Christiana Ekezie
You all contributed to our success story. It's been an amazing year for me and I am so glad I came here.
Introduction
Are you seeking postgraduate training that focuses on your employability, equips you with knowledge and skills to address complex and multidimensional global health issues, and enables you to make professional contributions towards positive health and social change?
This programme is studied on campus.
On our MSc Global Health and Management programme, you will gain knowledge and understanding of established and emerging concepts, issues, theories and practices in global health and management studies. You will develop appreciation of how these intersect with broader social, economic and political factors, and develop skills to critically engage with these debates. The aim is to develop multidimensional views for more complete impacts in the field.
You will learn about health and social research methods, global health and global citizenship, health systems and policy, and management studies. You will have opportunities to work in professional environments in the health and development sector in the UK and overseas, applying taught content in real world settings and conducting projects of practical significance. With supervision from world-class research academics, students also develop deepened knowledge into current research and methodological development in selected area(s) in an research environment.
Key Programme Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
What You'll Study
- Semester 1
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Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Introduction to Global Health (PU5033)
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This course provides students with skills for career development and an introduction to the field of global health. Career development topics include strategic planning, skills analysis, self-awareness, goal setting and professionalism in the workplace. For global health, we hold a series of ‘film club’ seminars using online, digital and social media to study content from leading global health advocates, practitioners and scholars. Discussion themes are developed in class debate and group work. At the end of the course, students who take the second stage elective PU5521: Work Based Placements also apply for advertised placement opportunities.
- Applied Statistics (PU5017) - 15 Credit Points
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This course intends to develop the student's awareness of the fact that statistical techniques are integral to scientific research. Researchers must be able to specify a precise research question in statistical terms and then select an appropriate study design in order to carry out an effective research project. They must also be able to assess the adequacy of the research presented in scientific or medical literature. The same skills are also required for many MSc dissertation projects.
- Epidemiology (PU5030) - 15 Credit Points
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This course in applied epidemiology gives an introduction to disease measurement at a population level, basic epidemiological study design and analysis, and provides an understanding of key methodological issues needed to apply when designing – or critically appraising – an epidemiological study.
- Generic Skills (GS50M1)
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This course will improve your employability skills. I-SEE (Individualised self-assessment to enhance employability) is a bespoke online resource developed to help identify your strengths and areas needing improvement. The self-assessment process allows you to identify development areas for employability skills like communication, IT and numeracy skills and personal attributes like creativity, organisation and timekeeping, flexibility, team working. This leads to automated, tailored feedback and signposting to self-study to assist in improving your CV. Reflection and an e-portfolio will assist in articulation of these enhanced skills/attributes during mock interviews. Some sessions are compulsory, but otherwise it involves self-directed learning.
Optional Courses
- Health Behaviour and Behaviour Change (PU5022) - 15 Credit Points
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Unhealthy and risky behaviours – such as a poor diet, sedentary behaviour, not attending screening programmes, or not taking medication as prescribed – are leading causes of suboptimal health and premature death, health care expenditure, and sickness absence. Health Psychology examines what drives these behaviours and how they can be changed. This course aims to provide students with the core knowledge and skills for developing and implementing effective interventions to promote healthier behaviours.
- Fundamentals of Research Design (PU5027) - 15 Credit Points
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This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of health research methods. The course will focus on the development of research protocols, including how to formulate research questions, identify appropriate study designs, identify relevant outcomes and plan data collection. Students will be introduced to the main study designs used in health research including experimental, observational, qualitative and mixed method designs. Sampling techniques and methods for data collection for both quantitative and qualitative methods will be addressed. Students will also be introduced to the importance of critical appraisal and research ethics and will learn how to communicate scientific findings.
- Evidence - Based Health (PU5031) - 15 Credit Points
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This course is taken by students registered for the PGCert in Research Methods for Health and the MPH. It is delivered online and provides interaction with fellow students and faculty both synchronously and asynchronously. Everyone taking part must be registered for the course and complete all assessments.This course aims to enable the fundamental understanding and application of evidence based health at an individual- and population-level, focusing on the use of systematic reviews to synthesise evidence as well as methods to translate and implement evidence to inform health practice and policy.
