Public Health (International), PG Dip

Course content

The taught compulsory modules lay firm foundations for your learning throughout the programme:

• Introduction to Global and Public Health - introduces global health issues, public health strategies and health systems
• Principles of Public Health (International) - analyses public health problems from a multidisciplinary perspective, informs how to strengthen existing and to build new health services, programmes and related management systems in order to improve the health of populations and communities
• Health systems research methods - looks at how to plan research, choose research methods, evaluate findings and present results

The wide range of optional modules allows you to focus your study to match your interests and experience.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Global and Public Health 30 credits
• Principles of Public Health 30 credits
• Health Systems Research Methods 15 credits

Optional modules

• Quality Improvement in Health Care 15 credits
• Non-Communicable Diseases 15 credits
• Implications of Conflicts and Emergencies on Health and Healthcare Systems 15 credits
• Human Resources Planning and Management for Health 15 credits
• Health Systems Development for Primary Health Care 15 credits
• Sexual and Reproductive Health 15 credits
• Management of Finance for Health 15 credits
• Health Economics for Developing Health Systems 15 credits
• International Health Policy: Geneva Study Tour 15 credits
• Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Programmes 15 credits
• Communicable Disease Control 15 credits
• Health Promotion 15 credits
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Health System Strengthening 15 credits
• Show more

For more information on typical modules, read Public Health (International) PGDip in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Under the guidance of academic tutors who have all worked in low and middle income countries, you develop core skills and knowledge early in the programme, which you build on with your chosen modules in specialist fields of public health, planning and management.

The programme introduces essential learning skills for postgraduate level study, with particular emphasis on the challenges facing those returning to study. A reflective learning approach will form the basis of career-long independent learning and continued professional development.

You'll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, group work, tutorials and case studies. Some study sessions use the University's computer resources, with support for students to enhance their competence in the use of information technology. You have access to electronic copies of all teaching materials through our Virtual Learning Environment.

You'll be able to use University facilities for independent study, such as computing facilities and the Health Sciences library, with its extensive collection of online journals. You will also have access to the newly refurbished Worsley Building with new teaching space and post-graduate social space.

Assessment

Each module is assessed through a combination of written assignments, group and individual presentations, reflective logs and a written examination on epidemiology and statistics.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A medical degree or bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) or equivalent qualification in a related discipline (eg medicine, health, science, social sciences, management or administration).

All applicants must have a minimum of two years' work experience in a health service or developing health system in a low-middle income country.

In exceptional cases, we may accept extensive work experience in health services or health systems for applicants who do not fully meet the stated academic requirements

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences admissions team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

How to apply

• Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

School of Medicine Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

UK/EU: £5,500 (total)

International: £13,000 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

The cost of the optional one-week trip to Geneva (see Course overview) is not included in the course fees. Students pay a contribution towards their travel, accommodation, visa and insurance costs, and the Nuffield pays the rest of these costs. (Students who choose the study trip as an optional module pay a smaller contribution than students who attend the study trip for their professional development only.) Other costs, including meals and any personal costs, are paid by the student. We send more information with offer letters.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this programme have gone on to work in ministries of health, international organisations, civil society organisations, universities, consulting firms and private health providers.

The Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development has taught international health and development programmes at Leeds for over 30 years and so has a large alumni network of public health specialists, health systems experts, health managers and planners holding senior positions around the world.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

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