Early payment fee reductionAn early payment fee reduction of 5% (up to £840 for a full MSc) is available on any of our distance learning programmes if paid in full before 30th June for the academic year 2023/24. For fees paid in full between 1st and 31st July 2023, the application fee will be reimbursed where applicable. Terms and conditions apply. |
This programme provides students with an in-depth understanding of the planning and delivery of policy responses to global health concerns and issues. It focuses on approaches to effective policy-making which contributes to the protection and promotion of population health in a globalising world, at both national and transnational level.
The course is aimed at students and professionals from both health and non-health backgrounds who seek to understand more about the policy environment associated with issues of global health. It will be of value especially to those seeking to assume positions related to issues of global health policy in national, regional or global health organisations, health-related research institutions, non-governmental organisations and private consultancies.
The aims and learning outcomes are detailed in the programme specification.
| Course | You study | Study period |
|---|---|---|
| Master's | 9 modules + a project report or 12 modules | 2-5 years |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 8 modules | 2-5 years |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 4 modules | 1-5 years |
| Individual modules | Studying individual modules is an ideal option if you wish to update your professional knowledge or sample the programme. | |
Global Health Policy by Distance Learning
Global Health Policy student from Canada, Kelsey Yaremko, tells us about her programme, studies and career as a Dental Hygienist.
The below structure outlines the proposed modules for this programme. Programme and module specifications provide full details about the aims and objectives of each module, what you will study and how the module is assessed.
- Programme specification
- Programme regulations
- Module specifications
- Global Health Policy - suggested schedules
- Programme structure
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- PG Certificate: 4 compulsory core modules
- PG Diploma: 8 modules (4 compulsory core + 4 elective modules)
- MSc:10 modules (4 compulsory core + 5 elective modules + project) OR 12 modules (4 compulsory core + 8 elective modules)
It is possible to register for the PG Certificate in the first instance then, on successful completion of the compulsory core modules, extend your registration to the PG Diploma or MSc.
The majority of modules listed below are also available to study as individual modules.
- Compulsory core modules (PG Certificate, PG Diploma and MSc)
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- GHM101 The Economics of Global Health Policy
- GHM102 The Politics of Global Health Policy
- GHM103 Environmental Change and Global Health Policy
- GHM104 Issues in Global Health Policy
- Elective modules (PG Diploma and MSc)
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- CTM203 Project Management and Research Coordination
- CTM204 Regulatory Affairs, Good Clinical Practice and Ethics
- CTM205 Data Management
- EPM101 Fundamentals of Epidemiology
- EPM307 Global Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases
- GHM201 Health Systems
- GHM202 Global Mental Health
- GHM203 Research Design and Methods for the Analysis of Global Health Policy
- GHM204 Law and Global Health Policy
- GHM300 Project Module (MSc only)
- IDM202 Nutrition and Infection
- IDM213 Immunology of Infection and Vaccines
- IDM301 Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases
- IDM501 HIV
- IDM502 Tuberculosis
- IDM503 Malaria
- PHM201 Health Decision Science
- PHM205 Environmental Epidemiology
- PHM207 Health Care Evaluation
- PHM211 Medical Anthropology in Public Health
- PHM214 Conflict and Health
- PHM215 History and Health
- PHM218 Applied Communicable Disease Control
(Note that restrictions and pre-requisites may apply to some of the modules above. Not all elective modules will be available every year).
- Project (MSc only)
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All MSc students have the option to apply to undertake the Project module (GHM300), which is equivalent to three module credits.
- Methods of assessment
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Student learning will be evaluated by a range of methods, including formative assignments, assessed assignments and unseen written examinations.
Details of how learning will be assessed in each module are provided in the module specification.
Examinations take place once a year in June.
- Credit awarded
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Credits will be awarded for all modules (15 credits each) and the project (MSc only, 45 credits) if successfully completed. To successfully pass an award, the following credits must be gained:
- Postgraduate Certificate – 60 credits
- Postgraduate Diploma – 120 credits
- Master’s – 180 credits
- Blended learning: taking modules in London
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After successful completion of a minimum number of core modules, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc students may also be eligible for the blended learning option, which allows for the study of up to two modules only (from a restricted list) at LSHTM in London during the Spring or Summer terms in place of distance learning modules. Please note that these options, and the dates when the modules are held at LSHTM, are subject to change - full details will be sent to all distance learning students in July each year
Changes to the programme
LSHTM will seek to deliver this programme in accordance with the description set out on this programme page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for LSHTM to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.
