Global Health

This module explores contemporary health challenges within the context of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), differing health systems and policy approaches. The module provides a comprehensive understanding of the different political structures, global health economics and funding, actors, policies, economic systems and theories (such as the social determinants of health) underpinning global health initiatives, programmes and practices. Using transdisciplinary approaches (e.g., biomedicine, epidemiology, politics, ethics, human rights, culture and economics) you will critically examine global health policy about key global health challenges.

This module supports you in becoming effective practitioners and researchers in Global Health. You will explore research methodologies, different forms of analysis, theoretical frameworks and research designs, as well as ethical considerations, evidence appraisal and audit. You will learn about qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research design, investigating the strengths and weaknesses of the differing approaches. This module explores appropriate ways of researching global health issues, using different types of methodological designs and theoretical paradigms. You will engage with these research methods in further depth through a range of topics related to global health. Additionally, you will learn how to work ethically with communities and individuals in differing contexts and methodologies.

This module will focus on you developing skills to work with communities and incorporates some opportunities for reflection on Global Health competencies and skills for employability. The module starts from the perspective of self-awareness and critical reflection on issues such as unconscious bias and cultural competence as well as completion of a skills audit. The module incorporates a broad range of theoretical perspectives including determinants of health, engagement and consensus decision making, community development, leadership and change management, lobbying, policy writing and evaluation, and advocacy.

This module explores critical issues in global health. Using problem-based learning and case-studies, the module will enable you to critically appraise aspects such as sociological, psychological, political, legal, environmental, social, cultural, and spiritual factors that influence global health in different contexts. You will gain an understanding of challenges that cross disciplines and borders, as well as the importance of transdisciplinary teamwork and systems thinking. The module also explores indigenous perspectives, diversity in worldviews and paradigms with the importance placed on prioritising perspectives from the local community. Case studies from various countries will be used to illustrate global health projects, programmes, and interventions, touching on theory and policy. The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals and themes of inequality, social determinants and intersectionality will be embedded and critically evaluated.

The dissertation provides an opportunity for you to use the knowledge and experience you have acquired to undertake an individual project from start to finish employing a variety of methods. You will conceive and execute the project with support from a suitably qualified staff member to help guide your work.

You are expected to organise your time, agree and meet interim deadlines with your supervisor and maintain contact and dialogue throughout. You can choose a dissertation topic and approach that is relevant to your interests.