International Health MSc

Course overview

Understand international health and how policies, systems and programmes can improve global health outcomes.

International health focuses on how health issues, systems, policies and programmes work across the world, and how they can be strengthened to improve outcomes for different populations. Understanding this discipline is essential in a world where inequalities in access, resources and outcomes continue to affect lives globally.

This course helps you make sense of those challenges and equips you to respond to them. You’ll explore how healthcare systems operate in different contexts, develop the ability to analyse disparities in health and service access, and gain strong research skills that underpin evidence-based practice. With opportunities to carry out overseas fieldwork as part of your research project, you can apply your learning in real-world settings, gaining experience in research design, ethics, data collection and analysis.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready to make an impact in a range of international health and development settings. Many graduates go on to roles in NGOs, research organisations and health systems at national and global levels. Others use the MSc as a stepping stone into PhD study, supported by the course’s strong focus on research methods. For medical students, it provides valuable preparation for working in resource-limited settings. Wherever your path takes you, you’ll leave with the confidence, expertise and global perspective to contribute to meaningful change in health worldwide.

Learning and Teaching

Specialist staff give this course the edge at Leeds:

• Our academic staff have a wide range of expertise, reflecting the multi-disciplinary nature of international and public health. In addition, academics are engaged in both public health systems, service delivery and intervention research which positively impacts policy and practice at global and national levels.
• Academic staff have all worked in the health systems of low- and middle-income countries and have contextual knowledge of the opportunities and challenges faced by the public health services and programmes.
• The MSc International Health students are provided with opportunities to network and study with students on our Master of Public Health [International] course which can be a significant cross-learning benefit and sharing of experiences across different disciplines.

Specialist facilities

Some study sessions use the University's computer resources, with support to enhance your competence in the use of information technology. You’ll have access to our virtual learning environment, which includes teaching materials and resources to prepare you for assignments and your own research.

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. You will also have access to the newly refurbished Worsley Building with new teaching spaces and a social space specifically for postgraduate students.

Fieldwork

The benefits of this course include being able to travel to conduct primary research and gain experience of working with international health and development organisations abroad.

While doing the research project, you’ll have the option of doing fieldwork overseas, gaining experience in research design, risk assessment, research ethics, data collection and analysis.

"I couldn't recommend (the Geneva study visit) enough. I had the best time; I met some amazing people, and it really helped to establish what I wanted to do in the future. We heard from all sorts of different organisations, like the WHO and GAVI. We got to talk to different people and ask them questions. A lot of the people we spoke to were graduates from Leeds."

Ottilie, International Health MSc

Hear more about Ottilie’s experience in Geneva in the video below.

Why study at Leeds:

• Connect with global health organisations: Get the chance to take part in a study visit to Geneva, with opportunities to attend workshops and engage with leading organisations such as the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières and Gavi.
• Build strong research expertise: Develop the research skills essential for careers in international health, with a solid foundation for those planning to progress to PhD study.
• Gain real-world research experience: Complete a substantial research project, often in an international setting, where you’ll explore health systems and work alongside organisations operating in low- and middle-income countries.
• Learn by doing: Develop practical experience of how international health organisations operate in real-time, bringing theory to life through applied, experiential learning.
• Understand health in crisis settings: Explore the impact of disasters and conflict on health systems through specialist modules taught by experts with first-hand experience in emergency and humanitarian environments.

Course details and modules

Our core modules are designed to provide you 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. You'll also choose from optional modules to tailor your knowledge and skills to your own interests.

Skills Programme

To support learning throughout the course, a skills programme is embedded within the curriculum. You are given an opportunity to develop and strengthen skills in critical reading, writing and thinking, literature searching, and the use of software relevant to international health, among other topics.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read International Health MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

Under the guidance of our academic staff, who've all worked in low- and middle-income countries, you'll develop core skills and knowledge from day one. You’ll build on your learning with your chosen modules in specialist fields of international health, including health systems, policy, and programmes. In addition, your research project gives you the opportunity to plan, initiate, execute and complete a substantial piece of independent research, with support and guidance from academics with substantial expertise on the subject of studies.

The course introduces key concepts in international health and essential learning skills for postgraduate level study. A reflective learning approach will form the basis of career-long independent learning and continued professional development.

You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, group work, workshops, tutorials and case studies. You’ll learn in an international and diverse classroom environment, with students from different countries and academic staff with lived and work experiences outside the UK. You will contribute to an active learning environment, which invites you to reflect on and share your own experiences while learning from others.

Some study sessions use the University's computer resources, with support to enhance your competence in the use of information technology. You will have access to our virtual learning environment, which includes teaching materials and resources to prepare you for assignments and your own research.

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. You will also have access to the newly refurbished Worsley Building with new teaching spaces and a social space specifically for postgraduate students.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by using a range of assessments. Examples include essays, group and individual presentations, reflective logs, posters, policy briefs, literature reviews, analysis of research papers, and research project reports.

This range of coursework develops your academic skills and supports your future career. They are designed to assess your understanding and application of international health and also to develop essential workplace skills, including analysing and synthesising contemporary research-based knowledge and presenting evidenced-based thinking in a coherent manner in a variety of formats.

Collaborative work is also an important part of the course. You’ll be encouraged to work and interact with academic staff and classmates and develop teamwork skills.

