (d) may be transferred to the Coordinating Committee of the MSc.

IV. The Coordinating Committee (SC) of the MSc: consists of the Director of the MSc and four

faculty members of the Department who have a related subject to that of the MSc and undertake teaching work in the MSc. The responsibilities of the SC are:
1. prepare the initial annual budget of the MSc and its amendments, if the MSc has resources according to article 84 of Law 4957/2022, and recommend its approval to the Special Account for Research Funds (SACR),
2. prepare the report of the programme and recommend its approval to the Assembly of the Department,
3. approve the expenditure of the MSc,
4. recommends to the Assembly of the Department the allocation of teaching work, as well as the assignment of teaching work to the teaching categories of article 83 of Law 4957/2022,
5. recommends to the Assembly of the Department the invitation of Visiting Professors to cover the teaching needs of the programme,
6. prepare a plan for the modification of the curriculum, which shall be submitted to the Assembly of the Department,
7. recommends to the Assembly of the Department the reallocation of courses between academic semesters, as well as issues related to the qualitative upgrading of the curriculum.

Emeritus Professors of the Department may participate in the SC, if they provide teaching work in the MSc.

V. The Director of the MSc is selected from the faculty members of the Department, with priority to the rank of Professor or Associate Professor, and is appointed by decision of the Department Assembly for a two-year term, renewable without limitation and is not entitled to any additional remuneration for his/her administrative work. The Director shall have the powers provided for in Article 82 4 of Law 4957/2022 and any other powers specified in the decision establishing the MSc:

chairs the SC, draws up the agenda and convenes its meetings,
recommends issues concerning the organisation and operation of the MSc Assembly of the Department
recommends to the Board and the other bodies of the MSc and the E.I. issues related to the effective operation of the MSc,
is the Scientific Manager of the programme in accordance with article 234 of 4957/2022 and shall exercise the corresponding powers,
monitors the implementation of the decisions of the institutions of the MSc and the Internal Regulations for postgraduate and doctoral programmes, as well as the monitoring of the implementation of the MSc budget.

The Director of the MSc, as well as the members of the Board and the Curriculum Committee are not entitled to any remuneration or any compensation for the performance of the responsibilities assigned to them and related to the performance of their duties.

The secretarial support of the MSc is provided by the Department of Medicine of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The Secretariat of the MSc is responsible for maintaining the files and grades of postgraduate students. It also informs the postgraduate students on issues related to the organisation and operation of the Programme. Finally, she is responsible for the preparation of matters submitted to the Departmental Assembly or the Programme Committee.

Article 4

Categories of candidates for the study of the MSc

Categories of candidates who can be admitted to the MSc are:

Holders of first cycle qualifications of higher education institutions of the Greek language and
Holders of a first degree in a foreign country. The recognition of foreign qualifications for admission to a postgraduate programme is carried out by the Academic Departments. The Academic Departments are responsible for the academic recognition of qualifications only and not for their The responsibility for the equivalence of qualifications remains with the IOATAP. (1) by means of the Hague stamp, (2) by depositing the degree and simultaneously informing the foreign university of the person concerned. The notification is accompanied by an official email from the University of Foreign Studies, enabling the Secretariat of the relevant Academic Department to check the authenticity.

Article 5

Number of Applicants, Criteria and Selection Process

The maximum number of admissions per year is 20 postgraduate students, 10 per direction. The MSc cannot operate with less than 10 postgraduate students. The AC Committee shall determine the final number of admissions within the above mentioned upper and lower limits, depending on the applications of the candidates, the performance of the candidates and the capacity of the MSc. The AC shall also determine for the following academic year the syllabus for the written entrance examinations and the time of publication of the relevant call for expressions of interest for interested parties to apply for these places. The call for expressions of interest shall be published in the daily press, on the notice boards and the Department's website and on the website of the MSc. The notice is also posted on the Internet. The notice shall state: The dates of submission of supporting documents, the number of candidates to be admitted, the method of admission (written examinations and personal interview), the subject matter of the examinations, the dates of the examination and the way of marking the candidates.

The candidate submits the following documents to the MSc Secretariat in paper or electronic form:

Application accompanied by a short memorandum explaining the reasons for the expression of
Detailed curriculum
A copy of a degree or diploma (for foreign degrees the provisions of article 4, par. 2 of this Regulation).
Certificate of knowledge of the English language. Level B2 (proficient) or II. TOEFL with a minimum of 87 points in the Internet-based test or III. Secondary school leaving certificate or Higher Education Degree from an English speaking University (recognized by IOATAP) or
In case of knowledge of a second foreign language, the corresponding certificate must also be
Evidence of any research and writing activity and professional experience relevant to the field of specialisation (if any).
Photocopy of identity card or passport
2 recent photographs of a type of identity card

Admission selection procedure and criteria

Graduates of the Departments of Higher Education Institutions of the Greek and foreign countries are admitted to the MSc.

