As armed conflicts persist and natural disasters are intensified by climate change, addressing the needs and challenges of vulnerable, displaced people in complex emergencies is a global priority. Gain the practical humanitarian skills and operational expertise you need to improve health in fragile and crisis-affected communities.
Study Health in Humanitarian Crises to develop your current role or get ready for new positions in this vital field. Ours is one of the few distance learning courses available in this field.
What you will learn
- Explore the humanitarian project cycle, including ethical considerations, policy issues, and global response architecture
- Develop strong evidence-based decision-making skills for effective crisis response
- Build on your critical analysis and evaluation skills to confidently gather critical information, assess and prioritise needs, design programmes and monitor intervention effectiveness
- Apply a decolonial lens to understand how historical roots impact humanitarian ethics, political economy, and current barriers
- Strengthen professional skills in problem-solving, time management, and written and verbal communication
- Choose elective topics to complement the core course, that matters most to you and your career, from global mental health to medical anthropology
The course has been developed by academics and field experts from the likes of Médecins Sans Frontières, Save the Children and the World Health Organization. You’ll benefit from a real diversity of expertise and unique insights from teaching staff and guest lecturers.
This online degree allows you to learn from anywhere in the world, at a time that suits you. Whether you have family commitments or you’re working in the field with limited internet access, you can work at your own pace.
Once you complete the core modules, you have the option to apply for the blended learning option to study modules on-campus in London. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet other students and tutors in person; and engage in face-to-face discussion-based learning.
Who’s it for?
You might be a policy maker or researcher looking to deepen your understanding of humanitarian issues. Perhaps you’re already delivering health projects within a crisis-affected community, and want to progress to a global leadership role. Or maybe you’re a graduate who is passionate about working in a humanitarian setting.
Diversity is important in a humanitarian response. Our course and our student body reflect that. Study alongside peers from a range of backgrounds and choose to complete either a Certificate, Diploma or MSc.
We created this course to give you the skills to hit the ground running in humanitarian response as well as to progress to leadership positions at an organisational or national level. The MSc qualification also provides a strong foundation for pursuing a PhD or Doctorate in public health.
Duration
| Course | You study | Study period |
|---|---|---|
| Master's | 8 modules + a compulsory project report | 2-5 years |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 8 modules | 2-5 years |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 4 modules | 1-5 years |
Health in Humanitarian Crises by distance learning
Watch Programme Director Bhargavi Rao talking about the programme.
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, what materials are provided and how the module is assessed.
- Programme structure
- Postgraduate Certificate: 4 compulsory core modules
- Postgraduate Diploma: 8 modules (4 compulsory core + 1 additional compulsory + 3 elective modules)
- Master's: 8 modules (4 compulsory core modules + 1 additional compulsory + 3 elective modules) + a project report
It is possible to register for the PG Certificate in the first instance then, on successful completion of the compulsory core modules, transfer your registration to the PG Diploma or MSc.
- Compulsory core modules (PG Certificate, PG Diploma and MSc)
- IDM101 Principles of Biostatistics and Epidemiology
- PHM214 Conflict and Health
- HHM101 Public Health Information in Humanitarian Crises
- HHM102 Design and Planning of Humanitarian Health Projects
- Additional/elective modules (PG Diploma and MSc)
Additional compulsory module:
- HHM201 Monitoring and Evaluation for Humanitarian Health Projects (compulsory for the PG Diploma and MSc)
Elective modules:
- GHM102 The Politics of Global Health Policy
- GHM104 Issues in Global Health Policy
- GHM202 Global Mental Health
- IDM104 Control of Infectious Diseases
- IDM202 Nutrition and Infection
- IDM215 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
- IDM301 Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases
- PHM204 Economic Evaluation
- PHM211 Medical Anthropology in Public Health
- PHM212 Organisational Management
- 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 report (MSc only)
- HHM300 Project Report (compulsory for the MSc)
- Methods of assessment
Assessment varies from module to module but will include a combination of unseen written examinations and written assignments. Details are given in the module specifications.
Examinations take place once a year in June.
- Credit awarded
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
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.
Study materials
Learning is via directed self-study against a detailed set of learning objectives for each module. Students have access to a range of study resources, discussion forums and online webinar discussion sessions via LSHTM’s virtual learning environment, Moodle.
Details of the study materials for each module can be found in the module specifications. Materials and resources for HHM modules may include:
- Interactive Computer Assisted Learning materials which introduce, explain and apply the principles and methods covered in the module
- Workbooks and study guides for some modules
- E-books and other recommended readings
- Real-time tutorials with module tutors on specific topics
- Self-assessed exercises and formative assignments
- Past examination papers and examiners’ reports
- Access to Stata statistical software if it is required for the module
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in module-specific discussions on Moodle, and to make use of LSHTM’s online library resources.
