Global Health

Program Overview

The MSc in Global Health at BSMS is an innovative and vibrant program that combines four core modules with optional modules, allowing students to focus on areas of interest. The program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of global health issues and develops critical thinking skills to effectively address complex global health problems. Graduates are prepared for careers in policy, research, advocacy, and practice, working for organizations like WHO, the British Red Cross, and Save the Children. The program features a diverse learning environment with UK and international students and offers opportunities for research both in the UK and overseas

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This innovative MSc in Global Health offers a stimulating and vibrant program delivered by world-leading experts, empowering you to kick-start a successful career in the field of global health policy, research, and practice. The degree combines four compulsory core modules with a variety of optional modules, allowing you to focus on areas relevant to your work and professional interests. The course also allows students who do not have enough time to complete the full MSc to enroll on our PGDip in Global Health, PGCert in Global Health, or individual modules. Credits earned can be used in the future towards completing the full MSc.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of global health issues, challenges, and opportunities.
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills to effectively address complex global health problems.
• Foster a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of health, society, and development.
• Provide practical experience in research, policy, and practice through a variety of learning activities.
• Prepare students for successful careers in global health, research, policy, and advocacy.

Outline:

Course Structure:

• The degree can be completed full-time in 1 year or part-time over 2 years.
• Block scheduling allows students to focus on one module at a time, enabling a better life-study balance.
• In-person delivery maximizes opportunities for learning using interactive classroom sessions, augmented with online delivery when necessary.
• The approach supports students in developing independent learning skills and transferable skills such as critical appraisal, communication, presentation skills, planning, problem-solving, and teamwork.

MSc (180 credits):

• Four compulsory core modules and two (30 credits each) optional modules or three (20 credits each) optional modules.

PGDip (120 credits):

• Three compulsory core modules and two (30 credits each) optional modules or three (20 credits each) optional modules.

PGCert (60 credits):

• One compulsory core module and two (20 credits each) optional modules.

Modules:

Core Modules:

• Globalisation and Health > (20 credits): This module explores the complex interplay between globalization and health, examining the social, economic, and political factors that shape health outcomes across the globe.
• Global Burden and Management of Disease > (20 credits): This module delves into the global burden of disease, analyzing the major health challenges facing the world today and exploring strategies for prevention, treatment, and control.
• Research Practice in Global Contexts > (20 credits): This module provides students with a practical understanding of research methodologies and ethical considerations in global health research.
• Global Health Dissertation > (60 credits): This module allows students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, culminating in a written dissertation.

Optional Modules:

• Conflict, Violence and Health > (20 credits): This module examines the impact of conflict and violence on health, exploring the complex relationship between these factors and health outcomes.
• Infectious, Emerging and Neglected Diseases > (20 credits): This module focuses on the epidemiology, prevention, and control of infectious diseases, including emerging and neglected tropical diseases.
• Access to Medicines > (20 credits): This module explores the challenges and opportunities related to access to essential medicines in low- and middle-income countries.
• Economic Evaluation of Healthcare > (20 credits): This module introduces students to the principles and methods of economic evaluation in healthcare, focusing on cost-effectiveness analysis and other relevant techniques.
• Epidemiology > (20 credits): This module provides a comprehensive overview of epidemiological principles and methods, equipping students with the skills to analyze and interpret health data.
• Health and Development > (30 credits): This module examines the complex relationship between health and development, exploring the role of health in achieving sustainable development goals.
• Global Laboratories: Biotech, Life and Society > (30 credits): This module explores the social, ethical, and political implications of biotechnology and its impact on global health.
• International Politics of Health > (30 credits): This module analyzes the role of international politics in shaping global health policy and governance.
• Migration Refugees and Wellbeing > (30 credits): This module examines the health and well-being of migrants and refugees, exploring the challenges they face and the interventions needed to support their health.
• Sustainable Healthcare Principles > (20 credits): This module introduces students to the principles of sustainable healthcare, exploring how to promote health while minimizing environmental impact.
• Essential Statistics for Health and Medical Research > (20 credits): This module provides students with a foundation in statistical methods relevant to health and medical research.

Assessment:

• Assessments are diverse and designed to help students solidify their global health knowledge and develop transferable skills.
• Most assessments are submitted online and include essays, policy briefs, presentations, critical appraisal, exams, and posters.
• Students will also be assessed on their dissertation, which requires them to conduct independent research and write a comprehensive report.

Teaching:

• Teachers come from a range of diverse backgrounds, including international organizations, consultancy, advocacy, and academia, and are working in global and public health, medicine, development studies, anthropology, sociology, economics, and international relations.
• The program utilizes innovative teaching, learning, and assessment methods, including participatory approaches through seminars, workshops, research-informed lectures, tutorials, and student-directed presentations and seminars.
• The program administrator proactively supports students with any day-to-day inquiries.

Careers:

• BSMS' Global Health graduates currently work as global health practitioners, policy makers, researchers, and consultants for NGOs, national governments, and international organizations, as well as leading research organizations, think-tanks, and universities.
• Some of the institutions where alumni have worked include: Save the Children, the British Red Cross, Tropical Health Education Trust, Public Health England, WHO country offices, and national governments and ministries of health.

Other:

• The Brighton and Sussex Centre for Global Health Research has robust international connections with academic institutions in over 25 countries that students can engage with.
• The program has two large NIHR-funded research programs.
• The program's intersectional approach empowers students to develop a strong foundation in the interrelated forces impacting Global Health.
• The program offers a diverse learning environment with both UK and international students from diverse backgrounds.
• Students will develop critical qualitative and quantitative skills to effectively develop their professional careers and have the opportunity to conduct their research either in the UK or overseas.