Candidates can also be final year students, who will have successfully completed their undergraduate studies before the end of the registration period and will meet all the admission requirements for the MSc

Procedure and method of evaluation (marking) of candidates' applications

The AC sets up a Tripartite Selection and Examination Committee composed of faculty members who have undertaken postgraduate work, and which is responsible for the evaluation of candidates who have submitted all the required documents in due time.

The Commission draws up a full list of all candidates and, after checking, rejects those who do not meet the minimum criteria and have not submitted the required supporting documents.

The evaluation (marking) criteria for the candidates and the corresponding maximum marks are:

General degree grade, with a maximum of ten (10)
Research activity: Author (only as 1^ος , 2^ος or last author) in an article in an international peer reviewed journal 10 points (10), Author (only as 1^ος , 2^ος or last author) in an article in a nationally recognized Greek peer reviewed journal eight points (8), Author (in any other position) in an international or Greek peer-reviewed journal five points (5), Author of a Greek or international conference paper or a round table presentation five points (5). Maximum limit in this category is ten points (10)
Relevant professional experience: from one (1) to five (5)
additional undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications ten points (10)
Foreign language qualifications other than English five (5)
A written examination grade multiplied by a factor of two (2), up to a maximum of twenty (20) points.
Oral interview mark multiplied by a factor of two (2), up to a maximum of twenty (20) points.

The interview procedure is carried out by a special three-member committee, which is set up by decision of the AC. The members of the committee shall be members of the AC and lecturers of the MSc. Only those candidates who have obtained a pass mark (≥ 10/20) in the written entrance examinations shall be invited to the interview.

On the basis of the total marks obtained by each candidate in the written tests, the interview and all the supporting documents submitted, a list of candidates is drawn up for each of the directions to which he/she belongs. The list will include, in order of merit, all the candidates in the field. He shall then draw up the lists of successful candidates in each field and, after carrying out the necessary checks on the lists of successful candidates, submit them to the Departmental Assembly for ratification.

Admission places may be left vacant if a sufficient number of candidates are not filled, who have obtained a pass mark in the written examinations (≥ 10/20) and/or their overall mark exceeds 40/80 points.

The final list of successful candidates and any runners-up, after being validated by the Departmental Assembly or the Curriculum Committee, is posted on the Secretariat's notice board and on the Department's website.

Objections to the results may be lodged within five (5) working days of the notification of the results.

Article 6

Duration and Terms of Attendance

Duration

The duration of the course of study leading to the award of the Diploma of Postgraduate Studies is defined as a minimum of four (4) semesters, which includes the time for the preparation and assessment of the postgraduate
Postgraduate students have the possibility of part-time study for working students, the duration of which may not exceed twice the normal period of study (maximum 8 semesters). Part-time attendance is also provided for non-working postgraduate students who are unable to meet the minimum requirements of the full-time programme and for special exceptionally serious cases, which are decided by the Departmental Assembly on a case-by-case
In exceptional cases, authorisation may be granted by decision of the AC suspension of education for a period not exceeding two years (2) consecutive semesters. During the period of suspension, the postgraduate student shall lose his/her status as a postgraduate student. The period of suspension shall not count towards the maximum period of regular study. After the end of the suspension, the postgraduate student is obliged to attend all courses, seminars, internships, etc. in which he/she has not been successfully assessed before the suspension of his/her studies.
By decision of the Assembly of the Department, following a proposal of the AC, it is possible to extend the time of study and/or the time of preparation and submission of the postgraduate thesis for up to two (2)

Tuition fees

There are no tuition fees for this postgraduate programme.

Article 7

Rights and Obligations of Attendance

Postgraduate students are enrolled and participate in postgraduate programmes under the terms and conditions provided in the Regulation for Postgraduate Studies. Postgraduate students have all the rights, benefits and facilities provided for students in the first cycle of studies, except for the right to free textbooks. The Department shall ensure that facilities are provided for postgraduate students with disabilities and/or special educational needs.

