Master of Science in Global Health
The Master of Science in Global Health provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage global health complexities by giving you a sound theoretical basis, mixed with applied classes and an internship. Together, this training package prepares you to become a catalyst for change as a global health professional.
What
The Master of Science in Global Health provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage these complexities by giving you a sound theoretical basis, mixed with applied classes and a work placement. Together, this training package prepares you to become a catalyst for change as a global health professional.
For whom
The admission requirements depend on your prior education (type of degree, country of issue etc.) or additional experience.
Structure
Main course units
In the first year, the programme is organised around two key themes. The first term goes ‘Global’, providing students with the knowledge on and insights into global health challenges and their determinants, as well as the global health policy and normative frameworks (course units: 'Global Health Challenges' and 'Global Health Governance and Leadership'). The second term investigates the ‘Local’, teaching students about the instruments that governments can use to formulate a local answer to global health challenges (course units: 'Health Systems' and 'Health Promotion and Disease Prevention'). Several transversal course units run throughout the first three terms. In these course units students are instructed in 'Essential Skills in Global Health' (including complexity theory, systems thinking and evidence synthesis), and 'Research Methods in Global Health' (including key methodological insights relevant to global health).
Electives
The third and fourth term are the so-called ‘focal’ terms, during which students will specialise in a specific global health challenge – either focusing on ‘Global Health Policies and Programmes’ or on ‘Research Methods in Global Health’ by selecting a number of electives offered by the five partner institutions.
Internship
In the second year students will do a ten-week internship. The aim of the internship is to put global health thinking into practice, to acquire skills and practical knowledge, and to get a better view of the global health domain, including the various actors, specialisations and career opportunities.
Master's dissertation
The Master’s dissertation is a paper/dissertation in which the student develops a research project independently. Students carry out a scientific study in an independent and creative way on a topic related to global health. The Master’s dissertation is the culmination of the programme, in which students apply their acquired knowledge, academic and domain-specific skills and competencies to develop a research project independently, and to bring it to a successful conclusion.
Practical Information
The Master in Global Health is organised jointly by the five Flemish Universities in Belgium: Ghent University, the University of Antwerp, KU Leuven, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Hasselt University. Classes will be taught in Ghent, Antwerp and Leuven. All venues are accessible by public transport and students will be given access to student facilities on the three campuses.
Labour Market
Students graduating from our ‘Global Health Policy and Programmes’ option will be more oriented towards governmental institutions, international organisations, development agencies, non-governmental organisations or lobbying and advocacy. Those graduating from our ‘Research Methods in Global Health’ option will focus more on national and international research institutions working in fields related to global health.
Quality Assurance
At Ghent University, we strive to educate people who dare to think about the challenges of tomorrow. For that purpose, we provide education that is embedded in six strategic objectives: Think Broadly, Keep Researching, Cultivate Talent, Contribute, Extend Horizons, Opt for Quality.
Ghent University continuously focuses on quality assurance and quality culture. The Ghent University's quality assurance system offers information on each study programme’s unique selling points, and on its strengths and weaknesses with regard to quality assurance.
More information:
Unique Selling Points
1. Interdisciplinary from the start: we believe that solving global health challenges demands an interdisciplinary approach. That is why we welcome students from any academic background - whether you studied Philosophy, Medicine, Law or Social Sciences. Our programme emphasises group work and collaborative learning. You will be taught by an interdisciplinary team of experts who reflect this diversity in background and approach.
2. Powered by five high-quality Belgian universities: this joint programme is a collaboration between five leading Belgian universities, each contributing their expertise in global health. You will learn from leading reseachers and gain access to a wide international network - from guest lecturers to internship opportunities.
3. Real-world experience through internships: in your second year, you will undertake a ten-week professional internship. This is your opportunity to put global health thinking into practice, explore different roles and organisations, and refine your career goals. You will select your internship with guidance from a mentor. Former students have interned at international organisations, government agencies, and leading research institutes - many of which are based in Brussels, the heart of Europe.
4. Innovative learning, tailored to the real world: we combine in-person training with online education and prioritse real-world, competency-based learning. You will learn actively, using realistic cases, group projects, and hands-on internships. Our programme trains you to become a professional who is not just knowledgeable, but skilled, agile and ready to lead in global health.
5. Study in the heart of Europe: in your first year, you will study across three vibrant campuses in Ghent, Antwerp, and Leuven. Each offers a unique learning environment steeped in history and connected by public transport. In your second year, your location will align with your chosen major, giving you access to specialised facilities and networks.
Strengths
Building on our strengths in Global Health education: we take pride in the core elements that make our programme unique and impactful. External reviewers and our student community have pointed out several aspects that highlight the strength and quality of our approach.
1. Collaboration is key: in Global Health, we do not just learn about diversity, we learn through it. A global perspective underpins everything we do. Students from various backgrounds collaborate on group projects, discussions, and real-world cases. This teamwork prepares them for the global health sector, where solving complex challenges always requires co-operation across disciplines and cultures.
2. Skill development takes precedence: we focus on developing skills, not just knowledge. Our curriculum is designed to help you develop into a capable and confident professional.
3. Grounded in research: you will learn in a programme built on cutting-edge academic research, taught by lecturers who are experts in their fields.
4. In dialogue with our students: we view students as our partners. You will have a voice in important decision-making bodies and contribute to shaping the programme's future. Your feedback is not only welcomed, it is vital.
5. We keep things personal: as a small-scale programme, we ensure close, accessible interaction between students and staff. You can expect personalised guidance throughout your studies.