From policies to pandemics, the governance of global health is both vital and challenging. Our Global Health Policy MSc at Keele aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills to engage in policy analysis, to help improve the health of populations at a local, national and global scale. Understand the various actors and institutions influencing global health policy across different arenas, including the health threats arising from globalisation and urbanisation. Explore and evaluate the need for multi-disciplinary approaches for addressing cross-cutting health challenges both now and in the future. Your experiences will support you in becoming a changemaker for today's society, and in preparation for future generations.
Why study Global Health Policy at Keele University?
Benefit from leading expertise in health policy research, public policy evaluation, sustainable development and international development
Specialist knowledge of Britain, the European Union, Western and Central Europe, Eurasia, the Balkans, USA and The Middle East, has led to staff advising governments and testifying in Parliament
A strong focus on the politics and international relations of complex health policy challenges and the policy/institutional responses to these
High staff-to-student ratio enhanced by small group tutorials and a strong, inclusive research community with opportunities to engage with Keele’s research centres
Course summary
Keele's MSc in Global Health Policy examines the need to reduce health inequalities across the globe, at various geographic scales. This programme introduces you to the key concepts and challenges of global health policy and how we can tackle and raise awareness of the issues and prepare for potential life-changing problems.
Global health management can provide unique challenges such as communication, and ensuring individuals can interpret information, evidence and data accurately. COVID-19 in particular demonstrated that states and societies – in both the Global North and South – were ill-prepared to understand the complications posed by such global health challenges. On this programme, you will critically evaluate why this is at the forefront of effective policy planning and execution.
Exploring the obstacles and risks to public health and how these can be prevented through effective and good policy, you will develop advanced skills, enabling you to identify, critically analyse, summarise and propose effective solutions to such problems and challenges. You will also become equipped for independent and group research that aims to support global health developments through answering important questions and sharing knowledge of possible real-life scenarios that will enable us to become better prepared for risks to public health.
Throughout this programme, you will investigate, analyse and evidence data from a variety of sources, developing your expertise for research and applying your knowledge to real-world issues. These transferable skills will support you for the next steps in your career.
The flexible structure of this course enables you to engage with subject topics aligned to personal interests and industry relevance.
This programme consists of 180 credits which must be completed to achieve the final MSc award, including six compulsory modules (total of 90 credits), two optional modules (total of 30 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits).
The information below is based on a full time study schedule, with a September start date. Please note, the programme may vary depending on mode of study and/or start date.
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
PIR-40095: Research in Action (15 credits) An in-depth and hands-on introduction to different methods of knowledge generation, and an opportunity to experience a particular research method.
PIR-40154: Global Governance of Health (15 credits) Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this modules explores the changing nature of the governance of global public health, and the relationship between globalisation and global health's social, political, economic and environmental determinants.
PIR-40144: Advanced Approaches to Politics and International Relations (15 credits) With a workshop style delivery, this module allows you to develop a foundation in the mainstream philosophies and approaches to studying social science disciplines, as part of international relations.
PIR-40150: Evidence, Evaluation and Policy (15 credits) Examines the debates and the methods of policy evaluation through the nature of knowledge, changing conceptions of the public policy process, and the expansion of evaluation in political and public discourse.
PIR-40166: Governing Inequalities in Development Examine the nature and operation of inequalities in states across the Global North and South, with a specific focus on global governance, plus health/environmental disparities and risks.
PIR-40105 – Masters Dissertation in Politics and International Relations (60 credits) The dissertation begins with preliminary discussions with your chosen supervisor, and enables you to further develop your research skills gained throughout the programme. You will choose a topic in the study of global health policy and utilise appropriate research methods to answer a questions/questions of your choice.
GRT-40020: Quantitative Research and Data Analysis (15 credits) Explore the principles and practices of quantitative social science research. You will become familiar with the different ways in which quantitative research is designed, and then, using real-world data, you will learn about the different ways in which quantitative data can be analysed and evaluated.
