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Global Health MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

The Global Health MSc course is a new and innovative learning opportunity offering a balanced blend of knowledge and transferable skills in regard to addressing global health challenges. Underpinned by the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the course will provide opportunities for you to develop transferable skills to apply for careers working with global communities both internationally and in the UK.

Overview

The Global Health MSc course offers opportunities to develop expertise on global health issues as well as acquiring transferrable and non-academic skills. Students will be able to critically analyse important global health problems, understand inequalities and inequities, and how to contribute to addressing multi-faceted challenges through capacity building, drawing on community assets, partnership working, research and education.

Students will undertake a range of modules including: Introduction to Global Health, Researching Global Health, Leading Sustainable Change in Global Health, Interventions in Global Health, and Global Health Dissertation. The course will be delivered by passionate staff with expertise from a range of backgrounds including psychology, sociology, nutrition, biomedical science, mental health and community development among others.

We provide both academic and non-academic support, that is tailored to students’ needs, such as creative learning tools, multiple resources, academic booster sessions, personal tutoring, and inclusive pastoral care. The support embedded in the course has proved to enhance our students’ experience whilst being part of the university and has informed their journey afterwards. 

 

 

Key features

  •  Acquisition of knowledge and skills on existing and (re)emerging global health challenges with a critical and contextual approach

  • Benefit from an experienced, supportive and approachable teaching team helping to broaden students’ perspective of global health research and practice

  • Interdisciplinary modules taught through creative teaching methods and assessed in diverse approaches

  • Potential opportunities for students to engage in work experience with diverse communities both nationally and globally
  • Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.



DMU has been shortlisted for the Postgraduate Award in the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), as voted for by students.

  • UK
  • EU/International

Programme code: B90073

Start date:  September 2024

Duration: One year full-time

Attendance: on campus and/or virtually

Fees and funding: 

2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: 

September 2024 entry: £8,450

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Programme code: B90073

Start date:  September 2024

Duration: One year full-time 

Attendance: on campus and/or virtually

Fees and funding: 

2024/25 tuition fees for EU and international students: 

September 2024 entry: £16,300

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Entry criteria

  • A 2.2 honours degree or equivalent. Relevant degrees include, but are not confined to, the following:

 

    • Social Sciences (Geography, economics, political sciences, Sociology, anthropology, cultural studies)
    • Humanities (History, Law, Philosophy)
    • Behavioural Sciences
    • Health Sciences (Nursing, Midwifery, Medical Doctors, Dentistry, Nutrition, Homeopathy, Veterinary, Public Health and Epidemiology)
    • Allied health (Physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, Occupational Therapy, Audiology, Optometry)
  • Applications are welcome from mature candidates who do not meet the minimum entry requirements , but have relevant work experience and evidence of prior learning. Each application will be judged on its merits

  • A personal statement that demonstrates your interest in the course with a strong commitment to working in the broad field of Global Health

 Applicants choosing to be involved with the volunteering opportunities within the programme will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check. Overseas student will also need to submit a Criminal Records Certificate from their home country prior to arrival in the UK.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it. 

Structure and assessment

 

Course modules

Teaching and assessments

Academic expertise

 

 

Course modules

Students will undertake a range of modules including:

Introduction to Global Health

This introductory module to global health will explore 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, actors, policies, economic systems and theories (such as the social determinants of health) underpinning global health initiatives, programmes and practices. 

Researching Global Health

This module supports students in becoming researchers in the area of Global Health. Students will explore research methodologies, different forms of analysis, theoretical frameworks and research designs, as well as ethical considerations, evidence appraisal and audit. It re-introduces students to qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research design, investigating the strengths and weaknesses of the differing approaches. The module will explore appropriate ways of researching global health issues, using differing types of methodological designs and appropriate theoretical paradigms.

Leading Sustainable Change in Global Health

This module will focus on students developing skills to work with communities and incorporates some opportunities for reflection on Global Health competencies and skills for employability. The module will start 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 will incorporate 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.

Interventions in Global Health

This module will build on the Introduction to Global Health module by exploring critical issues in global health in more depth. Using problem-based learning and case-studies, the module will enable students to critically appraise aspects such as sociological, psychological, political, legal, environmental, social, cultural, and spiritual factors that influence global health in different contexts. Students will gain an understanding of challenges that cross disciplines and borders, as well as the importance of transdisciplinary teamwork and systems thinking.

