Global Health (online) MSc

Course overview

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. 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’ll 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.

Along the way, 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.

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.

The emphasis of the project is not only to learn about global health systems, but to develop practical competencies and outputs expected in governments, NGOs, international agencies and public health organisations.

Course highlights

• Gain a Masters in Global Health from a World Top 100 University, ranked 22nd globally for Development Studies (QS World Rankings 2026).
• Collaborate with World Health Organization (WHO) specialists and strenghten your network with opportunities to connect with global health leaders.
• Benefit from a flexible, 100% online degree while studying with a renowned Russell Group university.
• Gain firsthand experience of the latest trends, emerging challenges, and cutting‑edge innovations from global health leaders.
• Develop skills in using artificial intelligence (AI) tools for health policy and data analysis, helping you apply innovative approaches to complex global health challenges.

Exclusive insights from Global Health leaders

You’ll gain exclusive access to interviews, expert insights, and podcasts featuring globally recognised leaders in public health. These contributors come from major international organisations - including the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Policy Centre, leading NGOs, and top universities worldwide.

Your networking opportunities will be strengthened through the University of Leeds Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, a WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Capacity Strengthening of Health Policy, Governance and Services.

“This programme provides the opportunity to network, learn from, and collaborate with leading scholars in the faculty to gain invaluable insights and mentorship in the field.”

Princess Gloria Ofori, Deputy Director and Head of Monitoring, Evaluation and Health Research at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital

Who is the Global Health course for?

The programme is designed for those interested in international health policy, public health, global health governance, and health development. The programme recognises both academic qualifications and relevant professional experience, offering multiple entry routes for professionals already working in health, policy, or related sectors.

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.

Watch: Q&A with our Global Health programme leaders

Audio-described version of the video

Course details and modules

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

Course Structure

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 in the Foundation Carousel before progressing to the Development Carousel and then onto the project based Advanced Carousel.

Foundation Carousel

Global Health Systems and Challenges (15 credits)

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 (15 credits)

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 (15 credits)

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. You will learn about dominant global health responses to this interconnected challenge and how joined-up thinking and response strategies can be improved.

Development Carousel

Data Analysis for Population Health (15 credits)

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 (15 credits)

Explore the current and emerging challenges facing service delivery in global health systems, including services for physical and mental health, highlighting the need to tackle inequities of access and quality of health service provision.

Social and Corporate Determinants of Health (15 credits)

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). Those working in healthcare, regulation, governments and development must have a detailed understanding of these social and corporate determinants to improve population and individual health and wellbeing.

Global Health Resources (15 credits)

Explore two key priorities of global health systems; managing human resources for health and distributions of financial resources within the health sector. Through appraisal, analyse strategies for addressing human resources for health issues including planning, distribution and retention.

Health Diplomacy (15 credits)

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and impact of diplomacy in global health, highlighting the influence of key actors engaged in improving global public health outcomes. You will navigate the complex interplay of politics, power and trust in global health diplomacy.

Research Methods in Global Health (15 credits)

Explore the politics of global health research funding as a key indicator for the types of research conducted in Global Health. You will engage with quantitative and qualitative research designs in health.

Advanced Carousel

Pandemic and Emergency Preparedness (15 credits)

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 – AI and Public Health (15 credits)

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the health sector is a highly contentious issue. 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 (15 credits)

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.

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

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught by expert academics from across our four University of Leeds schools, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of this programme. The programme is delivered 100% online via our award-winning virtual learning environment, Minerva, allowing you to study flexibly alongside your professional and personal commitment.

You will access a wide range of digital learning resources including:

• Pre-recorded lectures, interactive course readings and practical activities to support your learning
• Live synchronous seminars for real-time discussions with peers and academics
• Asynchronous activities (e.g. discussion forums) allowing you to engage at your own pace.

This active learning approach ensures that you acquire knowledge and apply it to real-world challenges in global health.

Flexible, Career-Focused Learning

We recognise that people have busy lives, so our fully online MSc enables you to gain a global health degree online from a world-leading institution—without the added cost of relocating.

Study planners and progress-tracking tools will support your learning, helping you balance your studies with other commitments.

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

Assessments provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have developed in the module. Each 8-week module consists of 6 weeks of teaching, followed by two weeks dedicated to assessments and a short break prior to your next module.

For a 15-credit module, you will typically complete one to two assessments, with formative assessment opportunities integrated throughout the 6-week study period.

Assessment methods may include:

• Quiz
• Essay plans
• Research ethics
• Online tests
• Programme plans
• Protocols
• Magazines.

Students will be required to carry out a variety of formative and summative assessments designed to develop key skills in communication, academic practices and critical thinking.

Applying

Entry requirements

Standard Entry

• To meet the standard entry requirements, you need a 2:2 or above in any degree with honours

Professional route

To qualify for the Professional entry route, you need to meet 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.

Proof of your English Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English language is essential to study at the University of Leeds. You will need either:

• Alternative English Language Qualification
• A degree taught in English from a recognised institution, lasting at least two years at the undergraduate level or one year at the Masters level, which can be evidenced by transcripts and/or certificates.

For more details, contact our Enrolment Advisors at onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk

English language requirements

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

English language requirements

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

How to apply

As part of the selection process, candidates may be invited for a telephone or online interview.

Click the ‘Apply’ button at the top of this page to start your application via the University's online application system. If you want more information first, you can ‘register your interest’.

For assistance with your application, contact onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk and our team will be happy to help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Politics and International Studies
Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development

Contact us

Online Admissions team

Email: onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £15,000 (Total)

International: £15,000 (Total)

Additional cost information

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

• University of Leeds alumni (or graduates of affiliated institutions) are entitled to a 10% bursary towards tuition fees. Find out more about eligibility for the alumni bursary and how to apply.
• UK students may be eligible for a UK government-backed loan, with specific terms and conditions for online courses. Applications are made through the Student Loans Company. Visit the UK Government website to find out more.

Career opportunities

Employers are increasingly seeking complex skills learned in the health sector, especially an in-depth appreciation of the inter-relationship between global health policy, governance structures, health services, stakeholders, and resources as an essential component in the landscape of health systems.

Upon completion, you’ll be well-equipped for roles in global and public health, including but not limited to:

• Public Health Professional
• Global Health Researcher
• Health Journalist
• Health Policy Analyst
• Health Program Manager
• Global Health Consultant
• International Health Coordinator
• Humanitarian Aid Worker
• Health Advocate (CSO)
• Not-for-profit Global Health Worker
• Global Health Financing Consultant
• Development Consultant / Researcher / Worker.

These roles span varied sectors within both public and global health settings, providing you with diverse career pathways in a rapidly growing field.

Careers support

The University of Leeds Careers Service offers extensive online resources to help you maximise your studies and achieve your career goals:

• One-to-one support from a careers advisor via phone or virtual meetings
• Online career workshops, webinars and career resources
• A job database and online employer events
• LinkedIn Learning platform access
• CV writing guidance and job application support
• Interview coaching and practice sessions.

The Careers Service also connects students seeking to work in a specific region, and offers professional development through alumni network, online support and employer partnerships.