THUAS launches new Master’s program: Transition to Health and Wellbeing

This requires connection between organizations and professionals, as well as new ways of working together. In the new Master’s program ‘Transition to Health and Wellbeing at THUAS, students learn how to work in and with practice to develop solutions for complex challenges.

"The challenges in the health and wellbeing sector are significant. These are so-called wicked problems: complex issues that cannot be solved from a single perspective. Organizations need professionals who can explore these issues and translate them into practical changes", says Monique Ridder, program coordinator of the Master’s.

A broader perspective

In everyday life, more and more people notice that good support is not guaranteed. Those who need to rehabilitate at home, struggle to make ends meet, or have few people around them quickly encounter limitations in the system. "This calls for a broader view of health."

A unique perspective

The field clearly needs professionals who can think and collaborate beyond the boundaries of their own discipline. "Until now, there hasn’t really been a program focused on this. Organizations are working on transitions, but no one has been specifically trained on how to approach them."

The transition professional  

The Master’s program is a valuable addition to the profession students were trained for in their Bachelor’s. As a transition professional, they can clarify an issue within an organization, work with stakeholders to identify possible and desirable changes, and implement these changes in practice. "Your profession remains your foundation, but you learn to collaborate across disciplines to achieve meaningful change."

Learning in practice  

The program is highly practice-oriented. Students spend two days at THUAS and, in addition, work on a transition project in practice using the participatory action research method. Around the transition project, students form a learning community, within which each student has their own sub-assignment. "Students immediately apply knowledge from the program to their own practical challenge."

Examples from the field

Transition projects align with long-term practice-based research conducted by THUAS research groups. One example is the ‘Movement Journey Compass’, which focuses on maintaining sufficient physical activity after transitioning from rehabilitation to home. Students work with organizations and patients to explore desirable improvements. "What challenges do (former) patients face? How can organizations collaborate more effectively? What is needed to achieve this?"

Impact within organizations  

The results of transition projects go beyond providing advice. Students may develop a practical method, a procedure, or a referral guide that can be used immediately. "That’s when the ball starts rolling." The impact lies not only in the outcome but especially in initiating collaboration between different organizations.

Opportunities for students

The demand for this type of professional is high. "With this Master’s, in addition to your Bachelor’s degree, you become a truly attractive partner for the field." The program is particularly suited for curious innovators who want to discover how to connect different disciplines and work together on sustainable improvements in the sector.