Child Health

The MSc in Child Health at University College London offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary training program designed to equip health professionals, researchers, and policymakers with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to improve the health and wellbeing of children worldwide. This program explores the biological, psychological, social, and environmental determinants of child health, emphasizing evidence-based approaches and innovative strategies to address complex health challenges faced by children and adolescents. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum covering topics such as child development, pediatric epidemiology, nutrition, infectious diseases, mental health, and health policy. The program fosters critical thinking and practical skills through a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and research projects, encouraging students to apply their learning to real-world scenarios. Collaborative learning environments provide opportunities to work alongside leading experts from various disciplines, facilitating the exchange of ideas and development of multidisciplinary solutions. Designed for professionals aiming to enhance their expertise or transition into child health research and practice, the MSc program prepares graduates to contribute effectively to clinical care, public health initiatives, and policy development at local, national, and international levels. The program’s flexible study options include full-time and part-time pathways, accommodating the needs of working professionals. Upon graduation, students will be well-positioned to pursue careers in healthcare delivery, academic research, health management, and advocacy, ultimately contributing to the advancement of child health globally.

The degree is centred on a research project in an area of child health which interests you. Conducting your own research will support you in learning how to: search literature and plan a research project; use statistical knowledge to critically appraise your own and published work; and communicate and justify your results. You will be encouraged to consider the implications of child health and/or healthcare policy and to produce reports of your results to publication standard.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of one core module (15 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and a dissertation/report (120 credits).

Core modules

• Research Methodology and Statistics

Optional modules

• Students will select additionally three Master’s level modules from those offered at the Institute of Child Health (ICH) and more broadly across UCL.
• At least one module must focus on transferable research or professional skills. Modules include (but are not limited to):
• Epidemiology for Child Health
• Evidence-based Child Health
• Leadership and Professional Development
• Understanding Research and Critical Appraisal

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 20,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and research project supervision. Assessment is through a combination of multiple-choice and short-answer questions, essays, posters, presentations, reflective portfolios, critical appraisal of the literature and a dissertation and oral presentation.

Applicants should hold either a medical degree (MBBS) or a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotech professionals and scientists with equivalent experience (minimum of three years) may also apply.

The Master of Science in Child Health at University College London offers a comprehensive programme designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills necessary for improving child health outcomes. The financing of studies primarily includes tuition fees, which vary depending on the student's residency status. For the academic year 2023-2024, the full-time international tuition fee is approximately £29,600, while domestic students pay around £11,500 per year. These fees cover lectures, seminars, access to university facilities, and research resources.

In addition to tuition, students should consider living costs, which are estimated to be between £1,200 and £1,500 per month in London, including accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses. The university provides guidance on budget planning and offers various financial support options. Scholarships are available for outstanding applicants, including the UCL Postgraduate Research Scholarships, which may cover tuition fees partially or fully. These scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on academic excellence and potential contribution to the field of child health.

Students can also explore government-backed loans and bursaries, particularly for UK and EU students, which can help mitigate the financial burden. Furthermore, UCL encourages applications for external funding through national and international health organizations, charities, and research councils. Some students choose to seek part-time work opportunities within the university or the local area to supplement their income, although this must be balanced with their academic commitments.

Medical and healthcare professionals interested in the programme often leverage employer sponsorship or Educational Fund provisions, which may cover tuition fees and provide stipends. The university’s dedicated financial aid advisors assist students in navigating available funding options and planning their finances effectively. Overall, financing studies in Child Health at UCL involves a combination of tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, loans, and external funding sources, with ample support available to help students manage these costs and focus on their academic and professional development in improving child health outcomes worldwide.

The MSc Child Health at University College London is a comprehensive programme designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of the various aspects of child health and development. This programme explores multiple disciplines related to pediatric medicine, including developmental psychology, paediatric medicine, public health, global health, and policy making. It aims to prepare graduates for roles in clinical practice, research, and policy development focused on improving health outcomes for children worldwide. The curriculum includes core modules that cover fundamental topics such as child growth and development, pediatric diseases, health inequalities, and preventive healthcare. Students also have opportunities to specialize through optional modules tailored to specific interests within child health, such as child mental health, nutrition, or neonatal care.

The programme is structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, emphasizing evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary collaboration. It employs a variety of teaching methodologies, including lectures, seminars, case studies, and research projects, ensuring an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. Students are encouraged to undertake research work and are supported by faculty with extensive expertise in child health and pediatric research. The programme also fosters an understanding of global perspectives on child health, including the challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries, and encourages critical analysis of existing health policies and their impact on children’s well-being.

Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to work in a range of sectors, including healthcare, public health institutions, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions. They will gain skills in critical thinking, data analysis, policy analysis, and effective communication, all of which are essential for advancing child health initiatives. The MSc Child Health at UCL offers excellent networking opportunities, access to leading researchers, and collaboration with external organizations, enhancing career prospects in the field. The programme is ideal for those interested in pursuing further academic research or advanced clinical roles. Overall, it provides a multidisciplinary approach that combines academic rigor with practical relevance, aiming to improve children's health outcomes globally.

This programme is typically completed over one year full-time or part-time options may be available, providing flexibility for professionals already engaged in healthcare or related fields. Admission requirements generally include a relevant undergraduate degree and a demonstrable interest in child health. International students are welcome, and the programme supports diversity by including perspectives from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Upon successful completion, students earn an MSc degree, qualifying them for various roles in child health research, policy, and clinical practice, contributing to the advancement of child health services and outcomes worldwide.