Teaching and learning strategy
Learning is self-directed against a detailed set of learning objectives using the study materials provided. Module tutors provide asynchronous support for students by replying to students’ questions in open online discussion forums and facilitating discussion. Students are also encouraged to participate in live webinars led by module teaching teams. The live webinars are recorded and available for subsequent download.
Resources
The programme is delivered using a variety of study resources including lecture notes and a selection of essential and recommended readings and activities.
All essential and some recommended readings are provided for each session in the Library section of each module area of LSHTM’s virtual learning environment, Moodle, using Leganto. Essential readings are a compulsory part of the study materials, while recommended readings are provided for further reference and research.
Students are encouraged to communicate with tutors and fellow students via Moodle in module specific web-based discussion forums. In this way, students can ask questions, engage in discussion, peer-to-peer learning, and develop and negotiate conclusions with others, which are key components in the acquisition of knowledge, understanding and transferable skills. Students are also invited to participate in real time webinars or listen to recordings of these.
Further information about the teaching & learning strategy and resources for each module is provided in the relevant module specification.
Flexible study
We know that if you have a full-time job, family or other commitments, and wish to study at a distance, you will have many calls on your time. The course allows you to study independently, at a time and pace that suits you (subject to some course-specific deadlines) using the comprehensive study materials provided, with support available from academic staff. You have between 1-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Certificate, and between 2-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Diploma or the MSc.
The study year for most modules runs from the beginning of October through to the June exams. Tutorial support is available throughout this time. Students carrying out projects are assigned personal supervisors to support their project work which is mostly carried out between June and the end of September in their final year.
Early payment fee reductionAn early payment fee reduction of 5% (up to £840 for a full MSc) is available on any of our distance learning programmes if paid in full before 30th June for the academic year 2023/24. For fees paid in full between 1st and 31st July 2023, the application fee will be reimbursed where applicable. Terms and conditions apply. |
The fees below refer to the 2023/24 academic year. Fees are subject to annual review and may be paid in one of two ways:
Either: on initial registration, a single payment covering the programme registration fee and all module fees for the duration of the programme
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Master's | £16,800 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | £13,300 |
| Postgraduate Certificate | £9,820 |
| Application fee (non-refundable) for PG Cert, PG Dip and MSc | £107 |
Or: pay the initial programme registration fee, plus the fee for each module you are taking in the first year. Then, in subsequent years, you pay the fee for each new module you take.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial registration fee | £1,540 |
| Fee per core module | £2,050 |
| Fee per advanced/ elective module | £850 |
| Fee for final project | £2,610 |
| Application fee (non-refundable) for PG Cert, PG Dip and MSc | £107 |
Individual modules (taken on a stand-alone basis with no registration fee)
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Fee per core module | £2,500 |
| Fee per advanced/ elective module | £2,500 |
| Application fee | none |
How to pay
All fees must be paid in pounds sterling (GBP) directly to the University of London. The University of London accepts:
- Western Union - Quick Pay
- Credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Electron, JCB)
- Sterling banker's draft/cheque
- International money/postal order
Further details are given on the University of London website
Other costs
In addition to the fees payable to the University of London, you should also budget for the fee charged by your local examination centre to cover its costs; this fee will vary. MSc students who are carrying out a project may also need to budget for travel expenses or consumables, depending on the type of project undertaken.
Academic requirements
All applicants are required to have:
For entry to the programme, you will need the equivalent of a UK first or second-class honours degree from an acceptable institution.
Relevant subjects include sciences (e.g. biology, medicine, nursing, pharmacy) or social sciences (e.g. anthropology, demography, development, economics, environmental studies, geography, human rights, international relations, law, politics, sociology).
Qualifications from around the world are accepted; for further guidance please see University of London's qualifications for entrance. Students who do not satisfy the entrance requirements may still be admitted at the discretion of LSHTM on the basis of their academic qualifications, work experience and references.
