Global Health and Social Medicine

The MSc in Global Health and Social Medicine at King's College London offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex factors that influence health and healthcare worldwide. Designed for students interested in addressing global health challenges, the program combines insights from medicine, social sciences, and policy to provide a nuanced understanding of health disparities, social determinants of health, and healthcare systems across different regions. Students will explore topics such as infectious and non-communicable diseases, health inequalities, health policy, and global health governance, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop innovative solutions for improving health outcomes. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and practical experience, integrating case studies, seminars, and collaborative projects. Taught by leading experts in the field, the program encourages an interdisciplinary perspective and fosters a global outlook. Graduates of this MSc will be prepared for careers in international health organizations, research institutions, policy development, healthcare management, and advocacy. The programme also offers opportunities for engaging in research activities and networking with professionals working across the healthcare sector. Whether students aim to influence health policy, contribute to academic research, or work on health projects in diverse settings, this MSc provides a solid foundation and a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of the social, political, and economic factors shaping health worldwide. The flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, with options for dissertation research or practical placements. With its location in London, a vibrant hub for global health initiatives, students gain access to a wide range of resources, lectures, conferences, and internship opportunities. Upon completion, students will be equipped with the critical skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions towards achieving health equity and social justice globally.

Year 1

Required Modules

You will take the following core modules:

• 4SSHM001 Introduction to Global Health 1 (15 credits)
• 4SSHM002 Introduction to Global Health 2 (15 credits)
• 4SSHM003 Introduction to Social Medicine 1 (15 credits)
• 4SSHM004 Introduction to Social Medicine 2 (15 credits)
• 4SSHM005 SSHM Research Practice and Design Studio (30 credits)
• Introduction To Global Health 1
• Introduction To Global Health 2
• Introduction to Social Medicine 1
• Introduction to Social Medicine 2
• SSHM Research Practice & Design Studio

Optional Modules

Students must choose one of the following pathways which they will then follow for the duration of the programme (three years):

• Ageing
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology

The year one modules for each pathway are:

Ageing

• Cell Biology & Neuroscience (15 credits)
• Genetics & Molecular Biology (15 credits)

Neuroscience

• Cell Biology & Neuroscience (15 credits)
• Fundamentals of Pharmacology (15 credits)

Pharmacology

• Fundamentals of Pharmacology (15 credits)
• Biochemistry (15 credits)

Year 2

Required Modules

Students take the following core modules:

• 5SSHM001 Key Concepts in Global Health (30 credits)
• 5SSHM002 Key Concepts in Social Medicine (30 credits)
• 5SSHM003 Case Studies in Global Health & Social Medicine (15 credits)
• 5SSHM004 The Dissertation Laboratory (15 credits)
• Key Concepts In Global Health
• Key Concepts in Social Medicine

Optional Modules

 Students take further modules within one of the following pathways:

Ageing

• The Immune System in Health & Disease (15 credits)
• Human Nutrition (15 credits)

Neuroscience

• Neuroscience (30 credits) 

Pharmacology

• Drugs & Disease (various)
• Physiology & Pharmacology of the CNS (15 credits)

Second year students also have the opportunity to extend their degree programme and study abroad for their full third year. Partner institutions currently include:

• University of North Carolina
• University of Melbourne
• Western University

Year 3

Required Modules

• SSHM001 Contemporary Crises in Global Health & Social Medicine (15 credits)
• 6SSHM005 Dissertation in Global Health & Social Medicine (30 credits)

Optional Modules

You will take 30 credits from your chosen biomedical pathway and a further 45 credits from a range of options such as:

• 6SSHM002 Social Aspects of Genomics & Personalised Medicine (15 credits)
• 6SSHM003 Ageing: a Global Perspective (15 credits)
• 6SSHM004 War, Mental Health & Social Ruptures (tbc)

• The Attestat o Srednam Obrazov is not considered suitable for direct entry to our undergraduate degrees without further study (such as international A-levels, IB, or the first year of a degree with high grades in any compulsory subjects). Please consider our International Foundation Programmes (see below) as a route to our undergraduate degrees.
• Students with the High School certificate should consider applying for our International Foundation Programmes.
• IELTS 
• TOEFL iBT

The MSc in Global Health and Social Medicine at King's College London offers diverse financing options to support prospective students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for international students are approximately £28,950 per year, while home students pay around £11,850 annually. The program encourages applicants to explore various sources of funding to ease financial burdens. Scholarships are available, including the King's College London International Scholarships, which are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and commitment to global health issues. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition fees and provide a recognition of outstanding achievement. Additionally, students are advised to consider government-funded loans, such as those offered by the UK government through the Student Loans Company, which can cover tuition fees and living expenses for eligible students. Many students also secure funding from external sources, including charitable foundations, health organizations, and international agencies interested in global health initiatives. The university provides comprehensive guidance on application procedures for these scholarships and loans, emphasizing the importance of early application to maximize funding opportunities. For students from developing countries, the university offers specific scholarships and financial assistance programs aimed at promoting global health education. Furthermore, part-time employment opportunities within the university, including research assistantships and teaching support roles, are available to help students supplement their income during studies. Prices are subject to change annually, and it is recommended that students consult the official King's College London website and the program’s dedicated pages for the most current information on fees and funding opportunities. Prospective students are encouraged to plan their finances carefully and consider applying for multiple funding sources to ensure a smooth academic journey. Overall, while studying Global Health and Social Medicine at King’s College London involves significant financial investment, the variety of scholarships, loans, and support services provided aim to make education accessible and manageable for students from diverse backgrounds.

The MSc in Global Health and Social Medicine at King's College London is a multidisciplinary programme designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors affecting health on a global scale. This programme combines insights from medicine, social sciences, and public health to prepare graduates for careers in international health organizations, NGOs, policy making, and research. Students explore topics such as health inequalities, social determinants of health, healthcare systems, and global health governance. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, data interpretation, and practical strategies for addressing health disparities worldwide. The programme is suitable for healthcare professionals, social scientists, policymakers, and those interested in the social and political dimensions of health. Delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and research projects, the course encourages active engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students have access to a wide range of academic resources, including research centers and partnerships with international health agencies. The programme typically lasts one year full-time or two years part-time, providing flexibility for working professionals. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to contribute to policy development, research, advocacy, and implementation of health interventions that are sensitive to social and cultural contexts. The programme’s location in London offers unique opportunities for networking with global health practitioners and attending international conferences. Overall, the MSc in Global Health and Social Medicine prepares students to become influential leaders and innovators in the quest to improve health equity and social justice worldwide.