Course summary
Our course is an ideal introduction to international health if you're interested in the sector, but have limited experience. It is designed to develop your understanding of international health issues, systems, programmes and policies to prepare you for a rewarding career in international health. You’ll develop your knowledge and skills to help achieve international development goals and reduce the burden of diseases borne by vulnerable populations. This course also has a strong emphasis on research methods training, which is an essential grounding if you intend to pursue further postgraduate research (PhD), or intend to work within international health policy, systems or programmes. For aspiring research students without strong training in methods, the MSc should be considered an essential preparatory year prior to beginning a PhD. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a medical student wishing to intercalate, or a healthcare professional, you’ll become a part of our international community.
- Learn in an international learning environment, with fellow professionals from a range of countries and areas of expertise.
- Work with leading experts in international health.
- Tailor your course to align your own skills to your own interests with a choice of optional modules.
- Develop the skills and knowledge to build a career within international and national NGOs and national-level research and health and development organisations.
- Make an Impact
- A strong emphasis on developing research skills prepares you for future careers in international health and provides a strong grounding for those who intend to pursue further postgraduate studies (PhD).
- 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. It also offers an opportunity to do experiential learning on how international health organisations work in real-time in low- and middle-income contexts.
- You have the opportunity to take part in a study visit to Geneva (depending on travel restrictions and visa requirements – see course terms and conditions) to attend workshops and meetings with various health-related UN and international organisations such as the World Health Organisation; UNAIDS; UN High Commission for Refugees; United Nations High Commission for Human Rights; International Labour Organisation; International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies; Médecins Sans Frontières; GAVI Vaccine Alliance. Participants are required to pay toward the cost of flights, accommodation, visa and food, an estimated cost is provided to prospective students in welcome information, before arriving in Leeds.
- In one of the optional modules, you can focus on the implications of disasters and conflicts on the health system. In this module, you will be taught by experts who have first-hand experience of working in emergency settings. They include experts from frontline medical aid charities that work towards a world where everyone has the healthcare they need when crises or disasters hit.
Modules
Explore and analyse factors that cause inequalities in health status, resources and access to health information and services. Our core modules are designed to 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. You will also choose from optional modules to tailor your knowledge and skills to your own interests. 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 (subject to government and University of Leeds COVID restrictions). With a strong emphasis on research skills, we will prepare you for a future career in international health, or further postgraduate study.
Assessment method
You will be assessed at the end of 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.
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, your application will be considered but is less likely to be successful unless you have significant relevant experience. Alternatively, a diploma in a health-related discipline together with at least three years’ relevant experience. We will give preference to candidates with work or study experience in areas related to international health. English language requirements IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components. For other English qualifications, see our course website.
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
Fees are listed on our website: https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/
Provider information
University of Leeds
Woodhouse Lane
Leeds
LS2 9JT