Course content

The Global Health MSc programme consists of six taught modules and a dissertation. All modules are 20 credits and the dissertation is 40 credits.

Core modules

• Global Health Practices
• Health Promotion and Health Protection
• Leadership in Health Systems Management
• Dissertation

Optional modules

• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Methods
• Global Health within Local Contexts
• Climate Change and Health
• Project Planning Skills

Study pattern

This part-time programme is delivered online, and is designed to fit around your work schedule and personal commitments. Most of the content is available on-demand, allowing you to choose a study pattern that works for you.

For the MSc, you'll need to complete 180 credits, which includes three core 20-credit taught modules, four optional 20-credit modules and a 40-credit dissertation. For the PGDip, you need to complete 120 credits of taught modules, and for the PGCert, 60 credits. You'll be expected to spend around 200 hours on each 20 credit module, including taught content, self-directed learning, research and reading.

The part-time MSc is usually completed over two years, with your dissertation taking up the majority of your time in year two. However, you can complete this programme over a longer period of time if you need to.

Delivery

We will encourage you to express your full potential through a range of student-centred blended learning approaches. The majority of the programme content is available on-demand, complemented by self-directed learning that can be done whenever and wherever is most convenient for you.

Online lectures will highlight key points and provide core knowledge, which you can enhance and build on through guided enquiry-based learning and self-directed study. Online learning packages are available through your personalised virtual learning environment (VLE), and structured online discussions and group work will inspire and motivate you.

Throughout the programme, you'll be encouraged to work independently, draw on collaboration and think reflectively and creatively to get the most out of your studies.

Outcomes

Once you've completed the MSc Global Health, you'll have a comprehensive toolkit of knowledge and skills to take your career further.

You'll develop knowledge and understanding, relating to:

• The global burden of disease, surveillance strategies including research methodologies and effective leadership of strengthening health systems.
• Politics, policies and strategies that influence the social determinants of health and mitigate against the threat of climate change on health among diverse populations.
• Surveillance in resource-poor settings and the use of social science perspectives in global health practices.
• Human rights, culture, legal frameworks, professional values when working with diverse global communities.

You'll apply the knowledge gained from the programme to critically explore and provide solutions to a specific global-health related issue.

You'll build cognitive skills, and be able to:

• Use public health intelligence to critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate information from a variety of sources and assess population health risks and wellbeing status.
• Use a holistic, problem solving approach to analyse health problems and provide solutions that will improve health systems and provide safe and reliable quality services.
• Apply critical thinking to the development and delivery of public policy for health and wellbeing.
• Critically appraise and assess evidence for effectiveness and the monitoring and evaluation of interventions and services.
• Apply the values of ethical practice to the design and conduct of research, including consent and confidentiality in the collection and publication of data.

You'll add to your practical and professional skills and be able to:

• Critically apply research principles and appraise research evidence based on quantitative and qualitative methodologies to provide evidence that informs global health interventions.
• Take a leadership role in managing change and respond effectively to the social determinants of health at local and global levels.
• Apply skills of cultural awareness and competency and apply appropriate governance frameworks to engage effectively with communities and improve health and wellbeing.
• Communicate and negotiate effectively with colleagues and the public, and act as an advocate for all, particularly for disadvantaged groups. Influence decision makers regarding policies and practices that affect health and wellbeing.
• Undertake research investigations in a responsible and ethical manner, accurately record and critically analyse the data.