- Health Economics (PU5032) - 15 Credit Points
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The course is in four parts:
1. Demand and supply: an introduction to health economics, in which the key concepts of demand and supply are applied to health care;
2. Economic evaluation: explanation of the rationale for, an main techniques of economic evaluation of health care interventions; and
3. Health systems, Priority Settings and Resource Allocation: analysis of the main alternative systems for organising and financing health care.
4. Health Behaviours: analysis of health behaviours in an economic setting.
- Semester 2
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Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Global Health (PU5505) - 15 Credit Points
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We live in an increasingly globalised world where information is shared more widely than ever before. To what extent can we trust the available data? How can we determine their integrity, plausibility and validity, particularly when decisions need to be made on available evidence? This course provides students with knowledge and understanding of global health and the skills to critically appraise the debates. With sessions from leading professionals and practitioners, students learn about established and emerging topics in global health, how these intersect with broader social, economic and political factors, and how research can make credible contributions in this context.
- Health Systems and Policy Research (BU5594) - 15 Credit Points
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The course aims to instill knowledge but, much more importantly, stimulate students’ thinking about the major challenges within different health systems and the options for the health services management. Furthermore, it aims to take a genuinely international perspective on health care, providing knowledge of different health care systems and encouraging comparison and critique. It covers a wide variety of topics including an overview of the health systems around the world, the effects of social inequalities on health inequalities and their repercussions for social policy and issues of public health policy towards tobacco, alcohol and obesity.
Optional Courses
- Managing Human Resources (BU5577) - 15 Credit Points
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Managing human resources well is important for survival and prosperity of organizations and economies, and has implications for individual attitudes and well-being. Managers are expected to contribute to the delivery of the human resource strategy, supported by expert advice and guidance. This module explores the key concepts underpinning the management of human resources and their practical application in organisations today. We will focus on four important themes within HRM:
· Recruitment and selection
· Equality and diversity
· Flexible employment and work-life balance
· Talent management
You will be encouraged to share your views and experiences through class discussion and debate.
- Internationalisation (BU5579) - 15 Credit Points
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International Business is a wide-ranging subject that includes economic, political, cultural and technological facets. The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the complexities of international business management by examining how the global environment and our understanding of these affect management within an international context.
- Work - Based Placement with Health and Development Sector Organisation (PU5521) - 15 Credit Points
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This course offers students professional placements with public, civic, voluntary, development sector organisations and government agencies. The placements are subject to availability and offered on a competitive basis. The course enhances students’ employability through engagement in a competitive application process; by applying academic skills in work-based environments; by developing communication and networking skills; through acquiring knowledge and understanding of health-related organisations; and by preparing and delivering a workplace report appropriate to the host organisation’s style. Students gain a unique practical experience, a ‘real-world’ practical relevance to their work, a range of transferrable skills, professional connections and a stand-out CV.
- Values and Ethics in Public Health (PU5528) - 15 Credit Points
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The course will explore the key concepts and forms of critical reasoning used to discuss the ethical an political appropriateness of efforts to address the health and wellbeing of communities and populations. It will engage students in reflection and debate about a range of contested issues that arise in public health policy and practice (including the provision of state funding for health services). The selection of issues will depend partly on topicality and on student interest but might include, for example: notions of responsibility in 'lifestyle', corporate and state behaviours; compulsion in the management of communicable diseases; fairness in responses to social/global inequalities in health.
- Systematic Reviewing (PU5526) - 15 Credit Points
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This course will equip students with the relevant skills to interpret and conduct systematic reviews on the effectiveness of healthcare interventions.
Students will learn to formulate a clear research question and understand the principles and main steps for undertaking systematic reviews. In particular, they will learn how:
i) to develop an adequate search strategy;
ii) to critically appraise primary studies;
iii) to extract data from primary studies;
iv) to identify the main sources of heterogeneity among primary studies;
v) to analyse findings from primary studies;
vi) to interpret results;
vii) to assess the quality of existing systematic reviews.