Global Health Dissertation

This module is a student-led, self-directed piece of work, which sees the student undertake an individual project from start to finish. This can be an empirical or non-empirical project utilising a variety of methods. This module provides an opportunity for students to utilise all their acquired knowledge and experience to undertake an individual project from start to finish employing a variety of methods. The student will conceive and execute the project with support from a suitably qualified staff member to guide their work, playing minimal consultative role.

The main responsibility lies with the student to organise their time, agree and meet interim deadlines with their supervisor and maintain contact and dialogue throughout. Students will choose a dissertation topic and approach that is relevant to their academic and/or vocational interests.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

 

Teaching and assessment

A variety of teaching, learning and assessment methods will be used for this programme in line with the university policy of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Learning is supported by an experienced teaching team and a variety of inclusive and engaging teaching methods, including: 

  • Lectures
  • Workshops
  • Seminars
  • Work-based/service learning (optional)
  • Action learning sets
  • Interdisciplinary and peer learning opportunities
  • Enquiry-based, problem-based learning
  • Tutorials
  • Independent guided study and e-learning
  • Tutor support
  • Student directed seminars

There are a variety of assessments used within the programme including essays, presentations, group-based presentations, reflections, development of a group podcast and a final dissertation. The final dissertation has three flexible pathways to enable students to meet the learning outcomes according to their vocational interests and strengths.


 

 

Academic expertise

The programme team contains a number of research-active staff members, researching diverse topics across applied health, sociology and psychology. Current research topics include, mental health within sport, the care of dementia patients, improving patients’ preparation for amputation surgery, safeguarding in mental health, egg freezing, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, global mental health, refugee and forced migration, sex work and sexuality, disabilities and chronic conditions as well as One Health.

Our active engagement with research enables us to provide students with the most current thinking in our area and equips us with outstanding skills to support students with their own research projects during their studies.  The course is based at the Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences at De Montfort University and will be delivered by a teaching team experienced in the areas of practice and research, with expertise drawn from the wider School and Faculty of Health and Life Sciences to complement the course delivery. A number of academics with diverse skills and expertise will be invited to contribute to the programme. 

 

Facilities and features

Health and Life Sciences facilities

Substantial investment in Health and Life Sciences has developed our teaching and learning facilities to help you develop your practical experience and theoretical knowledge beyond the classroom.

Purpose-built clinical skills areas allow you to apply theory to practice in a safe environment. You will receive guidance and support from staff, to ensure that your practical ability in the clinical skills suites is accurate.

The 19th century Hawthorn Building has facilities designed to replicate current practice in health and life sciences, including contemporary analytical chemistry and formulation laboratories, audiology booths and nursing and midwifery clinical skills suites.

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available. 

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose. 

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including Learning Zone, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub. 

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

Campus Centre

 

The home of  De Montfort Students' Union, (DSU) our Campus Centre offers a welcoming and lively hub for student life. Conveniently located at the heart of campus, it includes a convenience store, a Subway and a Starbucks. Here you can find the DSU-owned charitable accommodation service Sulets and DSU’s shop, SUpplies, selling art supplies, stationery and clothing, and printing and binding services. The building is also home to the DSU officer team. 

 

Opportunities and careers

Find the people who will open doors for you

DMU's award-winning careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities DMU Careers Team
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Progression

The Global Health postgraduate course is an ideal progression opportunity for graduates from a range of courses such as Health and Wellbeing in Society, Psychology, Nutrition, Biomedical Science, Youth Work and Community Development or those wishing to work in or already working in global health settings.

Progression opportunities after the course can include, but are not limited to:

  • Health Policy/evaluation
  • Advocacy
  • Health Education
  • Community/Health Research
  • Engagement in patient and public involvement
  • Health forum coordination
  • Health campaigning and fundraising
  • Health promotion
  • Paid trainee schemes /internships
  • Humanitarian roles
  • Further study

 

This is not a clinical course and does not lead to a recognised professional qualification like for example, Nursing, Social Work or Occupational Therapy.

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DMU Global

This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.

Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Take your next steps