Postgraduate students admitted to the MSc are required to:

Attend the courses in the curriculum without fail. Attendance of courses and exercises is Exceptions are allowed only for serious and justified reasons. No more than two (2) absences are allowed in any one course.
Participate in all educational and research
Submit course declarations on time each
Submit the assignments required for each course within the
Attend
Submit to the Secretariat, together with their thesis for evaluation, a declaration that no plagiarism is contained in the
It is possible to study simultaneously in an undergraduate and a postgraduate programme of study or in two (2) Postgraduate Programmes of Study of the same or another Department of the same or another
Respect and comply with the decisions of the postgraduate institutions and academic Failure to comply with the above, without documented justification, may result in failure of a course or exclusion from the programme.

Failure to comply with all of the above without a serious and documented justification is grounds for the graduate student's withdrawal from the program.

Article 8

Curriculum - Knowledge Check

(A) Structure of the MSc and ECTS

The MSc is structured in four (4) academic semesters, lasting thirteen (13) academic semesters.

(13) teaching weeks. Each course is taught two (2) hours per week. Alternatively, by decision of the AC, each course may be taught three (3) hours per week, for a period of nine (9) teaching weeks per academic semester.

The start and end of the semesters are determined by the AC. By way of example, the winter semester shall begin on the Monday of the last week of September or, at the latest, the first week of October and shall last for 13 full weeks. The spring semester shall begin on the second or third Monday in February and shall last for 13 full weeks.

Courses are taught in the evening hours and may also be taught at times that are convenient for working or practicing graduate students. The teaching schedule shall be determined by the AC.

Three compulsory courses are taught in the first semester. In the second semester, 1 compulsory and 2 elective courses are taught. In the third semester, 1 compulsory and 2 electives are taught. In the fourth semester students prepare the Master's Thesis.

In order to obtain the Master's Degree, the postgraduate student must successfully complete and pass nine (9) courses, three for each semester of study, in addition to the postgraduate thesis. The courses are taken and examined in semesters A, B and C. At the end of the third semester, the student will be assigned a thesis topic. At the end of the fourth semester, the student must pass the examination for the thesis, provided that h e / s h e h a s successfully passed all the courses in the first, second and third semesters. The examination in the individual courses is carried out by means of written or oral examinations, assignments or a combination of the above.

The total number of credits of the courses of the MSc is 120 credit units (ECTS), namely 50 credit units (ECTS) from the attendance of the Compulsory courses, 40 credit units (ECTS) from the attendance of the Elective courses and 30 credit units (ECTS) for the Diploma Thesis. The credits according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System-European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) are as follows:

*Academic* *semester*	*Course* *credits*
First semester	3 Compulsory courses x10 ECTS= 30 ECTS
Second semester	1 Compulsory course + 2 Elective courses x 10 ECTS= 30 ECTS
Third semester	1 Compulsory course + 2 Elective courses x 10 ECTS= 30 ECTS
Fourth semester	Dissertation = 30 ECTS
Total semesters	120 ECTS

(B) Curriculum

The programme of the MSc courses and their start date is announced by the Secretariat of the MSc. With the proposal of the AC, the programme of the courses may be modified. During the month of June each year, the AC shall, by decision, assign to the lecturers the courses they will teach in the next academic year. The c u r r i c u l u m , by direction, is as follows:

Public Health Direction 1^ο Semester

The postgraduate student attends 3 Compulsory courses

*a/a*	*Course*	*Code Course*	*Press course*	*Hours* *Monitoring*	*ECTS*
1	Introduction to health systems	DYA001	Υ	26	10
2	Epidemiology and Statistics in Public Health	DYA002.	Υ	26	10
3	Research methodology in social sciences	DYA003.	Υ	26	10
	Total for the semester				30

2^ο Semester

The postgraduate student attends 1 Compulsory course and 2 Elective courses

*a/a*	*Course*	*Code Course*	*Press course*	*Hours* *Monitoring*	*ECTS*
1	Social determinants and health inequalities	DYB002	Υ	26	10
2	Health systems and policy health economy	DYB001	Ε	26	10
3	Primary Health Care	DYB003	Ε	26	10
4	Sociology of health	DYB004	Ε	26	10
	Total for the semester				30

3^ο Semester

The postgraduate student attends 1 Compulsory course and 2 Elective courses

*a/a*	*Course*	*Code Course*	*Press course*	*Hours* *Monitoring*	*ECTS*
1	Public Health and Modern Health Challenges	DYC002	Υ	26	10
2	International health governance	DYC001	Ε	26	10
3	Health promotion & Prevention	DYC003	Ε	26	10
4	Migration and health	DYC004	Ε	26	10
5	Ecology and health	DYC005	Ε	26	10
6	Mental health policies	DYC006	Ε	26	10
7	Evidence based practice in Primary Health Care	DYC007	Ε	26	10

