Master's Programme in Global Health, 120 credits

Outcomes of second cycle education according to the Higher Education Act

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall be based fundamentally on the knowledge acquired by students during first-cycle courses and study programmes, or its equivalent.

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for firstcycle courses and study programmes shall:

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge,
• develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
• develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

Outcomes of the Degree of Master (120 credits) according to the Higher Education Ordinance

Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and  development work, and
• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.

Competence and skills
For a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgment and approach
For a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

The Master's Programme in Global Health focuses on the multifaceted health challenges that transcend national borders and impact both current and future generations. Our core principles are ethics, systems-thinking, sustainable development and interdisciplinarity. We are committed to providing a robust foundation of transferable skills and methods in global health research, implementation and policy for future professionals across academia, government, civil society organisations and the private sector.

During the first semester, students will gain insight into the history and development of the discipline as well as an understanding of concepts and theories underpinning global health research and practice. These concepts include sustainable development and the global burden of disease through the lenses of promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Furthermore, students will be introduced to health systems, policy and systems thinking. Towards the end of the semester students gain a foundation in global health qualitative research and methods.

Ethics is paramount to global health research and practice and is introduced in the first semester of the programme and then further deepened by relevant ethical perspectives and considerations brought up during the respective courses. Examples from different global health priorities introduced in the first semester are included as cases in later courses to ensure progression in learning and deepened understanding.

During the second semester, students will first gain a foundation in global health quantitative research and methods, and then expand their knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative research and methods. Students will then progress in their understanding of how sustainable development relates to health. Towards the end of the semester, students will learn how to work with global health in practice, including project management skills.

During the third semester, students will build on their knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research and methods, as well as their knowledge of project management, when they learn about intervention development, implementation and evaluation, including clinical trials. They will then have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a project-oriented course in the form of an internship, or through two applied courses: the first on synthesising and applying evidence and the second on emergency preparedness and response.

Finally, in the fourth semester, students will work on their degree project, which they will submit as a master's thesis. This exercise will allow students to explore a specific area of global health in more depth and apply the theories, concepts and methodology that they have learned throughout the programme. Students can choose between qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods, applied to primary, secondary or data collected through an extensive literature review.

Scientific knowledge, competence and approach

Students will be equipped to meet emerging challenges by gaining broad and deep competence in global health, based on historical and theoretical considerations, current developments and evidence-based practice. Students will benefit from the contribution of the many disciplines that are crucial to global health research and practice.

Throughout the program, students will reflect on, critically appraise and practically apply scientific methods and theoretical considerations to global health research. They will also learn practical skills for working with global health in practice. During the degree project, the students are expected to work independently, applying their methodological skills to a relevant global health subject.

Internationalisation

The programme is international in its entirety. Programme courses have an international perspective with a clear focus on global health challenges. Examples are based on issues and research that are relevant for preparing students for an international career. The students are given the option to go on exchange studies at research intensive universities in the world during their education, and to do their degree projects in collaboration with universities outside of Sweden.

Elective courses

In the third semester, students will have to choose between taking either the two courses Synthesizing and Applying Evidence and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Global Health and Humanitarian Situations, or they can opt for the Applied global health project course. In order to be eligible for the Applied Global Health project course students will need to secure an internship with a research group, company or organization before the start of the course.

Grading scale

The grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). Alternative grading scales may apply to the occasional course. The grading scale is detailed in the course syllabus.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is English.

Specific eligibility requirements within the programme

There are specific eligibility requirements for the courses within the programme. To be eligible for courses in semester 3 and 4, there are specific requirements to have passed courses in semester 1 and 2. The specific eligibility requirements for the courses can be found in the course syllabi.