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Brighton & Sussex Medical School

Global Health

BSMS > Postgraduate > Global Health

Global Health

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Why Choose Our Global Health MSc?

Transform your career and impact lives globally

Join our innovative MSc in Global Health, designed for individuals passionate about tackling health disparities and improving healthcare systems worldwide. Delivered by world-leading experts, this dynamic programme equips you with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change in diverse global contexts. The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers key areas such as epidemiology, health economics, health policy, and health systems. Opportunities for hands-on experience through research projects and practice-oriented teaching prepares graduates to pursue careers in international health organizations, NGOs, research institutions and government agencies. Whether you're a recent graduate, intercalating student or a professional looking to advance your career, this course will empower you to make a meaningful difference in the world of global health.

  • Expert-led Teaching: Learn from renowned academics, researchers and practitioners who are currently shaping global health policies and practices.
  • Global Impact: Gain the tools to address the world’s most pressing health challenges, from pandemics, inequalities in healthcare access and decolonising global health.
  • Flexible Learning: Choose between full-time or part-time learning offered in manageable blocks or take a single module, allowing you to balance your education with family and professional commitments.
  • Broad and In-depth Learning: Opportunity to take modules from three institutions including the renowned Institute for Development Studies

Watch our video below with staff and students to find out more about our Global Health course. 

Mother and child

Other Opportunities to Learn and Network: Current Stories in Global Health

Tackling Inequities in Global Health
Wednesday 9 April, 5pm
Online via Zoom

In April 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) will celebrate World Health Day, with this year’s theme focused on Global Action for Universal Health.

To mark this important day, the BSMS Global Health and Infection department is hosting an online event as part of its Current Stories in Global Health series. Join us for an inspiring evening of insightful talks from award-winning researchers and global health experts who are working to address health inequalities globally.

Book to attend here >

Our Current Stories in Global Health online event series runs quarterly throughout the year and aims to simplify Global Health research, policy and practice.

This series is for people considering a career in Global Health, those already working in Global Health, or anyone interested in learning about the intersectional aspects of health, society and welfare through practical examples of research and intervention - and we welcome and encourage anyone considering the MSc in Global Health to attend.

You can rewatch the presentations from previous events in the series here >

Contact us at GlobalHealthTeaching@bsms.ac.uk so we can add you to our mailing list to find out about our latest news and events.

Course overview

This innovative MSc in Global Health offers a stimulating and vibrant programme delivered by world leading experts, empowering you to kick-start a successful career in the field of global health policy, research and practice.

The degree combines four compulsory core modules with a variety of optional modules, allowing you to focus on areas relevant to your work and professional interests.

The course also allows students who do not have enough time to complete the full MSc to enrol on our PGDip in Global Health, PGCert in Global Health or individual modules. Credits earned can be used in the future towards completing the full MSc.

Watch our short video summarising the course below.

Hear from current student Liz Magill on why she chose the course, how BSMS' Global Health Scholarship has helped with her studies and the potential for career progression provided by the MSc.

Key areas of study

  • Determinants of health and ill-health in a globalised world
  • Global burden and management of disease and injury
  • Migration, asylum, and global health
  • Climate change, disasters, and global health
  • Global health policy, institutions, and politics
  • Access to medicines
  • Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)
  • Health, poverty and development
  • Global mental health
  • Emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance
  • Impact of conflict and violence on health
  • Research practice in global contexts
  • Economic evaluation of healthcare
  • Epidemiological concepts
  • Essential Statistics for Health and Medical Research

Course structure

How is the course taught?

Our interactive, student-centred approach equips you with solid knowledge in the field of Global Health by bringing together theory and practice. The degree can be completed full-time in 1 year, or part-time over 2 years.

Our block scheduling allows you to focus on one module at a time allowing you to engage with the subject with reduced distraction. It also supports a better life-study balance, enabling you to better schedule other responsibilities such as work and family if needed.

In-person delivery maximises opportunities for learning using our popular interactive classroom sessions. This is augmented with online delivery when necessary, building on the very positive feedback from students who enjoyed online teaching delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our approach supports students in developing independent learning skills as well as transferable skills such as critical appraisal, communication, presentation skills, planning, problem-solving and teamwork, among others.

MSc (180 credits):

Four compulsory core modules and two (30 credits each) optional modules or three (20 credits each) optional modules.

PGDip (120 credits):

Three compulsory core modules and two (30 credits each) optional modules or three (20 credits each) optional modules.

PGCert (60 credits):

One compulsory core module and two (20 credits each) optional modules.

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Modules

Click on the individual modules below to find out more information.

Core modules:

Optional modules:

In previous years, we have also run popular modules on Global Politics of Disease (30 credits); Sexuality and Development: Intimacies, Health and Rights in Global Perspective (30 credits); Fertility, Reproduction and Health (30 credits); and Cultural Understandings of Health and Healing - description available soon (30 credits).