- Qualitative Health Research (PU5529) - 15 Credit Points
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This course provides a sound introduction to qualitative health research. You will consider the relevance and value of qualitative methodologies which respond to current health agendas. The course introduces planning to conduct relevant research and a range of methods to generate, handle and analyse qualitative data. You will gain insight into issues of rigour, quality and ethics, and understand the importance of engaging with relevant audiences. The course is delivered by a range of experienced contributors, and you will gain insight into the practicalities of undertaking qualitative research via practical workshops and stimulating seminar discussions.
- Semester 3
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Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Global Health Research Project (PU5906) - 60 Credit Points
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This course allows students to develop deepened knowledge into current research and methodological development in selected area(s) in a world-class research environment. Students develop capacities to independently and creatively identify and formulate research questions and operationalize objectives with appropriate methodologies and activities within timeframes.
Course Availability
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
The overall curriculum is designed with an integrated approach to teaching and learning in mind. Students participate in formal lectures, small group work, seminars, student presentations, and discussion groups. Throughout, the programme also provides training in mobile and digital technologies and social media. External experts are also regularly invited to provide specialist expertise. Many lectures are recorded and can be viewed again when required.
The MSc makes the most of hands-on learning to enable repeated exposure to evidence-based practice using real life examples. Some of the teaching methods employed in the programme include:
- Inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning
- Exposure to leading academic and field experts
- Research-led teaching taught by key opinion leaders
- Insight into real-life situations and examples
- Real-life learning in professional environments
The University’s dedicated, interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers tutor you and provide on-going support. Peer support will develop throughout the course(s) as engagement with students from other countries and disciplines is actively encouraged.
Much of the teaching on this course is participatory and students are expected to consolidate all taught content by completing related tasks and activities and engaging in independent study in their own time.
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Field Work
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Each course has its own continuous assessment criteria based on the progress of practical and course work as well as a written degree examination. Progression to a research project is dependent on performance in the individual courses. The MSc project is assessed with the submission of a thesis and viva examination.
Why Study Global Health and Management?
- We are recognized internationally for global health research within the Institute of Applied Health Sciences and for management studies at the Business School. Our range of expertise means that you get training that is broad, multi-disciplinary and current.
- You will receive teaching and supervision from world-class research-active academics, enabling you to develop specialised interdisciplinary skills and knowledge relevant to career goals.
- World-leading researchers and qualified clinicians will teach you on-site and you will experience studying within the one of the top 10 medical schools in the UK.
- Our programme is rich in hands-on practical sessions, where you work directly with senior academics, practitioners, communities, patients and fellow students to analyse data, and develop both technical and generic skills essential for a career in global health and management.
- Teaching on the programme is integrated with our other programmes, meaning that you benefit from structured training in transferable skills and have access to a range of elective courses.
- Our links and research networks are extensive. Internationally and in the UK, you will benefit from having access to leaders in global health research and management studies, which will provide you with insights into the field and employment market. There will also be opportunities to build a network of contacts.
- We strongly believe in inter-disciplinary learning, which is reflected in our collaborations with other universities, research institutions, governments and non-governmental organisations globally.
- In 2014 in a national assessment, the University of Aberdeen came 1st in Scotland for ‘impact’ in: Public health, Health Service Research and Primary Care and Business and management
- The Foresterhill Health Campus at the University is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes a Medical School, large teaching hospital, maternity and children's hospitals, and the Rowett Institute of Nutrition & Health
- Our Business School has an international faculty consisting of over 40 research active members with world leading academic credentials and strong professional links with the business community.
What Our Students Say
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Christiana Ekezie -
Gillian Noble Gillian Noble
The MSc helped to develop my academic skills in terms of understanding and conducting research which will be vital in my career as a GP in terms of practicing evidence-based medicine.
Entry Requirements
A second (2:2) class Honours degree or equivalent, usually in a health-related honours undergraduate degree (medicine, midwifery, nursing, public health, pharmacy). We also consider applications from students with a pure science, social or management science first degree and who have a keen interest in health.
Qualifications
In recent years we have had students from backgrounds including medicine, midwifery, nursing, public health, health/medical research, pharmacy, public administration, management.
Please check the In My Country pages to find out if your degree is equivalent.
English Language Requirements
All students entering the University must provide evidence that they can use English well enough to study effectively at the University of Aberdeen.
Details of our English language entry requirements can be found on our English Language Requirements webpages. This programme requires that you meet the College of Life Sciences and Medicine Postgraduate Standard level of English proficiency.