Total for the semester

4^ο Semester

*a/a*	*Course*	*Code Course*	*Press course*	*ECTS*
1	Postgraduate Diploma Working in Public Health	M.Sc	Υ	30
	Total for the semester			30

Direction Health Policy 1^ο Semester

The postgraduate student attends 3 Compulsory courses

*a/a*	*Course*	*Code Course*	*Press course*	*Hours* *Monitoring*	*ECTS*
1	Introduction to health systems	DYA001	Υ	26	10
2	Epidemiology and Statistics in Public Health	DYA002.	Υ	26	10
3	Research methodology in social sciences	DYA003.	Υ	26	10
	Total for the semester				30

2 ^ndSemester

The postgraduate student attends 1 Compulsory course and 2 Elective courses

*a/a*	*Course*	*Code Course*	*Press course*	*Hours* *Monitoring*	*ECTS*
1	Health systems and policy health economy	DYB001	Υ	26	10
2	Social determinants and health inequalities	DYB002	Ε	26	10
3	Primary Health Care	DYB003	Ε	26	10
4	Sociology of health	DYB004	Ε	26	10
	Total for the semester				30

3^ο Semester

The postgraduate student attends 1 Compulsory course and 2 Elective courses

*a/a*	*Course*	*Code Course*	*Press course*	*Hours* *Monitoring*	*ECTS*
1	International health governance	DYC001	Υ	26	10
2	Public Health and Modern Health Challenges	DYC002	Ε	26	10
3	Health promotion & Prevention	DYC003	Ε	26	10

4	Migration and health	DYC004	Ε	26	10
5	Ecology and health	DYC005	Ε	26	10
6	Mental health policies	DYC006	Ε	26	10
7	Evidence Based practice in Primary Health Care	DYC007	Ε	26	10
	Total for the semester				30

4^th Semester

*a/a*	*Course*	*Code Course*	*Press course*	*ECTS*
1	Postgraduate Diploma Working in Health Policy	MPE-PY	Υ	30
	Total for the semester			30

Knowledge check - student assessment

The examination in the individual courses takes place at the end of each semester with written or oral examinations or the preparation of assignments or a combination of the above. The method of assessment is determined by the lecturer of each course at the beginning of the academic semester. The percentage of each individual examination in the final grade of each course is determined for each course separately, following the recommendation of the lecturer of each course and approved by the Coordinating Committee of the MSc.

The grading scale for the evaluation of graduate students' performance in individual courses is defined from zero (0) to ten (10), as follows:

Excellent (8.5 to 10)
Very Good (6,5 to 8,5 not including)
Good (6 to 5 not including).
The qualifying grade is six (6) and
In cases of non-qualifying marks (0 to 6 inclusive), students may resubmit their work during the re-examination In cases of resubmission of work, the maximum mark is set at six (6).

Attendance of the course or any other educational activity is compulsory. A postgraduate student is only considered to have attended a course (and is therefore eligible to sit the examinations) if he/she has attended at least 20 of the 26 theoretical hours of the course (up to 2 absences per course). Otherwise, the postgraduate student is obliged to attend the course again in the following academic year.

In order to attend the courses of the third semester, graduate students must have successfully completed the first two (2) semesters of the Program of Studies. The postgraduate students must have successfully completed the first three (3) semesters of the Programme of Studies in order to start their M.Sc.

All the courses of the programme are taught mainly in Greek, but also in English where appropriate.

Postgraduate students are invited to submit within the deadlines the required assignments for each course. Unreasonable submission of work after the end 48 hours from the deadline date and time of submission, will result in automatic zero marks for the assignment.

Postgraduate students are subject to plagiarism checks for both their mid-term and final coursework and their postgraduate dissertations. In cases of plagiarism and after a reasoned recommendation of the supervising professor or lecturer of the course, the Coordinating Committee of the MSc may decide on penalties ranging from a zero grade for the thesis to the final withdrawal of the candidate from the programme.

If a student fails a course, he/she is entitled to retake the course during the re-examination period. There is only one re-examination period, the September period, which caters for courses in the first, second and third semesters. During the re-examination period and in cases of returning assignments, the maximum grade is set at six (6).

If the postgraduate student fails 2 times in the course examination, he/she is considered not to have successfully completed the programme and upon the recommendation of the MSc Committee, the student is considered to be withdrawn from the programme. In case the student fails both the regular and the repeated examination, the student may, upon his/her request, be examined by a three-member committee of members of the Department's Faculty of Education, who have the same or related subject matter to the course being examined and are appointed by the Assembly of the Department. The lecturer in charge of the examination shall be excluded from the committee.