Module availability can change from year to year according to the availability of lecturers and interests of the students.

Key staff

Anne Gataguta

Dr Anne Gatuguta: Course Leader

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Dr Mei Trueba: Module Lead

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Professor Shahaduz Zaman: Module Lead

Natalia Ivashikina profile image

Dr Natalia Ivashikina: Module Lead

Papreen Nahar2

Dr Papreen Nahar: Module Lead

Saeideh Babashahi profile photo

Dr Saeideh Babashahi: Module Lead

Jaime Vera profile photo

Prof Jaime Vera: Course Lecturer

Gail Davey B&W Image

Prof Gail Davey: Course Lecturer

Melanie Newport

Professor Melanie Newport: Lecturer

Gemma Aellah

Gemma Aellah: Lecturer

Collins iwuji

Professor Collins Iwuji: Lecturer

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Dr Bethany Davies: Lecturer

Chi Eziefula

Dr Chi Eziefula: Lecturer

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Dr Caroline Ackley: Lecturer

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Dr Maya Semrau: Lecturer

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Elizabeth Morris: Course Co-Ordinator

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Why BSMS?

Teachers come from a range of diverse backgrounds including international organisations, consultancy, advocacy and academia, and are working in global and public health, medicine, development studies, anthropology, sociology, economics, international relations.

A unique aspect of our MSc in Global Health is our innovative teaching, learning and assessment methods. Our teaching includes participatory approaches through seminars, workshops, research-informed lectures, tutorials and student directed presentations and seminars.

You will be able to develop and strengthen critical skills to use in your professional career through essays, policy briefings, individual and group-based presentations, reflections, and a final dissertation.

Academic and pastoral support will be continuously provided and tailored to your individual needs by our course director, module leaders and lecturers. Our programme administrator will proactively support you with any day-to-day enquiries you may have.

Assessments are diverse and designed to help you solidify your global health knowledge and develop transferable skills. Most assessments are submitted online and include essays, policy briefs, presentations, critical appraisal, exams and posters.

What we offer:

  • You will work on your own original research through your dissertation, developing your own ideas or joining an existing project to work in partnership with academics within the department - and we will support you to publish your work
  • Our Brighton and Sussex Centre for Global Health Research has robust international connections with academic institutions in over 25 countries that you will be able to engage with, as well as two large NIHR-funded research programmes
  • Our intersectional approach will empower you to develop a strong foundation in the interrelated forces impacting Global Health
  • Innovative teaching approaches delivered through interactive small group sessions and a critical focus on bridging theory and practice
  • Our range of practising experts from diverse backgrounds will help build your critical skills to examine and explain complex global health problems based on their current research
  • Our diverse learning environment, with both UK and international students from diverse backgrounds, will help you engage with peers and share perspectives informed by various health angles and perspectives
  • You will develop critical qualitative and quantitative skills to effectively develop your professional career and opportunity to conduct your research either in the UK or overseas.

Our partners

As part of the Brighton and Sussex Centre for Global Health Research we have partnerships with academic institutions in over 25 countries. Examples include:

  • CDT Africa at Addis Ababa University and the Armauer Hansen Research Institute in Ethiopia
  • The Mycetoma Research Centre and The Institute for Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Sudan
  • The University of Rwanda
  • The Institute of Development Studies in the UK
  • Medical School and University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia
  • collaborating centres and partners.

Read more about our research partners here >

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Students’ voices in real global health issues

The annual NTDs Charity Challenge allows MSc students to critically evaluate interventions to combat NTDs and through a competitive process, award the charity working most effectively to combat specific NTDs. The winning charity receives a donation to support their work. Past winners have included Mission Rabies and DNDi (Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative). See an example of how we amplify students voices.

Watch the video here >

Two people sitting in a classroom looking at a board

“Addressing NTDs is not just a health issue but an issue of Social Justice, NTDs continue to persist not because we lack solutions but because we neglect their victims, which is why it is essential to step up our actions to address them. Alleviating the burden of NTDs will empower communities and reduce poverty while upholding the dignity and well-being of the millions of people who have been overlooked for too long.” Esmie Kachikuni 2023-2024

Resources and support

We value our community of students and staff. Students interact with experts from Global Health and Infection department, BSMS and our parent universities.

Our MSc in Global Health allows you to access a wide range of learning resources at three leading institutions and students can choose optional modules from across the medical school and the University of Sussex and University of Brighton, and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), which is the number one university in the world for Development Studies.

Inclusion, community and belonging are very important to us. Students are supported to achieve their optimum potential through academic skills support as well as providing opportunities to network and socialise.

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Students and staff attending the World Kiosk in Brighton 2024

What our students say:

"I enjoyed the variety of lecturers allowing for more perspectives. I especially liked when we were able to apply it in exercises or hear from professionals or from case study experiences."

