Program Overview

International Population Health Management MSc

The International Population Health Management MSc is a pioneering two-year programme jointly delivered by the University of Birmingham and Leiden University Medical Centre. This programme is designed to meet the evolving needs of global health systems, equipping students with the skills to tackle chronic disease, health inequalities, and resource allocation challenges.

Course Overview

This programme focuses on International Population Health Management, a concept endorsed by the WHO and the NHS. Students learn to target healthcare resources effectively in diverse socioeconomic and healthcare contexts, improving population health outcomes.

Course Structure

The programme is a 240-credit programme that runs over two years, with students spending time in both Birmingham and The Hague. The main award is 240 credits, but students can also achieve a 180-credit alternative qualification of MSc International Population Health Management.

Delivery Format

• In person
• Start date: September
• Duration: 2 years (full-time)
• Award: Master of Science (Statement of Extra Accredited Learning)

Entry Requirements

• 2:1 Honours degree in a subject relevant to public and population health, including most biological sciences.
• For students from foreign research universities, a Bachelor's or Honours degree in a health-related programme with sufficient knowledge in medicine, quantitative methods, and health care.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.

Fees and Scholarships

• Tuition fee: £11,250 (full-time)
• The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, supervision, assessment, and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
• Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships, including the Birmingham Masters Scholarship, which awards £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Application Process

Students will enrol at either the University of Birmingham or Leiden University Medical Centre and will be registered at both institutions for the duration of the programme. The application deadline for UK and non-visa requiring applicants is 28 August 2026.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this programme are equipped to lead change in health systems around the world, pursuing roles in national and regional health authorities, international organisations, public health agencies, healthcare providers, and academic and commercial research institutions.

Module Information

The programme includes a range of modules, including:

• Practical Epidemiology and Statistics
• Epidemiology, Statistics and Research Methods
• LUMC: Alternative Payment Models
• LUMC: Health and health behaviour
• LUMC: Implementation: putting population health management into action
• LUMC: Introduction to Fundamentals of Population Health Management
• LUMC: Panel Management Next Level
• LUMC: Predictive Analytics
• LUMC: Project case II
• LUMC: Syndemics
• Health Economics
• Dissertation (Masters' of International Population Health Management)
• Health inequalities
• Healthcare Public Health
• Health Information and Health Informatics
• Introduction to Leadership and Management for Health
• Global Health
• Health Improvement
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis

Teaching Staff

The programme is taught by a team of experienced academics, including:

• Dr Marco Bardus, Assistant Professor in Public Health
• Ms Janine Dretzke, Senior Systematic Reviewer
• Dr Nisha Dhanda, Associate Professor of Public Health
• Dr James Martin, Assistant Professor in Biostatistics
• Professor Tom Marshall, Professor of Public Health and Primary Care
• Professor Sam Watson, Professor of Biostatics
• Professor Miranda Pallan, Professor of Child and Adolescent Public Health

Student Experience

At Birmingham, students have access to a range of facilities and resources, including accommodation, student support, and campus life. The University is committed to providing the best possible support to all students, ensuring they get the most out of their university experience.