Course summary
Health doesn’t exist in isolation – climate change, health inequalities, and changing demographics all shape health outcomes locally and globally. From workforce shortages to the impact of migration and emerging health technologies, global challenges influence every healthcare system. Anyone working in health today, whether in policy, practice, or research, needs a broad understanding of these interconnected issues. A flexible and engaging online learning experience Our MSc Global Health programme has been redesigned from the ground up for distance learning, with flexibility and engagement at its core. This isn’t a traditional programme simply moved online – it has been carefully crafted to make the most of digital learning, ensuring a rich and interactive experience that fits around your life. Through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning, you will benefit from the best of both worlds – independent study at your own pace, alongside real-time engagement with leading experts and peers. Asynchronous content – recorded lectures, readings, and interactive materials – will allow you to explore key topics at a time that suits you. At the same time, synchronous sessions provide valuable opportunities for live discussion, debate, and collaboration, ensuring you can remain connected with staff and fellow learners. This approach fosters a global learning community, where diverse perspectives enrich understanding of complex health challenges. With access to cutting-edge research, expert-led teaching, and a dynamic online environment, this programme equip will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and networks to advance your career – all without the constraints of a traditional classroom or having to step away from your career. Whoever you are, whatever you do, and wherever you are in the world, the University of Plymouth MSc Global Health programme fits around your life. Learn from leading global health experts Our MSc Global Health programme is shaped by experts from the Global Health Collaborative – a network of academics, clinicians, and professionals tackling global health challenges in real time. Their expertise spans research, policy, and practice, bringing first-hand insight into the complexities of health systems, inequalities, and interventions worldwide. Through case studies, research-led teaching, and real-world examples, you will engage directly with the issues shaping global health today. This collaboration also creates opportunities for you to connect with leading voices in the field, expanding professional networks and will expose you to the latest thinking in global health.
Modules
Year 1 Core modules CLE721DL Research Methods in Healthcare This module aims to provide the students with increased understanding and knowledge of the research methods and statistics, to enable them to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect on research evidence, to practice. Students will be introduced to a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods, primary and secondary research methods, equipping them with a basic understanding of the underlying principles of quantitative and qualitative research. CLE731DL Research Design and Development This module provides an introduction to the research design, development and knowledge transfer process. You will be supported in generating a research idea and developing it into a coherent and achievable research proposal for a Masters dissertation. CLE732DL Research Project Dissertation This module is the dissertation associated with the Masters programmes (ClinEd, HMLI, GH , EMM) and is designed to enable students to produce a project dissertation under supervision, and to demonstrate project design, development, evaluation and synthesis skills. GH711DL Introduction to Global Health This module will unpick the phrase Global Health and the key issues and philosophies within it. It will consider the scholarship of an emerging field through time and look to the future requirements for global health leadership. GH716DL Primary and Public Health Care: Global Health Systems This module will compare and contrast different types of health systems globally and apply a deep and systematic understanding of the key principles of primary health care and public health policy and practice for health systems strengthening, particularly for communities experiencing health inequalities. Students will critically analyse impacts of broad social determinants of health on human health and health inequalities in impoverished communities. GH717DL Leadership in Global Health: Health Systems Strengthening This module will discuss the complexity, achievements and shortcomings of international, national and local global health leadership suggesting strategies for enhancing leadership to strengthen health systems in resource poor contexts. Students will explore the role of critical reflection in the development of leadership responses to the different challenges to health systems globally and locally. Optional modules CLE713DL Contemporary Issues in Clinical Education CLE723DL Design and Development of HealthCare Education GH715DL Health in Humanitarian Emergencies GH718DL Human Health and Health Inequalities in Coastal Communities The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied, your conditional offer letter will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Entry requirements
Normally a recognised first degree or equivalent will be required with a minimum of an upper second (2:1) class honours degree in a relevant global health subject (e.g. health professionals, media studies, politics and economics, human rights, health economics, health management, veterinary practice, community forestry, psychology, sociology). This could be wide ranging in terms of topics and disciplines. Applicants with a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree or a recognised professional qualification at an equivalent level will be considered where they can demonstrate relevant experience or further professional development. Additionally, candidates with substantial relevant work experience, gained through professional practice or other means, may also be considered where admissions staff are confident in their ability to succeed in the programme, in line with QAA guidance. Applicants must indicate their intended award/completion point (PgCert, PgDip, MSc) at the point of application. Admissions for all MSc, PgDip and PgCert pathways are handled by the central admissions team: [email protected]
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees
* Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Provider information
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA