Education Health Promotion and International Development

The MSc in Education, Health Promotion and International Development at University College London offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationships between education, health, and sustainable development in a global context. This dynamic programme is designed for students passionate about making a positive impact on societies worldwide through innovative strategies in education and health promotion. Throughout the course, students will explore a wide range of topics including health education, community development, international health policies, social determinants of health, and the role of education in promoting health and well-being across different cultural and socio-economic settings. The programme combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, equipping graduates with the necessary skills to plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion initiatives and educational programs in diverse environments. Emphasising critical thinking and research proficiency, students undertake modules that develop advanced analytical skills, enabling them to assess existing international health and education interventions effectively. The programme encourages a multidisciplinary perspective, drawing insights from public health, education sciences, sociology, and development studies, thereby preparing students for careers in international development agencies, non-governmental organizations, health promotion departments, and educational institutions. With its strong emphasis on global health issues and international development policies, the MSc programme provides an excellent platform for those aiming to contribute to health equity, social justice, and sustainable development goals worldwide. The programme includes opportunities for fieldwork, policy analysis, and a substantial research project, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Graduates leave equipped with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional networks necessary to lead initiatives that improve health outcomes and educational access globally, ultimately aiming to foster healthier, more equitable societies across the globe.

Students will:

• build on their existing knowledge to develop new understandings of key concepts and issues in education, health promotion and international development
• appraise and evaluate current policy and practice through evidence-informed analysis
• draw connections between distinct academic disciplines with regard to the promotion of wellbeing and social justice,
• investigate and propose sustainable ways of working and,
• through conducting a small-scale research study, apply what they have learned to create personally and professionally relevant new knowledge of the field.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (60 credits), two optional modules (60 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits), or three optional modules (90 credits) and a report (30 credits).

Core modules

• Education and International Development: Concepts, Theories and Issues
• Promoting Health and Wellbeing: Planning, Practice and Participation

Optional modules

A range of optional modules from across UCL Institute of Education (IOE) Master's-level offering are available, including:

• Education, Conflict and Fragility
• Education and Development in Asia
• Education and Muslim Communities
• Planning for Education and Development
• Gender, Education and Development
• Gender, Sexuality and Education
• Learners, Learning and Teaching in the Context of Education for All
• Children's Rights in Practice
• Theories of Childhood and Society
• Understanding Education Research
• Understanding Research

We are keen to encourage students to select modules from across the IOE - including those related to education technology, effective learning, social policy, art education. Please discuss your optional module choices with your personal tutor so that you can build a modular programme relevant to your professional development in the field.

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of up to 20,000 words or a report of 10,000 words

Teaching and learning

The programme is taught through a combination of lectures, participatory and interactive groupwork, online learning and individual tutorials. Assessment is through coursework, taking the form of 5,000 word assignments or equivalent, such as a 3,500-word project proposal + 1,500 word conceptual framework. The small-scale research study is assessed by way of a 20,000-word dissertation or 10,000-word report

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is not a compulsory part of the programme. However, students are encouraged to draw from their professional or voluntary experience as well as the ideas encountered during the programme to write critically and cogently for different audiences. The small-scale research study usually takes the form of a combination of desk-based research (a literature review) and fieldwork.

A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required, normally in social science, education or nursing - but a range of undergraduate programmes are excepted (including arts and humanities if the applicant can demonstrare an interest in and understanding of health promotion in their personal statement). In addition some appropriate experience in a low or middle-income country (a minimum of one month) is normally a condition of entry.

The Master of Science in Education, Health Promotion and International Development at University College London offers a range of financing options to support students' academic and living expenses throughout their studies. The university provides various funding opportunities, including scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs, designed to assist both international and domestic students. Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government grants, international organization scholarships, and private sponsorships, which can sometimes cover tuition fees and living costs. UCL also offers specific scholarships for students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership qualities, or financial need. These include the UCL Graduate Scholarships and departmental bursaries dedicated to supporting students enrolled in this program. Additionally, students may consider applying for loans through governmental or private lenders, which can provide manageable repayment plans aligned with employment prospects post-graduation. International students should verify visa-related financial requirements and ensure they meet the necessary funds criteria to obtain a student visa. The university's financial aid webpage provides detailed guidance on application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines. Many students combine several funding sources to finance their studies effectively, including part-time work opportunities on or near campus that comply with visa regulations. Furthermore, the program's emphasis on global health promotion and international development prepares graduates for careers that often have competitive salaries, which can assist in repaying educational loans or funding ongoing professional development. In sum, financing this program involves a comprehensive approach that leverages university-specific scholarships, external funding sources, loans, and income from employment, all aimed at ensuring students can focus on their academic pursuits without excessive financial burdens.

The MSc in Education, Health Promotion and International Development at University College London (UCL) is a multidisciplinary program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected fields of education, health promotion, and international development. This program aims to prepare graduates to effectively address complex health and education challenges worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing critical thinking, policy analysis, and field-based applications. Students gain insights into global health issues, educational inequalities, and strategies for sustainable development, fostering an interdisciplinary approach essential for impactful work in international settings. The curriculum often includes core modules on global health, education policy, and development theories, complemented by optional modules tailored to specific interests such as health systems, social determinants of health, or international education policies. UCL's strong links with international organizations and research centers provide students with opportunities for internships, field research, and networking with professionals in the field. The program is suitable for recent graduates aiming to pursue careers in NGOs, international agencies, government departments, or research institutions focused on development and health promotion. It typically spans one year for full-time study, with flexible options for part-time students. Graduates are expected to develop skills in project management, program evaluation, cultural competence, and ethical research practice. The program emphasizes a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and practical exercises to foster a dynamic and engaging learning environment. UCL provides state-of-the-art facilities, access to extensive online resources, and a diverse student body from around the world, enriching the educational experience. Upon completion, students receive an MSc degree recognized internationally, enhancing their employability and readiness to contribute to global development initiatives. This program aligns with UCL’s commitment to addressing planetary health and promoting social justice through innovative education and evidence-based practice.