Global Health and Development tropEd programme

The Global Health and Development MSc offered by tropEd in collaboration with University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for effective careers in the fields of global health, development, and international health interventions. This program emphasizes the importance of a holistic understanding of health issues as they relate to social, economic, political, and environmental determinants across different regions of the world. Students will gain critical knowledge of epidemiology, health systems, policy analysis, and program management, equipping them to address complex health challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical skills, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions and evidence-based strategies for improving health outcomes globally.

Throughout the program, learners will engage with a diverse range of topics including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, health equity, human rights, and sustainability, ensuring they are well-versed in the multifaceted nature of global health issues. The program features a blended learning approach, integrating online modules, in-country placements, and face-to-face workshops, fostering a dynamic and interactive educational environment. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with international faculty, policymakers, and practitioners, gaining valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Graduates from this program are equipped to work in various sectors such as government agencies, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, research institutions, and private sector entities dedicated to health development. By emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches, policy relevance, and practical experience, the MSc prepares students to become effective leaders and advocates in improving health systems and promoting sustainable development worldwide. Whether aiming to specialize in epidemiology, health policy, or program management, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of global health challenges and innovative strategies to address them.

The programme challenges students to understand the complex forces that shape health worldwide, by developing their understanding of the principles underlying research, policy and practice in global health, and their ability to critically evaluate the issues that are important for today's developing countries and common to the whole world.

MSc students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core UCL modules (60 credits), optional modules taken at UCL and partner trop-Ed institutions (60 credits), and the research dissertation completed at UCL (60 credits). All UCL taught modules are 15 credits. To gain the tropEd MSc you should take at least 15 credits of optional modules outside UCL in a partner tropEd institution.

UCL core modules

• Concepts and Controversies in Global Health
• Research Methods and Evidence for Global Health
• Power and Politics in Global Health
• Health Systems in a Global Context

Optional modules

IGH reserves the right not to run modules with less than 10 students registered. 

• There are more than 150 modules available that have been approved and accredited by tropEd.
• For further details visit: www.troped.org
• UCL module options may include the following:
• Anthropological Perspectives on Global Health
• Climate Change and Health
• Conflict, Humanitarianism and Health
• Collecting and Using Data: Essentials of Quantitative Survey Research
• Disability and Development
• Economic Evaluation in Health Care
• Essentials of International Child Health
• Evaluating Interventions
• Global Health Promotion
• Health Management: Planning and Programme Design
• Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Global Health Policy
• Key Principles of Health Economics
• Law and Governance of Global Health
• Nutrition and Public Health
• Perinatal Epidemiology and Maternal Health
• Research in Action: The Qualitative Approach
• Urban Health

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an individual research project on a topic relevant to future work in global health and development which includes a presentation and culminates in a dissertation of 7,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is taught with an emphasis on collaborative and co-operative learning. This is to ensure that students enter the workforce capable of joining projects and programmes with a supportive network of peers. Assessment is through written assignments, unseen written examinations, projects, oral presentations, group work and the written dissertation.

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Professional experience in the fields of health and development is desirable. An applicant whose qualifications vary from UCL standards may be admitted if evidence of an adequate academic background and work experience in an appropriate field can be shown.

Home/EU applicants may apply for IGH Postgraduate Bursaries. Applicants who are residents and nationals of an African nation may apply for an African Graduate Scholarship. Please see IGH Scholarships & Funding

Applicants from the United States of America may apply for the UCLFAA Scholarship

Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)

Value:

Full fees, flights, stipend, and other allowances (1 year)

Eligibility:

Overseas students

Criteria:

Based on both academic merit and financial need

Global Health and Development at tropEd, offered by University College London, is a comprehensive master's degree programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex health and development challenges worldwide. This interdisciplinary programme combines perspectives from public health, social sciences, policy, and medicine to prepare students for careers in international health, development organizations, government agencies, and research institutions. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including infectious and non-communicable diseases, health systems strengthening, health policy analysis, epidemiology, global health governance, and the social determinants of health. Students engage in both theoretical coursework and practical field projects, often collaborating with international partners to gain real-world experience.

The programme emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging students to think critically and understanding the socio-economic, political, and cultural factors impacting health outcomes globally. Participants have access to a variety of teaching methods such as lectures, seminars, case studies, and group work, fostering a collaborative learning environment. The degree also includes opportunities for students to specialize in areas such as health policy, health systems management, or infectious diseases, depending on their interests and career goals.

Students enrolled in the programme benefit from a global network of academic partners and professional organizations, which enhances their learning through internships, electives, and research projects. The programme is designed to be flexible, with options for full-time or part-time study, enabling students to balance their education with work commitments. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to design, implement, and evaluate health interventions in diverse settings, contributing to global efforts to improve health equity and sustainable development. The programme aligns with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Overall, UCL’s Global Health and Development programme offers an international platform for aspiring global health professionals, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning, practical skills, and impactful careers in international health and development.