Online Global Health MSc
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Why Leeds?
Top 100 We're ranked in the top 100 universities in the world
22nd We’re ranked 22nd globally for Development Studies
Course overview
Explore the global health landscape, immerse yourself in policy development and delve into the real-world implementation 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.
Course details
Start date: September 2025 or March 2026
Delivery type: online exclusive
Duration: 24 months part-time
Standard entry requirements: a Bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons)
Professional route entry:
- 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
- or 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.
English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any component
Fees (UK and international): £15,000 (total)
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Module details
The following list represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
Global Health Systems and Challenges
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
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
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.
Year 1 and 2 optional modules
Depending on when you start the course, you will take half of the following modules in Year 1, with the remaining modules being taken in Year 2.
Data Analysis for Population Health
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
Explore the service delivery component of health systems, with a focus on strengthening the delivery of both physical and mental health services.
Social and Corporate Determinants of Health
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) and the role of corporations in structuring those markets and health outcomes.
Global Health Resources
Analyse strategies for managing human resources for health and how financial resources are distributed within the health sector.
Health Diplomacy
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and impact of diplomacy in global health and how it provides opportunities for active learning from real-world examples.
Research Methods
Explore the politics of global health research funding and quantitative and qualitative research design in health.
Year 2 compulsory modules
Pandemic and Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
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 – Artificial Intelligence and Public Health
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 Review
Conduct a scoping review of one World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulation (IHR) benchmark to determine the response effectiveness of strengthening that benchmark prior to a health emergency.
Your future
With global health challenges growing, organisations seek professionals with 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.
Why study Global Health online at Leeds?
The University of Leeds is ranked in the global top 100 and in the top 15 in the UK.
Our online course is accessible from anywhere in the world, for study when it suits you. You will be able to plan your studies around your job, family life and other commitments, and take breaks between modules if needed.
This programme offers unique opportunities to network with organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the opportunity for networking with global health leaders. You will also have the chance to participate in policy-driven projects, which offers 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.
Meet our experts
This programme caters to those interested in improving global health policy and overall population health. The programme is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of global health, its key determinants and dynamics, as well as potential solutions.