Global Health (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects:

• social sciences
• behavioural sciences (psychology)
• geography
• population sciences
• demography
• medicine
• basic/applied sciences
• health sciences
• epidemiology
• public health
• nursing and pharmaceutical sciences
• statistics/mathematical sciences
• law
• management
• information technology
• web sciences
• engineering sciences

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:

We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

On the full-time version of this UK master’s your studies take place over 12 months.

The course is made up of 9 months of taught learning between October and June. This includes modules that all students on the degree study, as well as a number of modules that you can choose.

The last 3 months of the course focuses on the research and preparation of your master’s dissertation.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You'll learn through case studies, discussions exercises, data analysis and different assessment approaches.

The course reinforces independent research, and stimulates your critical thinking, research communication, written and oral, and problem-solving skills.

Your induction will cover:

• basic research skills
• introduction to statistical software
• writing and oral presentations
• critical appraisal of published literature and issues related to academic integrity

As well as lectures, you’ll learn through:

• interdisciplinary modules
• case studies
• problem-solving and analysis of real data
• debates, peer-review and group work
• web-based global health resources
• consultation/advice
• independent research

Assessment

We’ll assess you using:

• reports
• policy briefs
• proposals
• essays
• data analysis and interpretation
• presentations
• dissertation

Some modules are assessed by exams, which are held at the end of each semester.

Dissertation

This is your opportunity to carry out a piece of independent research. It will result in a 15,000 to 20,000 word dissertation usually carried out over a 3 month period between June and September. 

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

As a global health graduate you’ll be ideally placed to take on a career in government, the private sector and international development agencies.

Health issues are universal, so the skills you learn will put you in a good position for roles across the world. You'll be able to work for employers including:

• universities and research institutions
• UK institutions including: the NHS, Public Health England, Office for National Statistics
• World Health Organisation and other United Nations organisations
• World Bank, Asian/African development banks, BRIC Bank
• European Commission
• multinational pharmaceutical companies

You'll also be in an ideal position to consider further study such as a PhD.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £18,812.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries  may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

When you apply for this course please make sure you apply for the MSc Global Health rather than the MSc Public Health (Global Health).

Intercalation applications

You can take this course as an intercalated year whilst studying undergraduate medicine. If you're an internal applicant you must have successfully completed at least 3 years of your medical degree and achieved 60% or above in all your third year assessments.

If you're an external applicant and need to intercalate in a different study year please contact us.

To apply for this course as intercalation please contact us:
Email: AdmissionsPGT.MED@southampton.ac.uk
Phone: +44(0)23 8059 1364

Application deadlines

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000