The grade of the Diploma of Postgraduate Studies (D.M.S.) is obtained from the weighted average of the courses of the M.M.S. and the Postgraduate Thesis (weighting is done by the credit units of the courses and the M.D.E.) and is calculated, to the second decimal place, in the following way:

The grade of each course and the Postgraduate Thesis (where applicable) is multiplied by the corresponding number of credit units (ECTS) and the sum of the multiplication is divided by the minimum number of credit units required for the award of the Master's degree.

The mathematical formula is as follows:

Degree of D.M.S. = (Course grade 1 x ECTS of course 1 + Course grade 2 x ECTS of course 2+ ...+ Postgraduate thesis grade x ECTS of postgraduate thesis) / Total number of ECTS.

(D) Postgraduate thesis

M.Sc. subjects/ Subject selection procedure

For the preparation of a Master's Thesis (M.D.E.), the Coordinating Committee, following the candidate's application on specified dates, in which the proposed title of the Master's Thesis, the proposed supervisor and the research protocol of the proposed thesis are indicated, appends a research protocol, appoints the supervisor and establishes a three-member Examination Committee for the approval of the thesis, one member of which is the supervisor.

The topics of the ICs are determined after cooperation/ consultation between the supervisors and the students and are communicated to the AC. (a) The topic and content of the thesis must be relevant to the subject of the MSc (b) The realization of the topic, without necessarily having completely new elements, must be done in such a way of approaching the sources and literature that the personal research effort and performance of the candidate is presented.

In order to start the M.Sc. programme, postgraduate students must have successfully completed the first three semesters of the programme. The topic of the M.Sc. thesis, which must be integrated in the chosen direction, is submitted in writing with an attachment of the research protocol of the thesis. The period of selection and submission of topics by graduate students takes place during the third semester. The preparation of the M.Sc. thesis takes place during the fourth semester of the MSc.

Supervision of MPE

The right to supervise dissertations is granted to lecturers of the categories described in article 83 of Law No. 4957/2022:

members of Teaching Research Staff (D.R.P.), Special Education Staff (S.E.P.), Laboratory Teaching Staff (L.E.T.I.P.) and Special Technical Laboratory Staff (S.T.E.P.).) of the Department or other Departments of the same or another Higher Educational Institution (HEI) or Higher Military Educational Institution (HEMI), with additional employment beyond their legal obligations, if the MSc has tuition fees,
Emeritus Professors or retired faculty members of the Department or other Departments of the same or other universities,
cooperating teachers,
designated teachers,
visiting professors or visiting researchers,
researchers and special operational scientists of research and technological institutions of Article 13A of Act 4310/2014 (A' 258) or other research centres and institutes in Greece or abroad.

The members of the Tripartite Examination Committee must have the same or related scientific specialization with the cognitive subject of the P.M.S.

Preparation and specifications of the MPE

The preparation of the Master's Thesis is governed by the Code of Academic Ethics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.Every author or co-creator of any intellectual work is entitled to be referred to and recognized as such, enjoying the property and moral rights/authorities arising from the work. In addition, the author is entitled to the rights and interests of the author and the rights and property of the author. Exceptionally, if the original intellectual creation ("work") is the final output of a paid research project commissioned by an entity outside the AUTH, the property rights of the author or co- creators may be limited under the terms of the contract under which the research project in question is commissioned, while the moral rights remain with the author(s), subject to the contractual restrictions necessary for the exploitation/economic exploitation of the intellectual creation produced.

The preparation of the M.Sc. provides the opportunity to synthesize and utilize the knowledge acquired in the previous semesters in specific cognitive objects/subject areas.

The MA - theoretical, applied or experimental - must be presented in written form, with the necessary figures, diagrams, photographs and illustrations. The written text must include a description of the subject and purpose, a description of the methodology and its findings - results, a bibliography (Vancouver or Harvard system) and any other necessary supporting or explanatory material.

The written text of the M.Sc. must not exceed a total of 10,000 words (the maximum word limit does not include bibliographical references, tables, captions, titles and subtitles).

The M.Sc. is written in Greek or in English.

Each M.Sc. will be accompanied by a short abstract of up to 300 words in Greek and English.

Examination - Presentation of the thesis

For the presentation of the Postgraduate Diploma Thesis (MSc) the positive recommendation of the Examination Committee is required. The support of the MSc Thesis is public. The date and place of the public support is determined by the Coordinating Committee of the MSc.

After the support of theMSc Thesis, a protocol is drawn up in which the individual grade of each member of the three member Examination Committee, the average grade and any comments or remarks are indicated.

After its approval by the Commission, it is posted on the School's website.

