Global Health MSc
Woodhouse, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
24 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
17 Feb 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Mar 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 15,000
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
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 delving 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.
The University of Leeds’s Nuffield Centre is a WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Capacity Strengthening of Health Policy, Governance and Services. As such, this programme provides networking opportunities with global health leaders and organisations, which include 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.
Course highlights
- Gain a Masters in Global Health from a World Top 100 University (QS World Rankings 2026)
- Enhance your network with partnerships with organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO)
- Study a truly interdisciplinary course that joins public health, international healthcare, and global policy
- Benefit from a flexible, 100% online degree while studying with a renowned, research-intensive 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.
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.
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 the UK government. Find out more at the Master's 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.
Course details and modules
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, including 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 in conducting 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.
Year 1 compulsory modules
- Global Health Systems and Challenges
- Global Health Governance and Policy
- Environment, Climate, and Health
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.
- Data Analysis for Population Health
- Strengthening Health and Mental Health Service Delivery
- Global Health Resources
- Research Methods
- Social and Corporate Determinants of Health
- Health Diplomacy
Year 2 compulsory modules
- Project 1 - Artificial Intelligence and Public Health
- Pandemic and Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Project 2 – Rapid Scoping Review
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.
- Data Analysis for Population Health
- Strengthening Health and Mental Health Service Delivery
- Global Health Resources
- Research Methods
- Social and Corporate Determinants of Health
- Health Diplomacy
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 the alumni network, online support, and employer partnerships.