English language requirements
You need a high standard of English to study this programme. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved one of the following within the past three years:
- IELTS: 7.0 overall, with 6.5 in the written test and 5.5 in listening, reading and speaking.
- TOEFL iBT: 100 overall, with 24+ in writing, 23+ in speaking, 22+ in reading and 21+ in listening.
- Pearson Test (Academic): 68 overall, with 62+ in writing and 59+ in listening, reading and speaking.
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English: 185 overall, with 176+ in writing and 169+ in listening.
- Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 130.
Alternatively, you may satisfy the language requirements if you have at least 18 months of education or work experience conducted in English.
If you do not meet these requirements but believe you can meet the standard, the University of London may also consider your application.
Computer requirements
You must have regular access to a computer (or mobile device*) with an internet connection to use the University of London website and the Student Portal. These are where your programme’s study resources are located. Through the Student Portal you can register as a student, enter exams and use your programme’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE provides you with electronic learning materials, access to the University of London Online Library, networking opportunities and other resources.
To get the most from your studies, your computer should have at least the following minimum specification:
- a web browser (the latest version of Firefox, Chrome or Internet Explorer). This must accept cookies and have JavaScript enabled
- screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or greater
- sufficient bandwidth to download documents should be 50 MB
and the following applications installed:
- word processor that reads Microsoft Word format (.doc)
- Adobe, or other pdf reader
Some of the CD-ROMs and software provided for use with Epidemiology modules may not be fully compatible with Apple Mac computers.
*Full mobile access is not available for all programmes
Our distance learning programmes are run in collaboration with the University of London, a federation of 18 independent member institutions and universities, of which the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is one.
Please choose which qualification you would like to apply for. The link will take you directly to the University of London application portal.
- MSc Global Health Policy
Gain the MSc Global Health Policy by completing either 12 modules, or 9 modules plus a project report.
- PGDip Global Health Policy
Complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Global Health Policy with 8 modules.
- PGCert Global Health Policy
Gain a Postgraduate Certificate by completing 4 modules.
- Short courses
Top up your knowledge with individual courses from the Global Health Policy range.
- Application process
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1. Submit your application to University of London. Please read the Guidance Notes for Applications (pdf) before you complete your application.
2. Submit your documentary evidence. This can be done online when submitting your application or at a later stage. You will be required to submit personal identification, educational certificates, transcripts, English language proficiency evidence, references and CV (see Guidance Notes for Applications (pdf) for further details).
3. University of London will notify you of whether or not you have been accepted. This usually happens within five working days. You will be sent a student reference number by email in case you need to contact University of London about your application.
4. If you are made an offer, you will receive an email with instructions for completing your online registration (usually from May/June). You will have until the registration deadline to accept your offer and pay your initial fees.
5. Begin your studies. You will be given access to LSHTM's online learning site (Moodle) at the beginning of October. If you have registered for a module which provides hard copy study materials, these will be sent to your correspondence address. Clinical Trials modules are delivered solely online via Moodle.
Important: you are welcome to submit your application even if you are yet to sit an exam or you are awaiting results. University of London can begin to process your application without all the evidence, although a final decision will be made once all the necessary documentation has been received. If you are unsure as to whether or not you meet our entry requirements, University of London might be able to advise you on this before you submit your online application.
- Application deadlines
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MSc, PG Dip, PG Cert and individual modules Deadline Epidemiology, Global Health Policy, Health in Humanitarian Crises, Infectious Diseases, Public Health 7 September Clinical Trials 31 October - Registration deadlines
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MSc, PG Dip and PG Cert and individual modules Deadline Epidemiology, Global Health Policy, Health in Humanitarian Crises, Infectious Diseases, Public Health 5 October Clinical Trials 30 November - Who to contact
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If you have any questions before submitting your application, you can contact:
Academic queries (LSHTM)
Email distance@lshtm.ac.uk for queries about programme content, modules or assessments.
Email study@lshtm.ac.uk for general enquiries.
Admissions queries (University of London)
Send a message to University of London for queries about how to apply, documentary evidence or entry requirements, or call +44 (0)20 7862 8360