NOVA University Lisbon - National School of Public Health
Bachelor in Global Public Health
Lisboa, Portugal
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 7,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for non-European Union students | €697 - for national and European Union students
Key Summary
About: The Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health at the NOVA National School of Public Health trains professionals to meet global public health challenges. The programme runs over six semesters and blends public health sciences, digital health, innovation, internships, applied projects and seminars, with partnerships including NOVA Medical School, the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and The Aga Khan University.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work globally in national and international public health agencies, NGOs, hospitals, research institutes, policy organisations, health tech and community programmes. Typical roles include public health practitioner, health policy analyst, epidemiology assistant, programme coordinator, and researcher. You'll be prepared for Masters study and roles addressing health equity, health systems strengthening, disease prevention and emergency response.
The Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health was designed to address the contemporary challenges of the public health sector. It aims to train highly qualified professionals to act in different public health scenarios and contexts worldwide.
This programme stands out for its solid and up-to-date academic training, combining academic rigour with close ties to professional practice. Over six semesters, students develop the scientific, technical and human skills essential to meet the labour market challenges and/or continuing to second cycle studies.
The curriculum includes innovative course units in different areas such as public health sciences, innovation and entrepreneurship, digital health, a strong practical component, and active links with professional and institutional networks in the field. Through internships, applied projects, seminars with experts, and dynamic and innovative teaching methodologies, students are challenged to build a critical, multidisciplinary education focused on problem-solving.
The Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health is offered by the NOVA National School of Public Health, in partnership with the NOVA Medical School, the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and The Aga Khan University, all recognised by their commitment to high-quality, top-notch higher education, pedagogical innovation, and human and social development.
Objective
The main objective of the Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health is to train professionals with a solid scientific, technical and ethical foundation, capable of critically and innovatively responding to current and future challenges in the health sector.
The programme is structured to combine theoretical teaching with practical experience, strengthening ties to the labour market and preparing students for complex and constantly evolving contexts.
Benefits
By choosing the Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health, you are investing in a programme:
- Focused on global challenges: you will be prepared to work in diverse contexts, addressing health crises, health inequalities, climate change, and other critical global health issues;
- Multidisciplinary approach: you will gain knowledge on health sciences, social sciences, environmental studies, and public policy, fostering a broad and systemic understanding of population health;
- Strong practical component and real-world relevance: its student-oriented, active learning methods, applied projects, seminars with specialists, and opportunities for engagement with organisations in the field will give you a broad view of the national and international ecosystem and the ability to operate in different settings;
- Development of cross-sectional, cross-cutting skills: during your training, you will work on your intercultural communication, critical thinking, collaborative work, and the ability to act ethically and knowledgeably;
- International outlook: you will have access to mobility programmes, internships, and career opportunities in both national and international contexts through cooperation networks and global partnerships;
- Prepares you for a meaningful and successful career: you will actively contribute to fairer, more sustainable, and inclusive health systems, with real impact on people’s lives.
Aspiring young people, looking to improve population health in local, national, and international contexts, through an interdisciplinary, ethical, and equity-driven approach.
- Have a secondary school or vocational education and an interest in health, social sciences,
sustainability, and social justice; - Are seeking an internationally oriented education focused on major global health challenges;
- Want to have a career in public health bodies, non-governmental organisations, international agencies, companies, academic institutions or research centres;
- Want to work in multicultural and interdisciplinary settings, with critical thinking, analytical skills, and a commitment to the common good;
- Wish to combine knowledge in public health, public policy, social and environmental sciences, promoting integrated solutions to global health issues.
This is the training program for you!
Graduates are expected to develop:
- Fundamental and up-to-date knowledge in the core areas of the course, with an integrated and applied perspective;
- Analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for informed decision-making in demanding professional settings;
- Teamwork and effective communication abilities, valuing interdisciplinarity and collaboration;
- Ethical awareness and social responsibility, promoting sustainable, equitable and human-centred practices;
- A commitment to lifelong learning, encouraging further studies and continuous professional development.
1st Year
1st Semester
- Introduction to Public Health
- Basic Epidemiology
- Introduction to Health Statistics
- Genetics for Public Health
- Social and Behavioural Sciences in Global Public Health
2nd Semester
- Introduction to Health Promotion
- Introduction to Occupational and Environmental Health
- Introduction to Economics for Health
- Microbiology and Parasitology for Public Health
- Demography and Health
2nd Year
1st Semester
- Health Information Systems in Public Health
- Health System and Public Health Policies
- Communicable Diseases for Public Health
- Healthcare Management and Leadership
- Mental Health Promotion
- One Health
2nd Semester
- Research Methods in Global Public Health
- Non-communicable diseases for Public Health
- Field Epidemiology
- Internship 1: Project Management and Entrepreneurship
- Electives: read more in General Information
3rd Year
1st Semester
- Global Health and Public Health Emergencies
- Health Planning and Evaluation
- Data Science for Public Health
- Nutrition and Public Health
- Electives: read more in General Information
2nd Semester
- Foundations of Professional Practice in Global Public Health
- Emerging Issues in Global Public Health
- Law and Ethics in Global Public Health
- Health and Risk Communication
- Internship 2: Public Health Practice
Elective Courses (3 ECTS each)
Students can choose from a variety of courses offered either by NOVA NSPH, NMS and IHMT, as well as other faculties within NOVA University. Students can also choose to do their elective courses in other European Universities.
Elective courses offered at NOVA NSPH cover:
- Program Planning and Development
- Healthcare Evaluation
- Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
- Advanced Epidemiology
- Health Promotion and Municipalities
- Value-Based Healthcare
- Biotech Law
- Health Systems Sustainability
Internships
During the bachelor's degree, students gain real-world experience through two hands-on internships designed to immerse them in diverse global public health settings and prepare them for impactful careers.
Lisbon as Your Campus: A City That Inspires, Connects, and Transforms
Studying in Lisbon is more than an academic experience; it is a chance to live at the heart of a dynamic, multicultural, and constantly evolving ecosystem. As Portugal’s capital, Lisbon combines a rich historical heritage with a vibrant contemporary lifestyle, providing the perfect setting for academic, professional, and personal growth.
Choosing to study in Lisbon offers:
- An academic environment of excellence: Lisbon is home to some of the country’s top higher education institutions, fostering innovation, research, and inter-institutional collaboration;
- Connection to the labour market: the city is a growing economic hub with opportunities in the health sector, facilitating internships, networking, and employability;
- Access to decision-making centres: being close to public bodies, leading companies and international organisations is an advantage for building a strong career;
- Balanced lifestyle: nestled between the River Tagus and its famous hills, Lisbon offers a high quality of life, safety, excellent cuisine, vibrant culture, mild climate, and an efficient public transport network;
- Multicultural environment: Lisbon attracts students and professionals from all over the world, creating a diverse and enriching community.
That’s why studying in Lisbon is an opportunity to broaden your horizons and prepare for your future.