Global Health

Entry requirements

Standard Entry

To meet the standard entry requirements, you need a 2:2 or above in any degree with honours

Professional route

To qualify for the Professional entry route, you need to meet ONE of the following criteria:

• A minimum of a third-class degree with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience in health or public policy, including any role within civil service or public administration, or education.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience. In a decision-making role involving some level of data analysis and use of qualitative or quantitative evidence.

Months of entry

March, September

Course content

Build industry‑ready skills to lead change in global health systems and policy

Designed for working professionals in policy and public health, our flexible online Global Health programme delivers the skills most valued by organisations across global health and NGO roles. The part-time structure allows you to study module-by-module and complete the programme in 2–4 years, making it easier to balance study with professional and personal commitments.

You’ll develop practical capabilities in health systems thinking, policy and governance, and programme evaluation. You will explore theory and policy development while examining the real-world practice of this ever-evolving humanitarian, political, social and healthcare discipline.

Along the way, you will expand your communication and stakeholder engagement skills essential for leadership and coordination roles. With a strong emphasis on applied learning, research literacy, and real-world problem solving, the programme equips you to take on greater responsibility, broaden your technical remit, and accelerate career progression in an increasingly complex global health landscape.

This MSc in Global Health offers a comprehensive and skills-based approach, combining expertise from the School of Politics and International Studies and the School of Medicine in conjunction with University of Leeds Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development.

Develop health systems evaluation skills through a WHO-collaborative research project

The World Health Organization (WHO) is not simply referenced in teaching; it is embedded in your learning.

During the Advanced Carousel in this Global Health MSc, you will undertake a significant project to design a research protocol with World Health Organization (WHO) specialists, carrying out a structured scoping review using the same frameworks applied in international health system assessments. As part of this project, there will be opportunity for your work to be added to the WHO’s IHR database.

The emphasis of the project is not only to learn about global health systems, but to develop practical competencies and outputs expected in governments, NGOs, international agencies and public health organisations.

Course highlights

• Gain a Masters in Global Health from a World Top 100 University, ranked 18th globally for Development Studies (QS World Rankings 2026).
• Collaborate with World Health Organization (WHO) specialists and strenghten your network with opportunities to connect with global health leaders.
• Benefit from a flexible, 100% online degree while studying with a renowned Russell Group university.
• Gain firsthand experience of the latest trends, emerging challenges, and cutting‑edge innovations from global health leaders.
• Develop skills in using artificial intelligence (AI) tools for health policy and data analysis, helping you apply innovative approaches to complex global health challenges.

Exclusive insights from Global Health leaders

You’ll gain exclusive access to interviews, expert insights, and podcasts featuring globally recognised leaders in public health. These contributors come from major international organisations - including the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Policy Centre, leading NGOs, and top universities worldwide.

Your networking opportunities will be strengthened through the University of Leeds Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, a WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Capacity Strengthening of Health Policy, Governance and Services.

Who is the Global Health course for?

The programme is designed for those interested in international health policy, public health, global health governance, and health development. The programme recognises both academic qualifications and relevant professional experience, offering multiple entry routes for professionals already working in health, policy, or related sectors.

You will collaborate with a global community of learners through a mix of individual and group work, tackling real-world case studies in specialised or multidisciplinary teams. You can study from anywhere in the world, with the flexibility to learn around your existing professional and family commitments.

Information for international students

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.

Fees and funding