"It was a great introduction to several types of research methods in global health & lecturers were interesting and genuinely excited about sharing their own research experiences."

"Overall lots of really interesting topics covered with lots of thought-provoking information. Really enjoyed the more interactive lectures and the in-class exercises e.g. looking at health needs assessments in the humanitarian seminar." (in Global Burden and Management of Disease module)

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a global health alumni student named Abiman wearing a mustard t shirt in front of a blue train smiling

"I applied to study the Global Health MSc for my intercalation and my experience over the year exceeded expectations! The tutors were always very encouraging and friendly. I would highly recommend the Global Health MSc at BSMS for anyone interested in global health and any medical students considering intercalating as you learn new skills which you don’t always get the chance to develop whilst at medical school."

Abiman Ravishanker, MSc Global Health student 2021-22

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A global health alumni student named Syra stood on rocks with the sea and blue sky in the background

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Global Health MSc at BSMS. The lectures and seminars were deeply interesting, engaging and fun! I took this course alongside my FY2 year full time, so I'd encourage anyone who is looking to work alongside to get in touch with the global health team for more information on a flexible plan that is achievable."

Syra Dhillon, MSc Global Health student 2021-22

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"Although I have always been really interested in the topic and have experience working in healthcare, I have no biomedical background, and was worried this would be a hindrance. However, I am so glad I went for it. The course is structured in such a way that you get an excellent foundation regardless of your prior knowledge, and then you can build on this. There is plenty of scope to really explore your personal areas of interest, and all the lecturers and tutors are so supportive, friendly and approachable." 

Bella Tomsett, MSc Global Health student 2020-22

Roohil Yusuf headshot

"The Global Health course has been very well structured to support learning. The lectures have been really interactive and the team have done so well to deliver teaching remotely this year. Learning from experts in the field has made the content so much more interesting and all the lecturers have been very supportive and responsive."  

Roohil Yusuf, PGDip Global Health student 2020-21

Career opportunities

BSMS' Global Health graduates currently work as global health practitioners, policy makers, researchers and consultants for NGOs, national governments and international organisations as well as leading research organisations, think-tanks and universities.

Some of the institutions where our alumni have worked include: Save the Children, the British Red Cross, Tropical Health Education Trust, Public Health England, WHO country offices, and national governments and ministries of health.

Examples of recent graduate roles include:

  • PhD Candidate, University of Otago, New Zealand (MS, 2023-24)
  • Research Project Manager, University of Pennsylvania (GM, 2021-22)
  • Senior Associate Consultant, Oracle (SJ, 2021-22)
  • PhD Candidate, University of Brighton (BT, 2020-22)
  • Global Pharmacy Advisor, Save the Children (RY, 2020-21)
  • Lecturer/Deputy Programme Manager, University of Sunderland (GH, 2020-21)
  • WHO Country Office, Guinea Bissau (MP, 2018-2019)

Click the images below to hear from our alumni.

a global health alumni student named Abiman wearing a mustard t shirt in front of a blue train smiling

Abiman

A global health alumni student named Syra stood on rocks with the sea and blue sky in the background

Syra

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Ibrahim Hamami

Clare Phillips Headshot

Clare Phillips

Calum Barnes Headshot

Calum Barnes

Leah Salm with arms out

Leah Salm

Renee Donner Headshot

Renee Donner 

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Dissertation (Research Project)

We offer a robust research component that allows you to immerse yourself in a topic you are passionate about. Your dissertation or research project provides the opportunity to build deep expertise in your chosen area, addressing real-world global health challenges.

What you will gain:

  • Hands-On Research Experience: Locally or collaborating with our prestigious international partners to gain invaluable first-hand research experience in diverse global settings.
  • Expert Guidance: Under the mentorship of a dedicated research supervisor, you will develop essential skills in independent research, critical thinking, and the ability to analyse complex global health data.
  • Impactful Outcomes: Design and report your own research project while contributing to global health discourse. You will learn to engage with considerations and processes for ethical and just research, ensuring your work adheres to rigorous standards.

Check out recent publications showcasing how our students are consistently making meaningful contributions to the field:

McGaughey G, Richardson D, Vera J. Harm reduction services for people engaging in chemsex in Brighton, UK: A pilot qualitative study. International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2023;0(0). doi:10.1177/09564624231188752

Mei L. Trueba, Tessa Axelrod & Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson (2023) Are asylum seekers and refugees provided with appropriate mental health support in the United Kingdom?, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, DOI: 10.1080/1369183X.2023.2181126

Hitch G and Zaman S (2023) COVID-19 pandemic experiences of students from BAME and White ethnic groups pursuing higher education in the UK: A qualitative comparative exploration. Front. Psychiatry 13:1078479. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1078479.