If you have not achieved the required scores, the University of Aberdeen offers pre-sessional English courses. Further details are available on our Language Centre website.
Nationals of some English-speaking countries or those who hold degrees from some English-speaking countries may be exempt from this requirement. Details of countries recognised as English-speaking can be found on our English Language Requirements webpages.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home / EU / RUK Students | £6,000 |
| Tuition Fee for 2017/18 Academic Year | |
| International Students | £14,300 |
| Tuition Fee for 2017/18 Academic Year |
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The following options are available to support your studies. Please click the links for full details and eligibility criteria.
- Tuition Fee and Living Cost Loans - SAAS loans to cover up to £5,500 towards tuition fees and £4,500 for living-costs for eligible students.
- Aberdeen International Masters Scholarship - a £2,000 tuition fee discount and is open to self-funding students who are nationals of Vietnam, China, Malaysia, and African countries.
- Alumni Discount Scheme - a 20% discount for postgraduate tuition fees to all alumni who have an undergraduate degree from University of Aberdeen.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Students are provided with opportunities to develop portfolios of work during the programme that relate to interests, strengths, previous training and experience, and career aspirations. The underlying assumption is that finding personal strengths and areas of interest is the key to unlocking a rewarding career.
As part of the programme, we offer an elective Work-Based Placement (WBP) course, in which students work with external health and development organisations in the UK and overseas. Students have been placed in research, advocacy and clinical organisations in Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, the UK and Zimbabwe. Placement students gain a unique experience, professional connections, transferable skills and a stand-out CV. A short film on placements produced by recent graduates can be viewed here.
Graduates of the MSc Global Health and Management programme establish careers in a range of health and development organisations and institutions, these include:
- In governance in local/national/regional health policy and planning and administration;
- In monitoring and evaluation/technical assistance and consultancy roles;
- In advisory and advocacy roles with donor agencies, multilateral and bilateral organisations, international and national non-governmental organisations, and civil society groups;
- In research and academia in social and health sciences including epidemiological and health systems and services research, development studies, sociology and political science.
Industry Links
In the UK we work with Action on Smoking and health (ASH), The International Union Against TB and Lung Disease, and the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland. Students take advantage of our collaborators’ facilities for research projects or placements.
International partners include Diva Medical Centre, Uganda; Training and Resource Support Centre, Zimbabwe; Naretu Girls and Women Empowerment Programme, Kenya; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health Unit (Agincourt), South Africa.
Our Experts
The programme will be delivered by an experienced, multidisciplinary team of internationally renowned researchers in global health and management.
- Other Experts
- Dr Lucia D'Ambruoso
- Professor Wendy Graham
- Dr Nigel Dower
- Professor Ioannis Theodossiou
- Dr Zoe Morrison
- Dr Miriam Brazzelli
- Dr Rebecca Brown
- Professor Marijn de Bruin
- Dr Chris Burton
- Dr Alison Elliott
- Professor Vikki Entwistle
- Dr Shona Fielding
- Dr Gordon Prescott
- Dr Kathryn Martin
- Dr Patricia Norwood
- Dr Zoë Skea
- Professor Cairns Smith
- Dr Pamela Ann Abbott
- Mr Russell Williams
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Sohinee Bhattacharya
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Programme Overview
Dr Lucia D'Ambruoso describes how our programme equips you with knowledge and skills to address complex and multidimensional global health issues.
Watch videoFacilities
Foresterhill Health Campus
The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health.
Library facilities
A dedicated Medical Library on the Foresterhill Health Campus and the fantastic facilities in the Sir Duncan Rice Library at King’s College, are complemented by online access to the key medical and health sciences journals and textbooks.
Business School
Our Business School has an international faculty consisting of over 40 research active members with world leading academic credentials and strong professional links with the business community.
Find out moreWork Placements
Eunice Vere talks about her work based placement and dissertation research project in a clinical setting in Uganda, the challenges and how it helped her gain vital experience for her future career.
Placement information bookletGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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College of Life Sciences and Medicine Graduate School
University of Aberdeen
Polwarth Building
Foresterhill
Aberdeen
AB25 2ZD