Understand international health and how policies, systems and programmes can improve global health outcomes.
International health focuses on how health issues, systems, policies and programmes work across the world, and how they can be strengthened to improve outcomes for different populations. Understanding this discipline is essential in a world where inequalities in access, resources and outcomes continue to affect lives globally.
This course helps you make sense of those challenges and equips you to respond to them. You’ll explore how healthcare systems operate in different contexts, develop the ability to analyse disparities in health and service access, and gain strong research skills that underpin evidence-based practice. Experiential learning opportunities, including overseas placements and research fieldwork, allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. In doing so, you will gain valuable experience and enhance key personal and professional competencies, such as project planning, time management, independent working, initiative, and reflective practice.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to make an impact in a range of international health and development settings. Many graduates go on to roles in NGOs, research organisations and health systems at national and global levels. Others use the MSc as a stepping stone into PhD study, supported by the course’s strong focus on research methods. For medical students, it provides valuable preparation for working in resource-limited settings. Wherever your path takes you, you’ll leave with the confidence, expertise and global perspective to contribute to meaningful change in health worldwide.
Specialist staff give this course the edge at Leeds:
Some study sessions use the University's computer resources, with support to enhance your competence in the use of information technology. You’ll have access to our virtual learning environment, which includes teaching materials and resources to prepare you for assignments and your own research.
You’ll be able to use University facilities for independent study, such as computing facilities and the Health Sciences library, with its extensive collection of online journals. You will also have access to the newly refurbished Worsley Building with new teaching spaces and a social space specifically for postgraduate students.
The benefits of this course include being able to travel to conduct primary research and gain experience of working with international health and development organisations abroad.
As part of the Experiential Learning in International Health module, you can apply your learning in a global context by undertaking a primary research project or a placement with an organisation working in health and development overseas.
You also have the opportunity to take part in a study visit to Geneva (depending on travel restrictions and visa requirements – see course terms and conditions) to attend workshops and meetings with various health-related UN and international organisations such as the World Health Organisation; UNAIDS; UN High Commission for Refugees; United Nations High Commission for Human Rights; International Labour O
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a health-related discipline or equivalent qualification. If your degree is in a non-health related discipline, your application will be considered but is less likely to be successful unless you have significant relevant experience.
Examples of health-related disciplines are:
We can also consider any individual whose work directly brings then into contact with patients/service users in a Health context.
Alternatively, a diploma in a health-related discipline together with at least three years’ relevant experience.
We will give preference to candidates with work or study experience in areas related to international health.