International Health

Core (compulsory) modules provide students who do not have extensive prior experience with a detailed introduction to the key issues and challenges within international health policy, systems and programmes. You’ll become familiar with the current debates around health, poverty and development
The optional modules allow you to develop your knowledge and skills in specific areas of interest. You can view the full range of optional modules in our programme catalogue.

A strong emphasis on developing research skills prepares students for future careers in international health and provides a strong grounding for those who intend to pursue further postgraduate studies.
A distinctive feature of this programme is the research project, which allows you to gain first-hand experience of research into health systems and programmes, usually in an overseas context.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Health Research Methods 15 credits
• Applied Qualitative Health Research 15 credits
• Key Issues in International Health 15 credits
• Policy for Health and Development 15 credits
• Introduction to Health Systems 15 credits
• Research Project in International Health 45 credits
• Programmatic Responses to Key Issues in International Health 15 credits

Optional modules

• Quality Improvement in Health Care 15 credits
• Non-Communicable Diseases 15 credits
• Implications of Conflicts and Emergencies on Health and Healthcare Systems 15 credits
• Health Management Information Systems 15 credits
• Human Resources Planning and Management for Health 15 credits
• Sexual and Reproductive Health 15 credits
• Management of Finance for Health 15 credits
• International Health Policy: Geneva Study Tour 15 credits
• Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Programmes 15 credits
• Communicable Disease Control 15 credits
• Health Promotion 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read International Health MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Under the guidance of academic tutors who have all worked in resource-limited settings, you’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and group work, and independent learning. Some study sessions use the University's computer resources, with support for students less familiar with information technology.

You have access to electronic copies of all teaching materials through our Virtual Learning Environment.

You’ll be able to use University facilities for independent study, such as computing facilities and the Health Sciences library, with its extensive collection of online journals.

Our students often benefit from the international learning environment on our International Health and Development programmes, where you learn and discuss with fellow-health professionals from a range of countries and professional backgrounds.

Assessment

You will be assessed at the end of the each module. The assessment depends on the module but could include essays and group presentations.

You will also be assessed on your ability to produce an original research protocol and an assignment in the style of a journal article for your research project.