Module tutors provide feedback for all students via the online discussion forums and offer individual feedback on submitted assignments.
Tutorial support is available for most modules from the beginning of October through to the end of May, while two modules run from the beginning of January through to assignment submission at the end of August. The project work (MSc only) is carried out in the final year, with submission at the end of September.
Flexible study
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, while two modules run from the beginning of January through to assignment submission at the end of August. The project work (MSc only) is carried out in the final year, with submission at the end of September.
Fees
The fees below refer to the 2026/27 academic year.
Fees may be paid in two ways:
In year one, pay the initial registration fee, plus the fee for each module you are taking in the first year. Then, in subsequent years, pay the fee for each new module you take.
Or, pay in full. If you pay in full at the start of your studies the registration fee will be included.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Master's | £19,440 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | £15,380 |
| Postgraduate Certificate | £11,360 |
| Application fee | £50 |
Fees in 2026/27 if paying as you go:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial registration fee | £1,610 |
| Fee per core module | £2,360 |
| Fee per advanced/ elective module | £970 |
| Fee for final project - MSc only | £3,010 |
| Application fee | £50 |
Blended learning fees (for distance learning students attending modules in London)
| Fee per LSHTM module, in addition to whole of MSc fee paid in full | £1,210 |
| Fee per LSHTM module, if programme is paid via annual instalments | £2,360 |
Information on Individual modules (taken on a stand-alone basis with no registration fee) can be found here.
Tuition fee deposit
Applicants are required to respond to their Offer of Admission and pay the £500 deposit within 28 days of receipt, or their place will be released and the offer automatically declined. The deposit is deductible from tuition fees upon full registration with LSHTM. Applicants in receipt of a full scholarship will not be required to pay the deposit.
Funding
LSHTM First Generation Scholarship 2026-27
Full tuition fee scholarship for first-generation university students from underrepresented groups pursuing distance learning MSc programmes at LSHTM. To be considered, applicants must hold an offer of admission by 27 March 2026. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Sales tax information
Some tax authorities require us to apply sales taxes to our distance learning programme fees. Depending on your country or region of residence, this may include VAT, GST, or similar local taxes.
For full details, please visit:
All applicants are required to have:
- either a Second Class Honours degree (2:2) or above from a university or other institution, in a subject appropriate to the course
or
- the equivalent of a Second Class Honours degree (2:2) or above, from a university or other institution, in a subject appropriate to the course
or
- relevant professional experience/training which is judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) degree or above AND three years' relevant experience
If you have not previously studied in the UK, you can check our guide to international equivalent qualifications for our master's degrees.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements: Band B.
Some applicants may be exempt if they have previously studied in English or meet other specified criteria. Please see our English language requirements for details.
It is possible to apply without English language test results however the results of a test may be listed as a condition of an offer of admission.
Computer requirements
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/files of at least 50 MB
and the following applications installed:
- word processor that reads Microsoft Word format (.doc)
- Adobe, or other pdf reader
*Full mobile access is not available for all programmes
Applications should be made online and will only be considered once you have provided all required information and supporting documentation.
Please also read LSHTM's Admissions policies (pdf) prior to submitting your application.
You can apply for up to two master's programmes. Make sure to list them by order of preference as consideration will be given to your top choice first.
Please ensure you pay careful attention to the content of your personal statement, as we do not invite applicants to interview for this programme, so the clarity and relevance of the information you can provide is of considerable importance to us. We would like to know your experiences in the relevant field(s), your reasons for applying to our programme, what you hope to gain from the training we offer, and how you intend to use the knowledge and skills you acquired to further your career and contribute to improving health.
Application fee
A standard non-refundable application fee of £50 applies to all taught programmes (Master's, PG Certificate and PG Diploma) and is payable upon application submission. Income generated from the application fee is shared between scholarships and the student hardship funds.
Tuition fee deposit
Applicants are required to respond to their offer of admission and pay the £500 deposit within 28 days of receipt, or their place will be released and the offer automatically declined. The deposit is deductible from tuition fees upon full registration with LSHTM. Applicants in receipt of a full scholarship will not be required to pay the deposit.
Application deadline and other key dates
| MSc, PG Dip, PG Cert and individual modules | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 14 September 2026 |
| Registration deadline (new students) | 12 October 2026 |
| Registration deadline (continuing students) | TBC |
| Programme starts | 1 October 2026 |