If the assessment of the M.D.E. is negative, the postgraduate student may submit his/her thesis incorporating the remarks for its improvement within a period of time determined by the Tripartite Examination Committee. The maximum grade in cases of re-submission of the M.Sc. is set at six (6) (Article 8, Section C of these Regulations). If the second review is negative, the postgraduate student loses the right to be awarded the Diploma of Postgraduate Studies.

Special provisions for the MDEs

In exceptional cases, if there is an objective impossibility or an important reason, it is possible to replace the supervisor or a member of the Tripartite Examination Committee as well as to change the topic of the M.D.E. after the decision of the Departmental Assembly.

By decision of the Assembly of the Department, following a proposal of the AC, it is possible to extend the period of study and/or the period of preparation and submission of the postgraduate thesis for up to two (2) years (article 6, paragraph 6 of this regulation).

Article 9 Scholarships

It is possible, by decision of the Assembly of the Department or the Programme of Studies Committee, depending on the income of the programme, to grant scholarships to postgraduate students. Scholarships shall be awarded on the basis of academic, objective criteria (such as academic performance based on the average grade point average of the previous semester) and shall be included in the approved budget of the MSc. The conditions of award, obligations and rights of the scholarship holders are determined by a decision of the Departmental Assembly.

The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki may grant reciprocal scholarships to postgraduate students with the obligation to support the educational process and provide auxiliary teaching work. The MSc determines the maximum amount of the grant per student, the maximum number of hours per week and other details regarding the granting of scholarships. Postgraduate students shall be informed by the Secretariat of the MSc.

Article 10 Teaching staff

The teaching work of the Postgraduate Studies Programme (M.Sc.) is assigned, upon recommendation of the M.Sc. Coordinating Committee and decision of the Departmental Assembly, to the following categories of lecturers:

members of Teaching Research Staff (D.R.P.), Special Education Staff (S.E.P.), Laboratory Teaching Staff (L.T.I.P.) and Special Technical Laboratory Staff (S.T.E.P.)) of the Department or other Departments of the UoA or other Higher Educational Institution (HEI) or Higher Military Educational Institution (HEMI), with additional employment beyond their legal obligations, if the MSc has tuition fees,
Emeritus professors or retired faculty members of the Department or other Departments of the UoA or other universities,
associate professors,
(d) appointed lecturers,
visiting professors or visiting researchers,
researchers and special operational scientists of research and technological institutions under Article 13A of Law No. 4310/2014 (A' 258) or other research centres and institutes in Greece or abroad,
Scientists of recognized prestige, who have specialized knowledge and relevant experience in the subject matter of the

The decisions of the Assembly or the Board of Governors on the allocation of teaching work must include the following elements:

the full name of the teacher,
his or her status,
the type of teaching work assigned per teacher (course, seminar), and
the number of teaching hours per course or

It is the obligation of the guest lecturer to adhere to the weekly teaching schedule, as determined by the Board, and to follow the examination and evaluation conditions as described in these Regulations.

The obligations of the lecturers include, among others, the description of the course or lectures, the citation of relevant literature, the way of examining the course, the communication with the postgraduate students.

Teaching in the MSc is carried out according to the timetable of courses that is prepared under the responsibility of the Director of the MSc.

Upon commencement of the programme, a permanent member of the Teaching and Research Staff of the programme is appointed for each postgraduate student as Academic Advisor. His/her role is to monitor the progress of the students' studies, to be informed by the lecturers of any persistent absences of students for whom they are responsible, and to inform them (via the Registrar's Office) that such absence may result in failure of the course. In addition, the Academic Advisor will provide assistance with the selection of the postgraduate thesis, taking into account the research interests of the postgraduate student. Postgraduate students are required to contact their academic advisor for any problem that may affect the smooth progress of their studies.

The Academic Advisor provides the postgraduate student with the necessary advice to meet the requirements of the Postgraduate Studies Programme.

The Academic Advisor for Studies ensures that he/she has regular meetings with the graduate students he/she is responsible for and not less than two (2) times per semester. His/her duties include, but are not limited to:

Identifying the needs and research interests of the postgraduate student, supporting the postgraduate student's aptitudes and skills and encouraging him/her to move towards the areas that suit him/her.
The information and facilitation of the postgraduate student's contacts with the collective bodies of the MSc and the administrative
To assist in the preparation of his/her individual semester study plan and the definition of the topic of the postgraduate
Identifying students who owe multiple
The care and development of a plan for these

The teaching staff, the administrative staff, as well as the competent services of the Institution cooperate and support the Academic Advisors in their work, while taking into account their information, observations, suggestions and requests, for any deficiencies, malfunctions that create problems for students and any proposals for addressing them.

