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.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Kristine Nilsen. Her research interests include maternal and child health, inequities in health, and mapping and modelling of spatial inequalities. Visit Dr Nilsen's profile page to learn more about her work.
Learn more about these subject areas
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
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 all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
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
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Applied Statistical Modelling
This is a postgraduate module in applied statistical modelling which is designed to equip students with highly sought after employability skills in data analysis. The module will cover a range of techniques, starting with introductory statistics and stati...
Critical Issues in Global Health: Concepts and Case Studies
This module provides a comprehensive overview of current issues and challenges in global health. Using relevant case studies, it will discuss trends and determinants of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as assessing possible effec...
Global Health Dissertation
This module will provide you with guidance and support throughout the writing of your dissertation. From discussing your initial ideas of your dissertation through the process of actually writing the document, this module will provide you with the informa...
Methods and Analysis of Global Health Trends and Differentials
The primary objective of this module is to provide an overview of the conceptual, methodological and empirical basis for quantifying levels of health in individuals and populations, including the construction of a range of different summary measures that ...
Population and Reproductive Health
In this population and reproductive health module, we take a global perspective to learn about the interrelationships between the health of contemporary populations and demographic, social, economic, and health processes. The course structure and syllabus...
You must also choose from the following modules :
Advanced Statistical Modelling
This is a postgraduate advanced module on statistical modelling with an emphasis on how to apply different methods to real world problems. In particular, approaches to handle hierarchical data structure (i.e. multi-level data) are the main focus of the mo...
Ageing, Health and Well-being
This module aims to provide you with foundation of knowledge in the areas of health and well-being in later life and the impact of inequalities. You will be introduced to key issues and literature concerning the nature of ageing, quality of life, and well...
Communicable Disease Control
Core Skills in GIS
This module is intended to provide foundational GIS skills for various Masters-levels programmes (such as the MSc in Applied GIS and Remote Sensing and MSc in Sustainability). It is intended to introduce Geographical Information Systems and Science to tho...
Demographic Methods 1
This Module provides an introduction to the technical basis of demography. It focuses on concepts and methods underpinning demographic analysis and provides a practical introduction for those professionally engaged with demographic work (in government dep...
Demographic Methods 2
The module will cover a range of more advanced methods of demographic analysis, including multiple decrement life tables, health expectancies, an introduction to event history analysis, the use of type 1 and type 2 rates in demography and sources of bias ...
GIS for Analysis of Health
This module is intended to introduce students who have already studied the principles of geographical information systems (GIS) to the concepts, methods and techniques involved in using GIS for the analysis of health. Academic study of the geography of he...
Health Economics for Public Health
The increasing demand for health, but limited resources available to meet the needs of an aging population (with higher levels of chronic disease), makes health economics an important aspect of everyday life as choices must be made as to what health progr...
Health Services Organisation and Evaluation
This module introduces the public health importance of understanding health systems and health services, including their evaluation and quality improvement. It is therefore key to anyone interested in healthcare public health. This module has global appli...
International Social Policy
This module will review and discuss the state of the art in research on social welfare and human well-being and the one, and on social policies addressing these issues on the other hand. In the first part students will explore how previously dominant econ...
Introduction to Sustainability
GGES6019 is a multidisciplinary unit designed for students with an interest in sustainable development, sustainability, green growth, complex socio-ecological systems, and resilient development. Over the term we will explore the key issues and debates aro...
Mixed Methods
This module will introduce you to the use of mixed methods for approaching and addressing research questions in a range of disciplines within social and human sciences. You will be introduced to the theories of mixed methods, and examine the ways in which...
Population, Poverty & Policy
During the module you will develop your key skills in: 1. Understanding and exploring the associations between population, poverty and policy issues in a range of countries and setting 2. Analysing complex information and producing well-argued and s...
Qualitative Methods
This module aims to provide postgraduate students with an understanding of the role and application of qualitative methods within social science research. The module will include a focus on the issues that arise in the design, generation, analysis and ev...
Social and Psychological Approaches to Understanding Sexual Health
This module is designed to enable and encourage students to apply social psychological and related methods and theories to various aspects of sexual health, including both psychological and physical aspects.
Understanding Population Change
This module is an introduction to the substantive concepts of demography, how populations change and grow or shrink, and the transitions that populations make in various stages of their development. An introduction to the past, present and future world po...
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 and employability
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and 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 and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £25,400.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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.
Global Health Scholarship
The Department of Social Statistics and Demography can offer up to four scholarships of £2,500 each for excellent UK (Home) students, to go towards paying the tuition fees for studying on our postgraduate programmes. To qualify, you need to have a first-class degree in a relevant discipline. To apply for one of these scholarships for the Global Health MSc please contact S.Neal@soton.ac.uk.
Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Economic, Social and Political Sciences.
Find out more about the Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Southampton Social Statistics and Demography Chris Skinner Postgraduate International Scholarship
Two scholarships of £5,000 each are available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Social Statistics and Demography.
Find out more about the Southampton Social Statistics and Demography Chris Skinner Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
These full scholarships are for international applicants applying for the MSc Genomics, MSc Amputation and Prosthetic Rehabilitation, MSc Electrochemistry and Battery Technologies, MSc Global Health and MA Fashion Management in the academic year beginning autumn 2025.
Applicants for this course may be eligible for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, which supports students from developing Commonwealth countries who may not otherwise be able to study in the United Kingdom.
To learn more about eligibility and conditions explore the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships page.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply for this course please make sure you apply for the MSc Global Health rather than the MSc Public Health (Global Health).
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
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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 certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. 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
References are not required for this programme.
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.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
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