Global and Planetary Health draft

Program Overview

The MSc in Global and Planetary Health at Durham University explores the complex issues of global health and environmental sustainability, providing a comprehensive foundation in the history, theories, and practices of health and healthcare. Through a combination of core and optional modules, students gain a deep understanding of the challenges facing global health and environmental sustainability, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to solutions. The program's diverse teaching methods, renowned faculty, and commitment to inclusivity foster an engaging and intellectually stimulating learning environment.

Program Outline

Global and Planetary Health MSc program - Durham University

The program's objectives include:

• Enhancing understanding of the profound challenges facing global health and environmental sustainability.
• Providing a comprehensive foundation in the history, theories, and practices of health and healthcare at local, national, and global levels.
• Examining resilience, the environment, and the socio-politics of energy within the context of planetary health.
• Equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to solutions for these pressing issues.

Outline:

It features a combination of core and optional modules, offering students flexibility and the ability to tailor their learning.

Core Modules:

• Anthropology of Global Health: Explores the theoretical perspectives and approaches in medical anthropology, examining how health and illness are experienced and understood in society.
• Society, Energy, Environment and Resilience: Introduces anthropological and social science perspectives in studying the relationship between people, the environment, and energy production and use.
• Planetary Health in Social Context: Provides a foundation in planetary health, encouraging critical discussion of contemporary debates and issues like climate change, emerging infectious diseases, and population growth.

Optional Modules:

• Statistical Analysis in Anthropology
• Fieldwork and Interpretation
• Field Study
• Context and Challenges in Energy and Society
• Society, Health and Wellbeing
• Anthropology and Development
• Interrogating Ethnography
• Thinking Anthropologically
• Understanding Society and Culture
• Advanced Studies in Anthropological Skills for Climate Change
• Advanced Studies in Anthropology of Tobacco
• Advanced Studies in Capitalism in Ruins
• Advanced Studies in Development, Conflict, and Crisis in The Lower Omo Valley
• Advanced Studies in Power and Governance
• Advanced Studies in The Anthropology of Health Inequality
• Advanced Studies in Poison, Pollution, and The Chemical Anthropocene

Dissertation:

Students have the option to select between two forms of dissertation:

• Independent research: Students conduct research on a chosen specialist area, applying knowledge gained in research methods modules.
This involves a literature review, data collection through fieldwork, laboratory work, or published sources, data analysis, and discussion of findings.
• Vocational dissertation: Students apply skills and methods learned in core and optional modules to a vocational project, collaborating with a private, voluntary, or public sector partner.
This involves writing a research diary, consultancy-style report, and acquiring advanced knowledge and understanding of a specific sub-field of global and planetary health and its relation to the chosen topic.

Assessment:

Assessment throughout the program occurs through various methods:

• Induction: Assesses academic abilities, including essay writing, bibliographic skills, and quantitative analysis.
• Essays and Critical Reviews: Students demonstrate their understanding and analysis of concepts through essays and critical reviews of assigned readings and research findings.
• Portfolios and Project Work: Students showcase their research and analytical skills through projects, portfolio development, and presentations.
• Dissertation: The culminating assessment involves independent research or vocational project work, requiring the application of advanced skills and knowledge to address a specific topic within global and planetary health.

Teaching:

• Seminars: These small group discussions enable students to engage with a particular topic and critically analyze different perspectives.
• Tutorials: Individual or small group sessions focus on developing essential academic and communication skills, including essay writing, research methods, and critical analysis.
• Independent Research: Students independently explore specific areas of interest within global and planetary health, allowing them to delve deeper into chosen topics.
• Dissertations: This significant research component, whether independent or vocational, allows students to refine their research skills and produce a substantial piece of work contributing to the field.
• Fieldwork and Practical Research: Some modules incorporate fieldwork or practical research, providing hands-on experience and applying theoretical concepts in real-world settings.

Careers:

Potential Career Opportunities:

• Development
• Health
• Government
• Policy
• Social research
• Culture
• Heritage
• Consultancy
• Education
• Media

Recent Graduates:

• Save the Children
• HM Prison Service
• Civil Service
• Durham University
• VSO
• National Graduate Development Programme
• Non-governmental organizations (Concern Universal and Kenwa)

Other:

• Induction program: Provides support and guidance to new students, including those with diverse backgrounds and prior experiences.
• Small class sizes: Encourages personalized attention and interaction with faculty and fellow students, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• World-class library: Extensive collection of academic resources and support services for students.
• State-of-the-art facilities: Dedicated research labs and equipment specifically designed to support global health and sustainability research.
• Campus organizations and societies: Opportunities to engage with like-minded individuals and participate in activities related to global health, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

Full Time Fees

• Tuition fees
• Home students: £12,500 per year
• EU students: £26,500 per year
• Island students: £12,500 per year
• International students: £26,500 per year

Part Time Fees

• Tuition fees
• Home students: £6,900 per year
• EU students: £14,600 per year
• Island students: £6,900 per year
• International students: £14,600 per year