Upon the recommendation of the Coordinating Committee of the MSc or the Director, doctoral candidates of the Department or the School may be assigned auxiliary teaching work under the supervision of a lecturer of the MSc. Supporting work is defined as assisting members of the Teaching and Research Staff in the exercise of their teaching duties, training students, conducting tutorials, laboratory exercises, supervising examinations and correcting exercises. By decision of the Assembly of the Department, either ancillary work may be assigned or a call for expressions of interest may be published in subjects offered in the Programme of Studies of the MSc.

Lecturers, during the period they are on sabbatical leave or suspension, may provide teaching work for the MSc, if they consider that their programme allows it, provided of course that under the circumstances this is practically and practically feasible, a matter which must be decided by the competent authorities on a case-by-case basis.

Article 11 MSc income - Financial Management

The resources of the Postgraduate Studies Programme may come from: (a) the budget of the Universities of Applied Sciences.

(b) the budget of the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs, (c) donations, sponsorships, bequests and all kinds of financial aid, (d) funds from research projects or programmes, in particular from the European Union (e) part of the revenues of the Special Research Funding Accounts (SRAs) (f) own resources of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

(g) any other lawful reason.

The MSc prepares an analytical budget for the five (5) years of operation, in accordance with the legislation in force, which includes all the resources of the programme and its operating costs.

Article 12 Administrative support - Infrastructure

For the proper operation of the MSc, classrooms of the Department of Medicine of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki are available, which have all the necessary equipment (e.g. computers, projectors, videoconferencing systems) for the conduct of the courses.

The administrative and secretarial support of the MSc is provided by the Postgraduate Programmes Secretariat of the Department of Medicine of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Article 13 Graduation ritual

The oath is not a constituent type of successful completion of studies, but it is a necessary condition for the award of the written title of the diploma. The induction takes place in the context of the School Assembly, in the presence of the Director of the MSc, the Chair of the Department/Dean of the Faculty or his/her Deputy and, if possible, a representative of the Rector.

Postgraduate students, who have successfully completed the MSc, in exceptional cases (studies, residence or work abroad, health reasons, etc.), may apply to the Secretariat of the School/Department for exemption from the obligation to be specified.

Article 14 Type of Postgraduate Diploma (MSc) awarded

The title of the Diploma of Postgraduate Studies is a public document and is awarded to one of the MSc programmes of the Department.

The Diploma of Postgraduate Studies is issued by the Secretariat of the MSc.The Diploma indicates the Department or Departments and/or the Institutions involved in the organization of the MSc, and the emblems of the Institutions, if any, the date of completion of studies, the date of issue of the Diploma, the graduation protocol number, the title of the MSc, the details of the postgraduate student and the classification of Good, Very Good, Excellent.

The graduate of the Diploma of Postgraduate Studies may be granted, before the award, a certificate of successful completion of the programme.

In addition to the Diploma of Postgraduate Studies, a Diploma Supplement [article 15 of Law 3374/2005 and Y.A. Φ5/89656/BE/13-8-2007 (Government Gazette 1466 Vol.B)] is issued, which is an explanatory document that provides information on the nature, level, general educational framework, content and status of the studies that have been successfully completed and does not replace the official degree or the detailed course grades awarded by the institutions.

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When submitting any postgraduate thesis, the postgraduate student is required to indicate whether he/she has used the work and opinions of others.

Copying is considered serious academic misconduct. Plagiarism is considered copying someone else's work, as well as using someone else's work - published or not - without proper attribution. The citation of any documentary material, even from the candidate's own studies, without proper reference, may constitute grounds for a decision by the Departmental Assembly to remove the candidate from the course.

In the above cases - and after a reasoned recommendation of the supervising professor - the Assembly of the Department may decide to delete the student.

Any misconduct or violation of academic ethics is referred to the Coordinating Committee of the MSc for judgment and recommendation for addressing the problem to the Department Assembly. The offences of copying or plagiarism and, in general, any violation of the provisions on intellectual

property by a postgraduate student during t h e writing of coursework or the preparation of a postgraduate thesis.

For violations of ethical rules and quality of studies, the Ethics Committee of the Foundation is responsible.

After the adoption of the decision to establish a MSc and before the start of its operation, the accreditation of the MSc by the National Authority for Higher Education (NEA) is required, in accordance with paragraph c) of par. 1 of article 8 of Law No. 4653/2020 (A' 12). After their establishment, the P.M.S. are periodically accredited, according to sub-paragraph bb) of paragraph b) of Article 8 of Article 8 of the Law 4653/2020 (A' 12). 1 of Article 8 of Law No. 4653/2020, in the context of the evaluation of the academic unit to which they are affiliated.

