There are continuing threats to human health encompassing not only traditional tropical diseases like malaria and dengue fever, but also the challenges thrown up by emerging diseases with pandemic potential, the practice of medicine in conflict and humanitarian settings and antimicrobial resistance.

We’ve designed this course to support physicians who focus on the practice of tropical medicine and international health in today’s world. You’ll examine the issues faced in practicing medicine in areas of conflict where resources are limited and explore the evidence base of tropical medicine and international health. We’ll also help you develop your decision-making and research skills, confidence, and competence so you can make a significant impact on global health.

Over one year (full time) or two years (split study), you’ll build on the foundation of how to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases that are threats to global health. Immersed in a thriving global community of like-minded professionals, you’ll complete modules tailored to your area of interest. You’ll be able to regularly interact with internationally recognised figures in global health. The strong professional networks you’ll build will continue well beyond the course.

What you will learn

• Understand the causes, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of major diseases affecting tropical and developing countries
• Develop skills in diagnostic parasitology, microbiology and entomology, and knowledge of how to apply epidemiological principles
• Practise communicating medical principles at an appropriate level for patients, professionals, and other groups
• Grow your ability to analyse research findings for clinical and disease control and to critically evaluate their effects
• Discover how to select, apply and interpret statistical methods for analysing quantitative data

The aims and learning outcomes are detailed in the programme specification.

Term one focuses on the foundations of medical practice, building your understanding of global medicine. As part of this compulsory module, you’ll have an opportunity to take the Professional Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (DTMH). If you’ve got an equivalent qualification already, we may be able to accredit the prior learning you’ve done and offer a January start.

You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of modules throughout the rest of the course, to suit your medical and professional aims. From conflict and health to water and sanitation and much more – the choice is yours. It might depend on whether you want to advance your skills in clinical research, learn epidemiological methods or explore disciplines that underpin global health.

Who is it for?

We’ve designed this course for professionals engaged in practicing medicine and focused on international health. General practitioners, hospital doctors and junior doctors from all specialities study with us. Perhaps you’re trying to decide how to specialise in tropical medicine and infectious diseases. Maybe you’re practising in a low- and middle-income country and want to upskill or increase your effectiveness and influence decision-making. You could also use the course as an opportunity to do clinical research.

Other students on the course are already engaged with or interested in humanitarian activities, migrant health, working in the NGO sector or with displaced populations.

Whatever your background, you’ll already hold a degree in medicine and be a registered medical practitioner with at least two years of experience working, anywhere, in the world, in clinical medicine.

With its immersive and stimulating environment, the course is also ideal for anyone looking to develop a sense of direction within medicine and debate big issues in global health for all with like-minded colleagues.

Past students have gone on to leadership roles in global health – in governments, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. Some are leading clinical research in therapeutics and vaccinology and others are delivering health care in conflict settings or humanitarian crises. Some are NHS consultants or academics engaged in global health. But they’re all in touch with their classmates. 

Professional Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene

All students on the MSc will take the Professional Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (DTM&H). Students with a prior DTM&H, or holding 60 master's level credits from the DTM&H (East African Partnership) may apply for exemption from Term 1 via recognition of prior learning.

Duration

One year full-time or split-study over two years. Ways to study explained.