About this course
Discover the issues driving the world's population health and wellbeing on our MSc Global Health degree. Learn to tackle the risks posed by global issues such as infectious disease, rising obesity and climate change.
You'll cover socio-behavioural, demographic, spatial, economic, political, environmental and healthcare perspectives.
Explore the global risks of disease and changing population structures. Understand the trends behind inequality, globalisation, migration and urbanisation.
You’ll learn:
- the concepts and dimensions of global health
- the issues underpinning health outcomes and inequalities between countries and population sub-groups
- how to analyse and solve complex global health problems
- how to apply critical thinking and analytical skills to problem-solving
You’ll also develop:
- quantitative skills in global health research
- key transferable skills, including independent research, report writing, data analysis, and teamwork
- ways to develop your professional career in global health and related fields
The modules you study may be taught by academics from specialisms including social sciences, medicine, the environment, and life sciences.
Students on this master's degree come from a range of backgrounds, in the UK and overseas. This makes for a diverse learning environment where you can connect with peers from all over the world.
This degree is available to take as an intercalation degree for undergraduate medical students. Intercalation means that you'll take a year out of your undergraduate medicine degree to gain this extra award.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Sarah Neal. Her research interests include maternal and child health, inequities in health, and health in conflict affected areas. Sarah has close links with the World Health Organization (WHO) Reproductive Health team and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Visit Dr Neal’s profile page to learn more about her work.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree.
We accept students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including:
- 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
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
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:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
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?
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
Course structure
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.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
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
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.
Careers
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 2020). 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 thriving 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
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £19,850.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
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 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.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
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
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
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'll 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