In case the foundation decision is amended, a re-certification of the MSc is required by the N.I.A.A.E., if the amendment concerns elements such as the subject matter, the purpose of the programme, the learning outcomes and the qualifications acquired through successful completion of the programme, as well as the specialisations that award a different diploma.

The Postgraduate Study Programmes (M.Sc.) of each Department, including interdepartmental, interdisciplinary and joint M.Sc. programmes, of which the Department undertakes the administrative support, are evaluated in the framework of the periodic evaluation/certification of the academic unit by the National Authority for Higher Education. In this context, the overall assessment of the work carried out by each MSc, the degree of fulfilment of the objectives set at the time of its establishment, its sustainability, the absorption of graduates in the labour market, the degree of its contribution to research, its internal evaluation by postgraduate students, the feasibility of extending its operation, as well as other elements relating to the quality of the work produced and its contribution to the national strategy for higher education are evaluated.

If, during the evaluation stage, a MSc is deemed not to meet the conditions for its continued operation, its operation is completed with the graduation of the students already enrolled in accordance with the founding decision and the regulations for postgraduate and doctoral programmes.

Internal Evaluation of the PMO

In order to ensure and improve the quality of the MSc, the Quality Assurance Unit of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Quality Assurance Unit - Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) carries out a periodic internal evaluation of the MSc within the framework of the Internal Quality Assurance System of the Institution and in accordance with the instructions and guidelines of the H.A.A.E.

The obligations of the Management Bodies and the lecturers of the MSc include all the procedures foreseen, based on the guidelines and directives of the MOHIP-AUTH for the internal and external evaluation and accreditation of the Programmes of Studies and the academic units.

Evaluation of teachers and courses by students

With the sole purpose of improving the quality of studies of the MSc and with absolute assurance of anonymity, students are invited to evaluate the courses and the lecturers of each semester.

For the sake of uniform statistical data and the possibility of drawing conclusions that can be used for the educational work of the Departments and the Foundation as a whole, the evaluation questionnaires are prepared by the MODIP and may be partially differentiated, based on the particular characteristics and needs of each academic unit and/or each course. They are completed electronically.

The evaluation is carried out under the responsibility of the Internal Evaluation Team (IEG) operating in each Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in collaboration with the Department of Quality Management of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and is carried out through the Quality Management System (QMS) of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The Department's Administration and the Department's PMO must take systematic steps to encourage students to participate in the assessment, in accordance with the guidelines of the PMO and the relevant decisions of the Senate.

The QM.E.A. of each Department monitors, through the Quality Management System (QMS), the degree of student participation in the evaluation process, analyses the relevant results and informs the Management Bodies of the MSc and the respective academic unit. The evaluation questionnaires relate to each taught course and to each lecturer individually.

The administrative bodies of the MSc and the academic unit, in cooperation with the respective OME, must study the evaluation results, announce their findings, decide to publish the summary results of the evaluation, when necessary and in any case after the announcement of the semester's course grades, in accordance with the current legislation on the protection of personal data, and take actions to address any problems.

The programme publishes a Guide to Studies in order to inform postgraduate students about its operation. The Guide may include:

General Information as well as useful electronic information about the Institution and the Department, especially about administrative services or collective bodies that the postgraduate student can contact for the successful completion of his/her
The purpose, the subject of the MSc and the qualifications acquired after the award of the Diploma of Postgraduate Studies (D.M.S.).
The academic calendar, which includes the start and end dates of academic semesters, examination periods, holidays, periods for the presentation of postgraduate theses and any other obligations such as internships, seminars, conferences,
The course programme, the specialisations (if any), the credit units, the teaching staff, the rights and obligations of postgraduate
The official language of teaching and preparation of the postgraduate
The administration of the

Use of the
Services to graduate

Any issue that arises in the future that is not covered by the relevant legislation or the Postgraduate Studies Regulations will be addressed by collective decisions. institutions, by amending the Rules of Procedure.

ANNEX A COURSE DESCRIPTION

Course Analysis and Learning Objectives A1. Introduction to health systems:

The aim of the course is to expose graduate students to the basic principles and purposes of health systems in developed and developing countries.

More specifically, the course introduces students to the basic methods and sources of financing of health care systems internationally, the principles of organization and operation of health care delivery systems, the methods of reimbursement of health care providers internationally and the organization and financing of the Greek health care system and the critical understanding of its contemporary challenges.