Excitingly, a number of our students have gone on to publish work that has been carried out as part of their course.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a health-related discipline or equivalent qualification. If your degree is in a non-health related discipline, your application will be considered but is less likely to be successful unless you have significant relevant experience.

Examples of health-related disciplines are:

• Medics (Doctors, Nurses, Midwives, Dentists)
• Allied Health Professionals (Nutritionists, Radiographers, Physiotherapists etc)
• Health Educationalists
• Social scientists, Health Economists, Sociologists, anthropologists, psychologists
• Those in health service operational support roles (e.g. bed/ward manager)
• Health Programme Managers/Officers (those who work in Governmental and NGOs to provide programmes that have an impact on a community's health)
• Social Workers
• Environmental Health/Water/Sanitation Officers

We can also consider any individual whose work directly brings then into contact with patients/service users in a Health context.

Alternatively, a diploma in a health-related discipline together with at least three years’ relevant experience.

We will give preference to candidates with work or study experience in areas related to international health.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadline: 31 July 2026

Applications are considered on the basis of the applicant’s qualifications and experience. Applications may close before the deadline date if numbers accepted reach capacity.

For more information about this programme, please contact the programme lead.

Documents we require:

• Your degree certificate (if you have graduated) and your official degree transcript. Your degree transcript must be signed and stamped. If you have not yet graduated, please provide your official interim transcript, showing the modules you are currently studying and the marks you have achieved to date.

• A reference. One reference must be supplied at the point of application. If you graduated less than one year ago, you must provide an academic reference; if you graduated more than one year ago, the reference can be either an academic reference or a professional reference. The reference should support your experience in a health-related field. The reference should be provided on a headed document with either a stamp from the institution or an electronic signature.

• A supporting statement. Your supporting statement (300 words maximum) must reflect your experience in a health-related field and your understanding of how the content of the course will benefit your personal and professional development. If you are not working in a health-related field, you should clearly indicate how you are going to use your previous training and this MSc content (modules) to benefit your career aspiration and future goals.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Selection principles

There is strong competition to study this course. We will give preference to candidates with work or study experience in areas related to international health.

Intercalating Students

This course is also open to students interested in intercalation

Intercalation application period: December 2024 - 9 March 2025 for academic year 25/26
Entry criteria for MBChB & Dental students:
At least 3 years undergraduate study on either MBChB or Dentistry programs
Proof of completion of 3rd year (transcript)
Students will not be required to provide a transcript at point of application (in cases of students who are currently in 3rd year) but must provide proof of completion in order to be accepted onto the program.
Supporting Statement: Supporting statements must reflect your experience in a health-related field and your understanding of how the content of the course will benefit your personal and professional development. You can describe any previous relevant experience and should clearly indicate how you are going to use your time on the MSc to benefit your career aspiration and future goals. Your supporting statement should be a maximum of 300 words.

No references needed for intercalating students.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027

This course is taught by

School of Medicine

Contact us

School of Medicine Postgraduate Admissions

Email: pgmed-admissions@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £12,750 (Total)

International: £29,750 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

Fees for the optional one-week study tour

The cost of the optional one-week study tour to Geneva (see Course overview) is not included in the course fees.

Students who choose the study tour as an optional module pay approximately £575. Students who attend the study tour for their professional development pay approximately £750. These fees include the travel and accommodation.

As these costs are only approximations, The Nuffield Centre shares information about these fees in offer letters and during the first semester of the course.

Other costs associated with visas (such as visa handling and transport to the visa centre in Manchester), meals in Geneva and any other personal costs are not included in the fees above.

Fees for conducting research project fieldwork

While doing the research project, students conduct their own fieldwork. This could be in a location overseas in a low- and middle-income country. The costs associated with this fieldwork depends on your research project and interests, and is not included in the course fees.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Studying in the School of Medicine at Leeds is an amazing opportunity, but we know that the cost can be difficult for many people to meet. If you are keen to join us, a range of funding opportunities are available.

We provide information on where previous students have obtained funding. Please take a look at Leeds Institute of Health Sciences Funders for ideas.

Career opportunities

Where this degree could take you

This course helps to build experience and confidence in international and global health. As an intercalated degree for medical students, the course is useful for those considering making an impact in global public health.

The Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development has taught international Health and Development courses at Leeds for over 40 years. Therefore, it has a large alumni network of health professionals in senior positions worldwide, including in the UK.

Here’s an insight into the organisations and roles some of our International Health graduates have obtained work:

• NHS doctor (as part of an intercalated degree)
• major international NGOs
• national-level research organisations
• undertaking further research as part of medical degrees or at the PhD level.

A number of alumni have also published their work in world-leading global public health journals.

The programme gives you the knowledge to address health issues that flow between regional and international borders and helps you to think critically outside of the box.

George Mugambi, International Health Graduate who went on to work at the WHO after udnertaking an internship there.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system – access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Guaranteed industry experience  

The Global Industry Programme gives Masters students a great opportunity to gain real-world experience through live industry projects.  You’ll connect with leading companies worldwide to work on impactful, hands-on consultancy projects, enhancing your employability skills and enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to real business challenges.  

Work placements and industry experience

As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.

You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.

This experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:

• Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
• Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
• Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
• Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
• Improve your employability prospects.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.