Entry requirements

In order to be admitted to an LSHTM master's degree programme, an applicant must:

hold either a first degree at Second Class Honours (2:2) standard in a relevant discipline, or a degree in medicine recognised by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) for the purposes of practising medicine in the UK, or another degree of equivalent standard awarded by an overseas institution recognised by UK ENIC or the GMC.

hold a professional qualification appropriate to the programme of study to be followed obtained by written examinations and judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above.

have relevant professional experience or training which is judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above.

If you have not previously studied in the UK, you can check our guide to international equivalent qualifications for our master's degrees.

Additionally for the MSc Health Policy, Planning & Financing, applicants should ideally have prior work experience in areas relating to health, policy, planning and financing. Preference will be given to such candidates given the competitive nature of this course. A minimum of one year’s experience in health policy or public health related work is recommended.

Any undergraduate degree subject at Second Class Honours standard can be acceptable with a demonstrable commitment to health, policy, planning and financing.

English language requirements

As part of the application process, applicants are required to demonstrate how they meet LSHTM's minimum English Language requirements.

Find out more about the MSc Health Policy, Programming & Financing entry requirements on the LSHTM website.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The planning, financing, and organisation of health services is becoming an increasingly important concern for countries across the globe. Lower income countries are looking to transition to a universal coverage model, middle income countries are scaling up health provision, and higher income countries are facing challenges with service cost-effectiveness, health equity, an aging population and workforce shortages.

By studying MSc Health Policy, Planning and Financing, you will gain a holistic perspective of policy making that is relevant to countries at all levels of development. You’ll discover how to critically analyse health system issues, evaluate the effectiveness of policies, and devise appropriate health policy responses.

Co-designed and co-delivered with the London School of Economics & Political Science (the LSE), you’ll benefit from the expertise, resources and networks available at both institutions. And with staff who are world-leading researchers in their subjects, you’ll hear about the latest research and developments in the field from true global experts. By the end of the course, you could be making valuable contributions to local, national, or international health services and systems.

What you will learn

Critically understand a diverse range of international and national health policies, including current and emerging trends
Gain knowledge of selected topics related to the study of health policy, planning and financing, such as epidemiology, health economics, and social sciences
Develop skills in applying conceptual and theoretical knowledge using a multidisciplinary approach to formulate, design, implement, evaluate and appraise health policies and plans
Know how to assess and communicate empirical evidence, including critically appraising debates relevant to issues of health policy
Grow your research and presentation skills, including the ability to plan and carry out a literature search to evaluate research findings.

Find out more about the MSc Health Policy, Programming & Financing programme on the LSHTM website.

Information for international students

The final closing dates for all taught Master’s applications for entry in the 2025/26 academic year is Sunday 27 July 2025 at 23:59 UK time for all students requiring a Student visa.

Find out more about the MSc Health Policy, Programming & Financing programme on the LSHTM website.

Fees and funding

UK students

Please see the LSHTM website.

International students

Please see the LSHTM website.

For up to date information on funding available for postgraduate programmes at LSHTM, please visit our website.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

MSc
full time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
part time
24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: Course Enquiries
Email: study@lshtm.ac.uk

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Health Policy, Planning and Financing