Program Overview

MSc Global Public Health

The MSc Global Public Health is a postgraduate course that challenges students to investigate the complex links between population health and the wider economic, social, political, environmental, and commercial determinants that shape human and planetary health in the globalized world.

Overview

The course is based in the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Essex and is designed to equip students with the academic knowledge and skillset to analyze the impact of structural forms of discrimination, including racism and colonialism, both in the UK and internationally. Through a combination of interactive lectures and intensive seminars with practitioners and leading experts, students will develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of global public health.

Course Structure

The course consists of several components, including:

• Global Public Health Research Dissertation (60 credits)
• Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation (15 credits)
• Literature Review and Critical Appraisal (15 credits)
• Introduction to Global Health (15 credits)
• Social Determinants of Health (15 credits)
• Introduction to Epidemiology (15 credits)
• Optional modules (30 credits)

Teaching

Students can expect to have approximately 12-14 hours of taught hours per week. In term 1, teaching takes place three days per week, with two days dedicated to independent study. In term 2, students have the opportunity to undertake some optional modules, some of which are taught intensively during a whole week. In the third term, there are fewer contact hours as students are expected to be working on their dissertation.

Fees and Funding

The home/UK fee for the course is ｣11,025, and the international fee is ｣23,875. There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the course, students must have a 2:2 honors degree or international equivalent in a medical, health, social care, or social sciences discipline. Applicants with a 3rd class degree or a 2:2 degree in any other discipline will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may need to demonstrate at least one year's relevant experience in the field of health policy and systems.

English Language Requirements

Students must have an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5.

Research Areas

The course covers a range of research areas, including:

• Global public health governance
• Health policy and systems research
• Social determinants of health
• Epidemiology
• Intersectionality and health inequalities

Specialist Facilities

The School of Health and Social Care is located in the Kimmy Eldridge building on the Colchester campus and offers excellent physical and online resources, including libraries, computer labs, datasets, archives, and other research materials.

Career Prospects

The course will prepare students to evaluate and support the development and implementation of evidence-informed and rights-oriented local, national, and global public health policies and programs. It is likely to be of interest to those already working in or keen to develop a career in public health policy and practice, the health and social care sector, the humanitarian sector, the development sector, and academia.