Peninsula Medical School

MSc Global Health

Duration

1 year
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available Distance learning
Study location Distance Learning
Register for open evening
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Health doesn’t exist in isolation - climate change, health inequalities, and changing demographics all shape health outcomes locally and globally. From workforce shortages to the impact of migration and emerging health technologies, global challenges influence every healthcare system. Anyone working in health today, whether in policy, practice, or research, needs a broad understanding of these interconnected issues.

Careers with this subject
An MSc in Global Health prepares you for a diverse range of careers in health policy, research, international development, and frontline healthcare. Graduates go on to work in government agencies, NGOs, global health organisations, and academia, tackling pressing health challenges worldwide. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role or pivot to a new sector, this degree equips you with the expertise, networks, and critical thinking skills to make a real impact.

Key features
  • Designed for Distance Learning – Purpose-built as an interactive, flexible online programme, offering a rich, high quality learning experience that fits around your life.
  • Expert-Led Teaching – Learn from specialists within the Global Health Collaborative (GHC), a network of academics, clinicians and professionals tackling real-world global health challenges.
  • Full-Time and Part-Time Study Options – Choose a full-time or part-time pathway to suit your personal and professional commitments.
  • Asynchronous & Synchronous Learning – Study at your own pace with recorded lectures and interactive content, whilst still engaging in live discussions, debates and collaborative exercises with staff and peers.
  • Cross-Programme Learning – Take elective modules from the MClinEd Clinical Education programme, broadening your expertise and engaging with students and specialists from different disciplines.
  • GHC Membership – All students become members of the Global Health Collaborative, providing access to a vibrant community of global health professionals, researchers and practitioners.
  • Diverse Career Pathways – Graduates go on to careers in health policy, research, NGOs, global health organisations, and academia, applying their skills to address pressing global health challenges.
Wherever you are in the world, the University of Plymouth MSc Global Health programme gives you the flexibility, expertise and networks to make a real impact.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    CLE721DL
    Research Methods in Healthcare

    This module aims to provide the students with increased understanding and knowledge of the research methods and statistics, to enable them to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect on research evidence, to practice. Students will be introduced to a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods, primary and secondary research methods, equipping them with a basic understanding of the underlying principles of quantitative and qualitative research.

    CLE731DL
    Research Design and Development

    This module provides an introduction to the research design, development and knowledge transfer process. You will be supported in generating a research idea and developing it into a coherent and achievable research proposal for a Masters dissertation.

    CLE732DL
    Research Project Dissertation

    This module is the dissertation associated with the Masters programmes (ClinEd, HMLI, GH , EMM) and is designed to enable students to produce a project dissertation under supervision, and to demonstrate project design, development, evaluation and synthesis skills.

    GH711DL
    Introduction to Global Health

    This module will unpick the phrase Global Health and the key issues and philosophies within it. It will consider the scholarship of an emerging field through time and look to the future requirements for global health leadership.

    GH712DL
    Primary and Public Healthcare: Global Health

    This module will offer insights to the impact of the environment, culture, perceptions, health education and preventative health strategies to form the foundations of health and a functioning health care system.

    Optional modules

    CLE713DL
    Contemporary Issues in Clinical Education

    This module will explore current issues, drivers and challenges in undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing clinical education, and will draw widely on contemporary educational research and scholarship. You will be encouraged to reflect on your role as a clinical educator, and to investigate the impact of culture and policy on your practice.

    CLE723DL
    Design and Development of HealthCare Education

    In this module, we explore design and development of HealthCare Education in a range of settings. You will critically engage with the scholarly literature related to curriculum development, and plan a scheme of work related to your educator role.

    CLE722DL
    Technology Enhanced Teaching and Learning

    This is a completely online module and provides students with a broad overview of educational technologies and their associated pedagogical affordances. Participants will learn about a comprehensive range of educational technologies and will also critique their relevance to practice. Students are expected to engage with the online content and keep a reflective journal on the development process for the duration of the module.

    GH713DL
    Leadership in Global Health: Health Systems Strengthening

    This module draws together an overview of key Global Health system strengthening concepts and leadership theory, ethnography and critical reflection. It will consider ways in which you can engineer and facilitate systems strengthening through effective leadership of local and global initiatives in dynamic and complex environments.

    GH715DL
    Health in Humanitarian Emergencies

    This module explores the management models of healthcare provision in response to humanitarian emergencies, resulting from both natural and human-induced crises. By evaluating the history of the humanitarian movement and factors affecting the current delivery of national and international aid programmes, this modules aims to review potential strategies for implementing sustainable healthcare programmes in LMICs.

    HML714DL
    Management in Healthcare: Theory and Practice

    Learners will acquire an increased understanding and knowledge of theories, tools and strategies for management in healthcare environments alongside an appreciation of their role within teams and complex systems. Learners will analyse, critique and reflect on real world scenarios to develop a confident and competent management approach to achieve personal and effectiveness in practice.

