(Full time) 2021 start
International Health MSc
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
This course is an ideal introduction to international health for students with limited work experience in the sector. It has a strong emphasis on research methods training - an essential grounding if you intend to work in international health policy, systems or programmes, or to study at PhD level.
Make an impact
The International Health MSc equips you with the skills to help achieve international development goals and reduce the burden of diseases borne by people in low and middle-income countries. You’ll develop your understanding of international health issues, systems and programmes and policies. You’ll learn to analyse factors that cause inequalities in health status and resources and access to health information and services.
Course highlights
You’ll benefit significantly from the international learning environment with fellow professionals from a range of countries and areas of expertise. As part of studying with us, you will be able to work with, and research, diverse populations, geo-political environments and health systems.
On this course you have the opportunity (dependent on travel restrictions - please see our Course terms and conditions) to take part in a one-week study visit to Geneva, attending workshops and meetings with various health-related UN and other international organisations. In the past this has included the World Health Organization, UNAIDS, UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR), International Labour Organization, International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies (IFRC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and GAVI Alliance.
The International Health MSc is designed for those interested in pursuing a research career with a focus on international health policy, systems or programmes as well as for those looking to work within the field.
Our course is run by the Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, based in the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences in the School of Medicine.
Watch our recent international student webinar recording for Sep 2021/22 entry
Watch a recording of our recent School of Medicine webinar which highlights our MSc public Health (International) and MSc International Health postgraduate courses to prospective students from around the world. The Programme Leaders – Dr Mayeh Omar and Dr Stephen Pearson provide a useful overview of both courses; the modules and course structures; the difference between both courses; and the entry criteria.
The webinar covers the following postgraduate courses:
MPH Public Health (International)
MSc International Health
Course content
Core (compulsory) modules 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.
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 course is the research project, which allows you to gain first-hand experience of research into health and healthcare systems, usually in an overseas context.
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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Applied Qualitative Health Research 15 credits
- Key Issues in International Health 15 credits
- Policy for Health and Development 15 credits
- Research Project in International Health 45 credits
- Programmatic Responses to Key Issues in International Health 15 credits
- Introduction to Health Systems 15 credits
- Statistics for Health Sciences 15 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Analytic Research 15 credits
- Intervention Research 15 credits
- Non-Communicable Diseases 15 credits
- Human Resources Planning and Management for Health 15 credits
- Sexual and Reproductive Health 15 credits
- Health Economics for Developing Health Systems 15 credits
- Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Programmes 15 credits
- Communicable Disease Control 15 credits
- Health Promotion 15 credits
Learning and teaching
Under the guidance of academic tutors who have all worked in international 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 and recordings of most teaching sessions through our Minerva 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 benefit from the international learning environment on our programmes, where you learn and discuss with fellow-health professionals from a range of countries and professional backgrounds.
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
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.
Applying, fees and funding
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 but you’re keen to study this programme, you should apply and we will consider your application.
Alternatively, a diploma in a health-related discipline together with at least three years’ relevant experience.
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).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
This link takes 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.
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
School of Medicine Taught Postgraduate Policy 2021
Fees
- UK: £10,250 (total)
- International: £22,500 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
The cost of the optional one-week trip to Geneva (see Overview) is not included in the course fees. Students pay a contribution towards their travel, accommodation, visa and insurance costs, and the Nuffield Centre for Health and Development pays the rest of these costs.
(Students who choose the study trip as an optional module pay a smaller contribution than students who attend the study trip for their personal development only). Other costs, including meals and any personal costs, are paid by the student. We send more information with offer letters.
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 about additional costs
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.
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
Graduates of this programme have gone into a range of careers, including working for major international NGOs, working in national-level research organisations, and undertaking further postgraduate research.
The Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development has taught international health and development programmes at Leeds for over 40 years and so has a large alumni network of health professionals in senior positions around the world.