Master's Programme in Global Health
Summary
The programme is intended for those interested in global health, sustainable development and human rights. We provide you with the proficiency needed to work on global health issues, both nationally and internationally. You will learn how to view global health challenges from different perspectives, understand what causes them and design initiatives that make a difference. After receiving your degree, you will have good opportunities for employment and further studies at the third-cycle level.
About
Are you interested in global health, development issues and human rights? Do you want to contribute to a sustainable future by combatting global health disparities? Then you should apply for the Master’s Programme in Global Health. We offer an interdisciplinary programme, the opportunity to study with students from around the world and the knowledge you need to address complex health challenges in your future career.
What are the main health problems in the world, and what can we do about them? What is needed to achieve the Global Sustainable Development Goals and create greater health equity? What impact do political, cultural and social factors have? These are examples of some of the challenges we face today. This requires joint international efforts based on a broad approach and an understanding of how different factors affect global health. We need experts to work on these issues.
The Master’s Programme in Global Health provides you with knowledge of key theories and methods in global health. You will study for two years full-time. The instruction is in English. The programme is interdisciplinary; students will study global health from many perspectives. Together we move among different subject areas, such as public health, health economics and international relations. This will give you a deeper understanding and new perspectives on global health issues that will better prepare you for professional life.
The programme aims to develop your knowledge of the global burden of disease, the globalisation of healthcare and medical services and initiatives to achieve greater health equity. You will learn about epidemiology, biostatistics, health management and health economics. There is a strong emphasis on human rights and how cultural factors affect international initiatives.
We will provide you with the practical skills and tools needed to identify, analyse and develop actions to solve difficult health problems. We offer several optional courses, giving you the opportunity to specialise in subjects that interest you.
What it is like to study
Teaching
The programme focuses on critical thinking. As a student, you cannot be taught what the “right” answers are because there is no single solution or approach to global health problems. Instead you are encouraged to reflect and participate in discussions with other students and teachers in the classroom. Together you will bring different perspectives and new approaches from your different academic and professional backgrounds.
You will study at five different parts of the University of Gothenburg.
- Institute of Medicine
- Department of Social Work
- Department of Economics
- Department of Literature, History of Ideas and Religion
- School of Global Studies
You will meet teachers and visiting lecturers from different parts of the world with backgrounds in a wide range of disciplinary domains.
The programme mixes different types of instruction, such as lectures, group work, practical sessions and computer labs. You will have different types of examinations, such as written homework assignments, home exams, classroom exams and oral presentations in groups. You will have good opportunities to gain practical experience and insight into working life through internships. You will also have the opportunity to write your master’s degree project for a research team or organisation.
Programme overview
Programme structure and content
Semester 1
- Global Health Challenges in an Interdisciplinary Context (15 credits)
- Quantitative and Qualitative Methods (15 credits)
Semester 2
- Governing Health and Illness in a Global Perspective (15 credits)
- Global Health Economics (15 credits)
Semester 3
During the third semester you will have freestanding courses. We recommend:
- Applied qualitative methods (7.5 credits)
- Applied epidemiology and biostatistics (7.5 credits)
- Health promotion and disease prevention in risk groups; strategies and methods (15 credits)
You may also undertake an internship course or study a course abroad according to your interests and goals.
Semester 4
- Degree project in global health (30 credits)
Who should apply?
We invite everyone to apply, regardless of what you have studied before. Perhaps you have a background in health sciences, social sciences, economics or humanities? The Master’s Programme in Global Health attracts hundreds of applicants every year. We offer 30-40 places.
What we offer:
- Interdisciplinary courses and study programmes – studying global health from many perspectives
- A focus on human rights and sustainable development
- International environment – meet students and teachers from around the world
- Good chances to study or be on a placement abroad
- Study in Gothenburg – the world’s most sustainable destination
Prerequisites and selection
Requirements
In order to be accepted for the Master's Programme in Global Health, students must meet the basic entrance requirements, hold a Bachelor's degree worth 180 credits in a social sciences/health sciences/economics/arts main area or equivalent and English B/English 6 at upper secondary level or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.
Special instructions for application
Find out more about how to apply to the Master's Programme in Global Health at the link below.
More information about Special instructions for application
Selection
Applications will be ranked by the Institute of Medicine based on students degrees earned, work experience and motivation for applying to the program. A verification of degree and English requirements must be submitted together with a completed application form template.
After graduation
After graduation you will receive a degree of Master of Medical Science, with a major in global health. There are several career paths to pursue. You can work on:
- collecting and analysing data on diseases and health patterns
- developing initiatives to improve public health
- implementing laws focussing on human rights
- improving access to healthcare for vulnerable groups.
With a Master’s Degree in Global Health, you have potential to apply for jobs both nationally and internationally. You can work for municipalities, public authorities, NGO:s, and UN agencies, among others. Organisations such as the UN, WHO, or SIDA often require a master’s degree for employment. Since you have the opportunity to specialise in different subjects during the programme through electives, we encourage all students to consider what they want to do after graduation at an early stage.
You can also choose to pursue further studies and research in global health. The Master’s Programme in Global Health prepares you for postgraduate studies. Several of our former students have been admitted as doctoral students at various universities. Others work for international, regional, and local organizations and institutions such as: the Red Cross, the United Nations, SIDA, the Västra Götaland Region’s knowledge center in health equity, or municipalities.
Facilities
Read more about our premises at Campus Medicinareberget below.
More information about facilities
Exchange opportunities
As one of our students, you have good opportunities to study abroad. In the third semester, you can choose to study or be on a placement in another country. You can also do your degree project abroad.
For your studies abroad, you can choose among many options. The Master’s Programme in Global Health collaborates with several partner universities. Previous students have spent time in Germany, Thailand, Australia, Norway, Denmark and elsewhere.
More information about exchange opportunities
Internship
During the third semester you can choose to complete an internship in Sweden or abroad.
