A new international postgraduate programme connecting artificial intelligence, education, and the creative arts has been launched in northern Greece, addressing an emerging global debate on student mental health.
The joint degree, titled "Mental Health, Schooling and the A(I)rts", is being developed by the University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki in collaboration with Teachers College at Columbia University, and was recently presented at an event in Athens.
Delivered in English and open to both Greek and international students, the programme brings together expertise from music science and arts, educational and social policy, and informatics. Its core ambition is to address the need for more effective prevention, identification and management of mental health challenges within school environments.
At the centre of the curriculum is an interdisciplinary approach that combines participatory arts practices with emerging AI tools, according to an announcement. Students will be trained in creative methodologies such as movement, drama, and visual arts, as well as in how artificial intelligence can support "the process of identifying problematic behaviours and mental health issues, designing solutions, and providing feedback on the effectiveness of interventions".
Programme lead Lida Stamou stressed that success relies on creating more adaptable models of emotional and psychological support. She suggested the initiative could also open the door for wider international collaborations, highlighting the potential for stronger partnerships between universities in northern Greece and leading global institutions.
The academic rationale for the programme reflects a growing global concern about youth mental health. Key indicators cited include: four in ten young people experience depressive disorders, one in seven adolescents report mental health difficulties, and nearly half of all mental health conditions develop before adulthood. Organisations such as the EU, OECD, and UNESCO have also emphasised schools as vital spaces for early detection and intervention.
Moreover, the programme positions AI as a supportive tool, equipping educators, who are often on the front line of recognising behavioural and emotional challenges, with both technological and artistic tools to foster stronger relationships with students and promote wellbeing. Alongside theoretical teaching, the course includes hands-on laboratory training and fieldwork in real educational settings, aiming to bridge the gap between research and practice.