Meadows, T and Davey, G; What factors influence adherence and non-adherence to multi-drug therapy for the treatment of leprosy within the World Health Organisation South East Asia region? Asystematic review; Leprosy Review; 2022; 93; 4;  311-331; DOI: 10.47276/lr.93.4.311

K Midtbo, CJ Jones, M Kapasa, B Vwalika, H Rabe. Barriers to implementation of placental transfusion of babies at birth in Zambia. www.ajrh.info/index.php/ajrh/article/view/3139.

Banda GT, Deribe K, Davey G. How can we better integrate the prevention, treatment, control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases with other health interventions? A systematic review BMJ Global Health 2021;6:e006968. https://gh.bmj.com/content/6/10/e006968.citation-tools

Entry requirements

A first or upper second-class undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in any global health-related subject (e.g., development studies, anthropology, nursing, political sciences, geography, psychology, biomedical sciences, etc.). The course is very multidisciplinary, if unsure whether your undergraduate degree is relevant, please contact us.

OR

Applicants with a 2:2 degree or other international higher education (HE) qualification with relevant global health experience will be considered on an individual basis.

OR

Successful completion of at least three years’ basic medical science at a UK medical school (having gained at least 360 credits).

For international students an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 or above is required, with no less than 6 in each section. You can still submit your application pending IELTS results and any offer made will be subject to meeting the IELTS requirement. We encourage you to discuss with the course team your IELTS scores once you receive them even if lower than the required scores. Nationals of majority English speaking countries may be exempt from completing an English test. 

In cases where you can show evidence that you signed up for a pre-sessional English language course at the University of Sussex or the University of Brighton, we will also consider accepting you. See below the pre-sessional requirement scores for the two courses. 

University of Sussex >

University of Brighton >

If shortlisted for the course, we will invite you to a friendly, informal online chat to get to know you and your interests further, and to give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the MSc.

Due to visa restrictions, international students requiring a student visa (including EU/EEA who require a student visa) are eligible to apply for BSMS full-time Masters courses only. Part-time Masters courses, all PGDip and all PGCert courses are open to UK and Irish students and international students (including EU/EEA) who have an alternative visa/immigration permission to stay in the UK (such as settled/pre-settled status, Tier 2/work visa, indefinite leave to remain etc).

Fees and funding

The fees listed are the overall costs for full-time courses taken in the academic year 2025/26. Where courses are taken part-time over more than one academic year, fees are usually charged pro-rata for the modules taken during each academic year.  

With effect from 2021/22 onwards, EU nationals starting new postgraduate courses will pay international fees and will not be eligible for student funding from the UK government. However, there are exceptions to this for Irish nationals and EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. For the latest information, please see gov.uk/student-finance. If you do not have settled status in the UK and require a work visa, then you will be fee assessed as Overseas and will therefore be subject to the International fee rate.

Find out more about fees and funding >

Scholarships

more about Sussex Postgraduate scholarships  >

Some postgraduate applicants may be eligible to apply for Rotary International Global Grant Scholarships.

more about Rotary International Global Grants >

Check out this handy article from the Institute of Development Studies for tips applying for this and other scholarships >

Some scholarships available to Global Health students are below. Please select one of the options to find out more. We are happy to support students applying for scholarships, please contact us if you would like to discuss more.

Chevening >

The Commonwealth Masters Scholarships > 

Eramus+ Master Degree Loans >

Snowdon Masters Scholarships >

Get tips for applying for these and other scholarships via the link below.

Get tips on applying for scholarships > 

Read about Global Health MSc student Jenniffer Hockey’s experience with the Find a Masters scholarship >

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Global Health Scholarships

BSMS offers a number of scholarships for students admitted to the full-time Masters degree in Global Health at the Brighton and Sussex Centre for Global Health Research.

BSMS Global Health scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic and/or professional merit and financial need. The scholarship provides one £5,000 award or two £2,500 awards towards tuition fees. UK, EU and International (Non UK/EU) students are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Application procedure

You must first apply for admission to the MSc in Global Health course via our online application process (see 'Apply here' below). You will need your applicant number to complete the BSMS Global Health Scholarship application form.

The completed application form should be submitted as a single Word document saved as a PDF via email to Dr Anne Gatuguta (A.gatuguta@bsms.ac.uk).

The subject of your email should read BSMS Global Health Scholarship. Successful candidates will be notified by the end of July. Unfortunately we are not able to provide feedback regarding unsuccessful applications.


BSMS Global Health Scholarship Fund: Supporting equity in health and empowering future global health leaders!

You can help fund a deserving student to come study with us. Each year, many brilliant students apply for our course but are unable to join the course due to financial constraints. We are only able to provide a limited scholarship, but you can help support more students. Scholarships are transformational for students and for global health equity. Read more about the scholarship and how you can help.

Download the information document here >