Global Public Health

Embark on a transformative journey to understand and address pressing global health challenges and develop critical thinking and cross-cultural competencies to empower you to take impactful action in diverse global health contexts.

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Key facts

  • Module codeNURP028
  • Start date 23 Sep 2024
  • Application deadline9 Sep 2024
  • Duration12 weeks
  • Time commitment200 hours
  • Credit value SCQF 20
  • SCQF level Level 11
  • Fees £1,225
  • Mode of study part time
  • Delivery online

Overview

The Covid-19 pandemic brought about a renewed focus on global health, making it clear that we need to work together for improved health around the world. Important groups like the European Forum for Public Health, the World Health Organisation, the Global Health Council and the Consortium of Universities for Global Health have stressed the importance of teaching and training about public health. They’re calling for a professional public health workforce with global experience.

This module will:

  • Provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected nature of global public health, emphasising the analysis of health inequalities and socioeconomic patterns on a global scale.
  • Foster your critical thinking skills and equip you to work effectively in diverse settings, prepare you for international collaborations, and provide you with essential skills and knowledge to address pressing global health issues.

It will do this by exploring the social determinants of health, the impact of globalisation on health, the interconnectedness and interdependence of health systems, policies and practices worldwide, and the role of international organisations in addressing global health challenges.

The module covers diverse topics, including global health challenges such as the climate crisis, healthcare systems and policies, health inequalities, ethical considerations and international health organisations. We incorporate insights from various disciplines, including sociology, economics, environmental science and anthropology to provide a holistic understanding of global health issues. And we build on and leverage international research and collaborations within the Institute of Social Marketing and Health and across the broader Faculty providing you with the opportunity to learn from a range of experts in policy, research and practice.

This module will enable you to expand your research horizons, enhance your employability and apply learning to your own professional settings, wherever in the world you work. 

Entrance requirements

A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

  • IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
  • IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Objectives

This module will:

  • Develop your understanding of the roles played by governments, international agencies and partnerships in addressing global health challenges.
  • Enhance analytical skills to assess the impact of social, economic, commercial and political factors on health outcomes worldwide.
  • Build your ability evaluate healthcare systems across different global contexts, identifying their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Foster your potential to apply knowledge of global public health to propose strategies aimed at enhancing population health and reducing inequalities.

Structure and content

The module is delivered entirely online through our Virtual Learning Environment Canvas, which is accessed through the University Portal. You’ll have access to a wide range of resources, including: 

  • video lectures and podcasts
  • day-to-day support from online tutors
  • core module materials, documentation and reading lists
  • journals, ebooks and software

Delivery and assessment

The module will be assessed by means of a 100% individual assignment, taking the form of an in-depth case study.

Module coordinator

Employability

This module will enhance your profile in the job market by providing you with a diverse set of skills and knowledge, highly sought after in various sectors. These include:

  • Specialised knowledge about public health issues, policies and practices on a global scale, invaluable for positions in international organisations, NGOs, government agencies and research institutions focused on global public health initiatives.
  • Critical thinking and analysis skills essential for working strategically in diverse environments.
  • Cross-cultural competence necessary for collaborating with international teams, conducting research in diverse communities and implementing health interventions across different cultural contexts.
  • Proficiency in digital communication tools and collaboration platforms to support work across geographical boundaries and in global health settings where virtual collaboration is common. 

What next?

Contact us

If you have any questions about entry requirements for our continuing professional development and short courses, contact our Admissions team.

For all other questions, please use our enquiry form.