Global Health (online) MSc | University of Leeds | University of Leeds

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Build industry‑ready skills to lead change in global health systems and policy.

Designed for working professionals in policy and public health, our flexible online Global Health programme delivers the skills most valued by organisations across global health and NGO roles.

Course overview

On this course you will develop practical capabilities in health systems thinking, policy and governance, and programme evaluation. You will explore theory and policy development while examining the real-world practice of this ever-evolving humanitarian, political, social and healthcare discipline. The part-time structure allows you to study module-by-module and complete the programme in 2–4 years, making it easier to balance study with professional and personal commitments.

You will expand your communication and stakeholder engagement skills essential for leadership and coordination roles. With a strong emphasis on applied learning, research literacy, and real-world problem solving, the programme equips you to take on greater responsibility, broaden your technical remit, and accelerate career progression in an increasingly complex global health landscape. This MSc in Global Health offers a comprehensive and skills-based approach, combining expertise from the School of Politics and International Studies and the School of Medicine in conjunction with University of Leeds Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development.

Graduates go on to work with international NGOs, governments, multilateral organisations, health ministries, departments of public health, research institutions, and health related industries - shaping the future of global health at local, national, and international levels.

Develop health systems evaluation skills through a WHO-collaborative research project

The World Health Organization (WHO) is not simply referenced in teaching; it is embedded in your learning.

During the Advanced Carousel in this Global Health MSc, you will undertake a significant project to design a research protocol with World Health Organization (WHO) specialists, carrying out a structured scoping review using the same frameworks applied in international health system assessments. As part of this project, there will be opportunity for your work to be added to the WHO’s IHR database.

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What you will study

Our fully online MSc in Global Health is designed for professionals and graduates looking to shape the future of international healthcare. The course is delivered through an industry-leading online learning experience, offering a blend of professional-quality resources, collaborative activities, and a range of learning opportunities such as live sessions and resources to learn at your own pace.

You will gain expertise in Global Health Systems and Challenges, which introduces the concept of global health systems and outlines the challenges involved in policy development and the provision of national health services.

You will delve into more specialised modules, including Data Analysis for Population Health, Health Diplomacy, and the Strengthening Health and Mental Health Service Delivery.

With a focus on one module at a time, students can engage in an in-depth and focused study of global health challenges.

How you will study

The course begins with a two-week online induction, preparing you for online learning at the University of Leeds. It will introduce the study skills you will need to successfully complete your degree.

Students will then complete 12 modules, including two project modules.

You’ll typically spend eight weeks per module, with the modules grouped into three carousels, allowing you to take the modules within each carousel in any order. You will complete all of the modules on the Foundation Carousel before progressing to the Development and Advanced carousels.

FOUNDATION CAROUSEL

You will complete the Foundation Carousel before progressing to the Development Carousel.

Global Health Systems and Challenges

You’ll be introduced to the concepts of Global Health Systems and challenges faced by Global and National Actors involved in policy development to support the provision of national health services.

Global Health Governance and Policy

Explore the structures, actors, and conceptual approaches that shape global health governance. Through six focused units, you will analyse the roles of key organizations, partnerships, and paradigms in addressing global health challenges.

Environment, Climate and Health

Gain in-depth knowledge about the role that current food production systems, environmental degradation and climate change play in the emergence and aggravation of infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics.

DEVELOPMENT CAROUSEL

You will complete the Development Carousel before progressing to the Advanced Carousel.

Data Analysis for Population Health

Learn the fundamental statistical skills needed to identify patterns and trends in population health data. You will use data analysis tools to uncover inequalities in health status and health service provision, as well as evaluate intervention effectiveness, to inform evidence-based decision-making.

Strengthening Health and Mental Health Service Delivery

Explore the service delivery component of health systems, with a focus on strengthening the delivery of both physical and mental health services.

Social and Corporate Determinants of Health

Understand how health is socially determined by factors such as inequality, income, race and class, alongside the commercial determinants of health, marking the impact of harmful markets and commodities (e.g. ultra processed food) and the role of corporations in structuring those markets and health outcomes.

Global Health Resources

Analyse strategies for managing human resources for health and how financial resources are distributed within the health sector.

Health Diplomacy

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and impact of diplomacy in global health and how it provides opportunities for active learning from real-world examples.

Research Methods

Explore the politics of global health research funding and quantitative and qualitative research design in health.

ADVANCED CAROUSEL

This is the final carousel in which you will complete two significant projects.

Pandemic and Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

Learn about health emergency preparedness and response across a range of health indicators, institutional arrangements, and emergency types, with a particular focus on pandemics.

Project 1 - Artificial Intelligence

Uncover the potential, constraints, and ethics for using artificial intelligence including generative artificial intelligence tools to support public health functions.

Project 2 - Health Commentary / Rapid Scoping Review

Undertake a significant project to design a research protocol with World Health Organization (WHO) specialists, carrying out a structured scoping review using the same frameworks applied in international health system assessments. As part of this project, there will be opportunity for your work to be added to the WHO’s IHR database.

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants from a range of diverse backgrounds. Whether you are applying through a standard or professional-based entry route, we'd love to hear from you.

Standard entry

2:2 or above in any degree with honours.

Professional entry

ONE of the following criteria:

A minimum of a third-class degree with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience in health or public policy, including any role within civil service or public administration, or education.
At least 5 years of relevant professional experience. In a decision-making role involving some level of data analysis and use of qualitative or quantitative evidence.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any component.

Why study Global Health online at Leeds?

Our online course is accessible from anywhere in the world, for study when it suits you. You will collaborate with a global community of learners through a mix of individual and group work, tackling real-world case studies in specialised or multidisciplinary teams.

You can study from anywhere in the world, with the flexibility to learn around your existing professional and family commitments.

Register your interest

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