MPH Public Health (Global Health)

Program Overview

The MPH in Public Health (Global Health) at the University of Birmingham is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global health issues, from infectious diseases and health inequalities to global health governance and sustainable health development. The program blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students to engage in public health policy-making, health systems management, and the design and evaluation of health interventions at the global level. The curriculum is structured to give students the tools to work in diverse settings, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international agencies, governments, and the private sector. The program emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to addressing global health challenges, fostering critical thinking and a deep understanding of the complex factors that influence health outcomes worldwide.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MPH in Public Health (Global Health) offers a mix of core modules and specialized electives, ensuring that students gain both a broad understanding of public health and the expertise required for global health contexts. Core modules include Global Health Challenges, Epidemiology and Statistics for Public Health, Health Systems and Policy, and Social Determinants of Health, providing students with essential knowledge in public health theory, data analysis, and the social and environmental factors that influence health. Elective modules allow students to delve deeper into specific areas of global health, such as Health Economics, Environmental Health, Global Health Law, and Global Health Governance. The program also includes a research project or dissertation, enabling students to investigate a global health issue in-depth and contribute original insights to the field.

Research Focus: The MPH in Public Health (Global Health) at the University of Birmingham is deeply rooted in cutting-edge research that focuses on global health inequalities, policy development, and the epidemiology of infectious and non-communicable diseases. The university’s research in global health includes areas such as global health security, health systems strengthening, maternal and child health, and global disease surveillance. Students are encouraged to engage with ongoing research projects, collaborate with faculty members, and participate in research-based activities that address critical global health challenges. The university’s Institute of Applied Health Research is at the forefront of global health research, providing students with opportunities to contribute to innovative, high-impact studies. Research in global health at the University of Birmingham is often interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise from areas like medicine, social science, environmental science, and public policy.

Industry Engagement: The MPH in Public Health (Global Health) at the University of Birmingham places significant emphasis on industry engagement, offering students the opportunity to work closely with leading global health organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and public health authorities. The university has strong connections with international bodies such as World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, The Global Fund, and UK government health agencies. Students can take part in internships, placements, and collaborative projects that provide valuable real-world experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of global health policies and interventions. Additionally, the program includes guest lectures and seminars by public health experts, practitioners, and policymakers, offering students insights into the latest global health trends, challenges, and innovations. These industry connections ensure that students are well-prepared to work in a range of settings and can make significant contributions to global health solutions.

Global Perspective: The MPH in Public Health (Global Health) at the University of Birmingham adopts a truly global perspective, recognizing the need for solutions to health challenges that extend beyond national borders. The program offers students the opportunity to understand global health issues from an international viewpoint, considering how health is affected by factors such as migration, conflict, climate change, and global trade. The curriculum includes case studies from different parts of the world, allowing students to examine the health systems, policies, and interventions that have been successful (or not) in addressing pressing global health problems. The University of Birmingham’s emphasis on international research collaboration further enhances the global outlook of the program, providing students with a broad understanding of global health governance, policy, and strategy.