OR
GRT-40021 Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits) Examine how qualitative methodologies inform research design and learn to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different methods of investigation, such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and visual research.
You will choose two optional modules worth 15 credits each from the list below:
PIR-40088: The Theory of Global Security (15 credits) Explore the main theoretical traditions through which security has been understood and examine contemporary problems of security and development.
PIR-40106: Dimensions of Environmental Politics (15 credits) Delve into the key concepts, debates, processes and discourses in relation to the political dynamics of the environment; providing an advanced level introduction to environmental politics and international relations.
PIR-40136: International Diplomacy (15 credits) Benefit from an advanced level and innovative exploration of the theories and practices underpinning international diplomacy, and consider the varied settings in which diplomacy takes place.
PIR-40152: International Development: Environment and Conflict (15 credits) Uncover core theories and approaches to international development, with the tools to analyse and debate the question of international development, focusing particularly on the relationships between international development, environmental change and conflict.
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Typical offer: 2:2 degree in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences or social sciences subject
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences or social sciences subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences or social sciences subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a health, psychology, sociology, humanities or social sciences subject from a private university or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences or social sciences subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in a health, psychology, sociology, humanities or social sciences subject or 65% in a degree in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences or social sciences subject from a '211' university or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences or social sciences subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences or social sciences subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences or social sciences subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences, or social sciences subject or 65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in a health, psychology, sociology, humanities, or social sciences subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences or social sciences subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences, or social sciences subject or Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in a health, psychology, sociology, humanities, or social sciences subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a special bachelor's degree in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences or social sciences subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences or social sciences subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in a health, psychology, sociology, life sciences or social sciences subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
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Funding
Apart from additional costs for text books, inter-library loans and potential overdue library fines, we do not anticipate any additional costs for this postgraduate course.
Living costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2024 start date falls in the 2023/24 academic year. Please see the 2023/24 academic year fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2024.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
This programme will equip you with advanced research and cross-cultural communication skills enabling you to explore a wide range of careers in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
You will gain a critical insight into global concerns, politics, economics, governance and advocacy. You will develop an array of advanced personal and professional skills including analytical skills, innovative thinking, originality, and problem-solving skills, preparing you for a range careers.
You may wish to explore a career in a political party, lobby group, local government or charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This course is also excellent preparation for doctoral study or careers in research or academia as well as teaching and training. Alternatively, other career options include:
Our MSc explores various teaching styles in accordance with the programme modules and subject matter. You will explore the key challenges in the field of global health policy with real-world examples, critically analysing and sharing knowledge and ideas relating to subject topics.
Having experience with different learning methods enables you to exercise and demonstrate your knowledge and skills. You will also have the opportunity to work with peers and academics, encouraging in-depth discussions, debates and evaluations.
Teaching methods may include:
Lectures - Encouraging in-depth discussions with academics and peers, Q&As and presentations
Seminar discussions - Enabling you to share, evaluate and debate ideas and suggestions
Individual and group presentations - Allowing you to present ideas and reasonable arguments
Independent Dissertation - Involving in-depth research, supported by training modules and workshops, along with guidance from an allocated supervisor
How you'll be assessed
Throughout this Master's programme you will develop advanced knowledge of the subject matter which will be examined and reflected through various assessments.
There will be a key focus on written assessments, enabling you to demonstrate your understanding, analytical abilities, debating style and evidence-based research. You will also showcase your communications skills through both written and oral presentations, evidencing your ability to present clear and coherent findings to a range of audiences.
Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.
Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.
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Our expertise
Teaching staff
This programme will be delivered by a range of teaching staff in the School of Social Sciences, with expertise in specific fields and engagements related to course content.
Politics and International Relations at Keele has a broad range of tutors who have undertaken internationally-rated research on issues of global security, inequality, public policy, and understanding the challenges of development which, in turn, impact health outcomes.
