Paediatrics and Child Health Global Child Health

The MSc in Paediatrics and Child Health – Global Child Health at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of the complex issues affecting children's health across the globe. This programme is designed for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers who are committed to improving the health and well-being of children worldwide. The course combines comprehensive theoretical knowledge with practical skills, providing students with an understanding of pediatric medicine, child development, and the social determinants of health that influence child populations in diverse settings.

Throughout the programme, students will study core topics such as infectious diseases, nutrition, child growth and development, maternal and child health, and the impact of socioeconomic factors on child health outcomes. Special emphasis is placed on global health challenges, including the management of diseases endemic to low-resource settings, health disparities, and the development of sustainable health interventions. The curriculum is structured to encourage critical thinking, research engagement, and the application of evidence-based practices to real-world problems.

The programme features a mix of lectures, seminars, case studies, and research projects led by leading experts in paediatric medicine and global health. Students will have the opportunity to engage with international health organizations, participate in fieldwork, and contribute to ongoing research initiatives. The flexible online learning format allows professionals to balance their studies with their professional commitments, making it accessible to a diverse cohort of students from around the world.

Graduates of the MSc in Paediatrics and Child Health – Global Child Health will be equipped to lead initiatives that improve health outcomes for children and advocate for policy change in their home countries or in international health settings. They will gain valuable skills in epidemiology, project management, health promotion, and advocacy. This programme is ideal for those aiming to advance their careers in paediatric healthcare, international health agencies, non-governmental organizations, or academic institutions dedicated to child health research and policy.

The Global Child Health pathway aims to provide an opportunity for medical graduates, and graduates from related fields, to study global issues in child health. Students build an awareness of current and future developments in paediatric medicine and global child health and gain the skills necessary to critically appraise practice and policy, and undertake independent research if the full MSc is taken.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits), five optional modules (75 credits) and a dissertation/report (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months, flexible two to five years) is offered.

A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, one year part-time, flexible one to two years) is offered.

Core modules

• Concepts and Controversies in Global Health or Essentials of International Child Health*
• Evidence-based Child Health
• Research Methods and Statistics
• *Whichever module is not taken as core may be taken as an option

Optional modules include

• Students choose five modules from a list which includes the following:
• Children in Difficult Circumstances
• Conflict, Humanitarianism and Health
• Child Development, Inclusive Approaches in Global Contexts
• Disability and Development
• Ethnicity, Migration and Health
• Economic Evaluation in Health Care
• Health Management, Planning and Programme Design
• International Child Mental Health
• Immunisation and Communicable Diseases
• Investigations and Management in Paediatric Gastroenterology
• Key Principles of Health Economics
• Leadership and Professional Development
• Molecular and Genetic Basis of Paediatrics
• Nutrition and Public Health
• Perinatal Epidemiology and Newborn Care
• Principles and Practice in Paediatric Gastroenterology
• Social Determinants of Health
• Sexual Health: Designing Sexual and Reproductive Health Programmes in Low and Middle Income Countries
• Safeguarding and Children in Society

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning

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

Applicants should have a keen interest in paediatrics or child health. Non-medically qualified applicants should normally have a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, and appropriate specialist experience of working in hospitals, child health or public health services for children and families.

The Master of Science in Paediatrics and Child Health at University College London offers a variety of financing options to support prospective students in their educational pursuits. Funding opportunities include scholarships, grants, bursaries, and financial aid designed to make the program accessible to a diverse range of applicants. UCL’s commitment to fostering global health education is reflected in its dedicated scholarship programs, which often recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to child health. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based, and some are targeted specifically at international students to promote global collaboration in paediatric healthcare.

In addition to internal scholarships, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as government grants, national health researchfunds, and international organizations that support healthcare education. Many students may also qualify for student loans or financial assistance schemes available through government agencies or private financial institutions, depending on their home country and residency status. The university’s financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance and resources to help applicants identify suitable funding options and navigate the application process.

Furthermore, UCL occasionally offers specific bursaries or fee reductions for students engaging in particular research areas or participating in collaborative projects related to child health and global development. It is advisable for prospective students to check the official UCL Scholarships and Funding webpage regularly for updated information on available financial aid opportunities, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria. The university’s flexible payment plans and part-time study options also serve to alleviate financial burdens, enabling students to undertake their studies without undue hardship. Overall, UCL’s multifaceted approach to financing education aims to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds can access high-quality training in paediatrics and global child health, fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders dedicated to improving health outcomes for children worldwide.

The MSc Paediatrics and Child Health Global Child Health at University College London offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills necessary for improving child health outcomes worldwide. This programme targets medical professionals, public health specialists, and individuals dedicated to advancing paediatric health in diverse settings. Participants will explore core topics such as child development, paediatric diseases, neonatal health, nutrition, infectious diseases, and health systems strengthening. The programme emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating clinical practice with global health policies, epidemiology, and research methods to foster a holistic understanding of paediatric health challenges. Courses are delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and practical tutorials, often incorporating real-world scenarios to enhance applied learning. Students will have opportunities to engage in research projects, attend expert-led workshops, and participate in international health sessions, fostering a global perspective on child health issues. The programme emphasizes skills in leadership, advocacy, and innovation, preparing graduates to work effectively in resource-limited settings and to contribute to policy development and health system improvements. UCL’s collaboration with international health organizations and its strong network of paediatric and public health experts provide students with unique opportunities for professional development, field work, and networking. Graduates of the programme are equipped to pursue careers in clinical practice, health policy, international health organizations, research, and academia, impacting child health on a local, national, and global level. The programme duration typically ranges from one to two years, depending on the mode of study, with part-time and full-time options available to accommodate working professionals. Admission requirements generally include a relevant undergraduate degree, clinical or public health experience, and proficiency in English. For those passionate about improving child health worldwide, this MSc programme offers rigorous training and valuable international exposure, preparing students to become leaders and change-makers in paediatrics and child health.