THEORETICAL-PRACTICAL RELATIONSHIP IN ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL MASTER’S DEGREE COURSES IN COLLECTIVE HEALTH

Abstract This study was based on the perception of similarities and differences in the theory-practice relationship in the master’s degree courses in academic and professional modes in the Public Health area in Brazil. It was assumed that, in this relationship, the proposals of the professional master’s degree course do not part from the agent’s professional practice as a scenario to build new knowledge and technologies, rather they tend to reproduce the hegemonic training model consolidated in the academic master’s degree course. Based on the ‘academy-professional context relations’, ‘teaching staff,’ ‘final work and justification for the course’ categories, the study was carried out using a qualitative approach through documentary analysis and course proposals, as well as using interviews with course coordinators. Seven colleges offering courses in these modes were selected to deepen the discussion. It is concluded that this relationship is more complex in the professional master’s degree course, and that, as provided for under the legislation, it sought to consolidate an identity that is distinct from specialization and academic master’s courses, a fact that may characterize the main difference between the modes. However, their processes still adopt the same frameworks and practices as the academic master’s degree course.