Global Health MSc

Course overview

Master Global Health: Tackle Worldwide Challenges with an Interdisciplinary Approach to Policy, Politics, and Public Health

Journey through the entire global health landscape, exploring theory, policy development and delve into the real-world practice of this ever-evolving humanitarian, political, social and healthcare discipline. Crafted for ambitious students seeking to influence and shape the future of global health.

This MSc in Global Health offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise from the School of Politics and International Studies and the School of Medicine - Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development. The programme draws on a unique blend of Public Health, International Health, and Global Policy to investigate the political, social, and technical drivers of global health.

You will explore key factors influencing global health, health preparedness, and response, while examining the interconnectivity of wider determinants of health on a global scale. A major focus is the interface between global policy and national health systems, addressing the impact of policy on health access and services. In addition, the course offers opportunities to develop practical skills through real-world exercises and case studies, including the use of Artificial Intelligence to support health research and policy creation aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) benchmarks.

This programme provides exclusive networking opportunities with global health leaders and organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). You will participate in policy-driven projects, offering exposure to health initiatives and decision-makers. This connection allows you to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare policymaking and enhances your engagement with global health practitioners.

Who is this course for?

The programme is designed for those interested in international health policy, public health, global health governance, and health development, it appeals to both health professionals and those working in health ministries or global/local communities. 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. This programme will deliver the skills and advanced knowledge to progress your current professional practice, help you transition into the global health sector, or assist you in influencing international health policy.

By providing you with sought-after networking opportunities with peers, and an in-demand skillset, this course will upskill, diversify and enhance your existing credentials to drive change on an interconnected and global scale.

The MSc in Global Health is popular with students and professionals from backgrounds and disciplines that include:

• Public health professionals
• Social Sciences graduates
• Healthcare workers
• Policy and international relations experts
• Environmental and sustainability professionals
• Researchers and academics.

Course highlights

• Gain a Masters in Global Health from a World Top 100 University (QS World Rankings 2025)
• Enhance your network with partnerships with organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO)
• Study a truly interdisciplinary course which joins public health, international healthcare and global policy
• Benefit from a flexible, 100% online degree while studying with a renowned, research-intense Russell Group university
• We are ranked 22nd globally for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
• Learn how AI is being used to analyze and solve complex global health challenges
• Learn from anywhere in the world with an accessible and flexible fully online Masters degree
• Gain exclusive insights from global health leaders through interviews and podcasts.

Course details

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, followed by 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 usually complete all of the foundational modules in Carousel 1 before progressing to Carousel 2 and 3.

Carousel 1

You will gain expertise in Global Health Systems and Challenges, which introduces the concept of global health systems and outlines the challenges involved in policy development and the provision of national health services. You will also explore Global Health, Governance and Policy by examining the structures, actors and conceptual approaches that shape global health governance. Finally, by undertaking the Environment, Climate and Health module you will gain in-depth knowledge about the role that current food production systems, environmental degradation and climate change play in the emergence of infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics.

Carousels 2 and 3

As well as exploring the importance of global health systems and challenges, you’ll delve into more specialised modules, which include:

• Data Analysis for Population Health which will equip students with statistical skills to identify patterns in population health data
• Strengthening Health and Mental Health Service Delivery which explores the service delivery component of health systems
• Social and Corporate Determinants of Health. Explores the political economy of health and how health is socially determined by factors such as income and race
• Global Health Resources aims to analyse strategies for managing human resources for health and the distribution of financial resources in the health sector
• Health Diplomacy which offers a comprehensive understanding of the role and impact of diplomacy in global health
• Research Methods introducing the politics of global health research funding and quantitative and qualitative research design in health.
• Pandemic and Health Emergency Preparedness and Response which will introduce students to emergency preparedness across a range of health indicators with a focus on pandemics.

Project

As part of your learning for the Global Health programme you will complete two project-based modules.

• Project 1: You will conduct a project using artificial intelligence tools to support you to conduct a public health activity in a specific setting.
• Project 2: You will undertake a scoping review of one World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulation(IHR) benchmark.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read [the course] in the course catalogue.

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

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Depending on when you start the programme, you will take half of the modules below in Year 1, with the remaining modules being taken in Year 2.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

In Year 2 you will study the remaining half of the modules, which weren't taken in Year 1.

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 expert academics—including lecturers, professors, and, in some cases, industry professionals and trained postgraduate researchers—connecting you to leading expertise in the field.

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.

How to apply

The deadline for applications to join each intake are outlined below:

• September 2025 start: Apply by 5 August 2025.
• March 2026 start: Apply by 3 February 2026.

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

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.

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’.

Before applying, please read our how to apply guidance.

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 2025

This course is taught by

School of Politics and International Studies

Contact us

Online Admissions team

Email: onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £15,000 (per year)

International: £15,000 (per year)

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

We believe financial circumstances shouldn’t be a barrier to education. If you have the talent and drive, there may be funding options available including loans and non-repayable grants from both the University and from the UK government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.

• 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.