    HML715DL
    Organisation Development and Change

    This module complements the modules in management and leadership in healthcare and comprises an in-depth study of organisations in the 21st century with a focus on health and care. Critical study of the structures, values and cultures of organisations will be incorporated along with theory from established and contemporary OD literature. Diagnostic and consultancy models will be studied with a view to critical application in practice.

    HML717DL
    Quality Improvement and Innovation

    This module aims to provide the students with increased understanding and knowledge of tools and theories for quality improvement and innovation, to enable them to critically evaluate, synthesise and reflect on the applicability of these to past, current, and future healthcare challenges. Students will develop confidence and competence to lead and manage quality improvement and innovation individually and collaboratively.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements
Normally a recognised first degree or equivalent will be required with a minimum of an upper second (2:1) class honours degree in a relevant global health subject (e.g. health professionals, media studies, politics and economics, human rights, health economics, health management, veterinary practice, community forestry, psychology, sociology). This could be wide ranging in terms of topics and disciplines.
Applicants with a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree or a recognised professional qualification at an equivalent level will be considered where they can demonstrate relevant experience or further professional development.
Additionally, candidates with substantial relevant work experience, gained through professional practice or other means, may also be considered where admissions staff are confident in their ability to succeed in the programme, in line with QAA guidance.
Applicants must indicate their intended award/completion point (PgCert, PgDip, MSc) at the point of application.
Admissions for all MSc, PgDip and PgCert pathways are handled by the central admissions team: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Fees, costs and funding
A full MSc represents 180 credits.
Student 2024-25 2025-26
Home £11,000 £11,350
International £19,800 £20,400
Part time (Home) £1,220 per 20 credit module £1,260 per 20 credit module

Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances.
Find out about funding your postgraduate studies with this helpful list of sources .
Find out about funding your postgraduate studies with this helpful list of sources .

How to apply

Apply online

Make sure you meet the entry requirements for this programme.
Before you apply
Make sure you have all your supporting documents. Documents required usually include:
  • Evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • Evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • Personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in this course and outlining the nature of previous and current teaching experience. You can write this into the online application form, or send it as a separate attachment.
  • Two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course
  • Two passport photographs
  • Curriculum Vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • Proof of sponsorship, if applicable
When to apply
Applications for postgraduate programmes of study can usually be made throughout the year. When applying for a taught postgraduate programme, please check for any submission deadlines with the Medicine and Dentistry Admissions team (contact details below). For full-time programmes, you may be invited for interview.
Check the closing date and apply as early as possible as our programmes are popular.
Submitting an application
Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).
Once you have registered and logged in, please enter the ‘course code’ which can be found above into the search bar to begin your application.
Additional guidance information can also be downloaded on how to fill in the postgraduate application form .
Admissions policy
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our online admissions policy for taught programmes. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
What happens after I apply?
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information, to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) or you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
The University aims to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Information team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail. The Doctoral College is also available to answer any queries on our postgraduate research degrees.
If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by the University of Plymouth, please visit our Disability Services website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office .

A Flexible and Engaging Online Learning Experience

Our MSc Global Health programme has been redesigned from the ground up for distance learning, with flexibility and engagement at its core. This isn’t a traditional programme simply moved online - it has been carefully crafted to make the most of digital learning, ensuring a rich and interactive experience that fits around your life.
Through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning, you will benefit from the best of both worlds - independent study at your own pace, alongside real-time engagement with leading experts and peers.
Asynchronous content - recorded lectures, readings, and interactive materials – will allow you to explore key topics at a time that suits you.
At the same time, synchronous sessions provide valuable opportunities for live discussion, debate, and collaboration, ensuring you can remain connected with staff and fellow learners.
This approach fosters a global learning community, where diverse perspectives enrich understanding of complex health challenges.
With access to cutting-edge research, expert-led teaching, and a dynamic online environment, this programme equip will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and networks to advance your career - all without the constraints of a traditional classroom or having to step away from your career.
Whoever you are, whatever you do, and wherever you are in the world, the University of Plymouth MSc Global Health programme fits around your life.

Learn from Leading Global Health Experts

Our MSc Global Health programme is shaped by experts from the Global Health Collaborative - a network of academics, clinicians, and professionals tackling global health challenges in real time. Their expertise spans research, policy, and practice, bringing first-hand insight into the complexities of health systems, inequalities, and interventions worldwide.
Through case studies, research-led teaching, and real-world examples, you will engage directly with the issues shaping global health today.
This collaboration also creates opportunities for you to connect with leading voices in the field, expanding professional networks and will expose you to the latest thinking in global health.
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Online Information Event

Tuesday 22 April - 6pm - 7pm
The programme is targeted towards all healthcare professionals, sustainable development professionals and graduates with a specific interest in global health. It has undergone revalidation and from September 2025 will be delivered 100% online.
Join Programme Lead Dr Michael Dillon to find out more about the programme and have the opportunity to join in a Q&A session.
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Study at Your Own Pace

Our MSc Global Health programme offers both full-time and part-time study options, allowing you to tailor your learning to your personal and professional commitments.
Whether you want to complete your degree in one year or spread your studies over multiple years, you’ll have the flexibility to choose a pace that works for you - without compromising on quality or engagement.

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