Influenced by increasing globalization over recent decades, a new approach has arisen for working and thinking about health internationally. Here, abstraction is made of the concepts of national or international, and the idea of global health has been introduced. Global health strives for equality in health between countries. Within this new paradigm, problems are approached as global issues that require an interdisciplinary approach, with all countries contributing jointly.

With the Master of Science in Global Health, we want to focus on health issues and determinants that are regarded as global challenges for the 21st century: chronic conditions, mental health and ageing, but also the effects of pollution, climate change and migration on health. The complexity of these challenges requires a transnational, interdisciplinary approach (including social sciences, ecological sciences, health sciences, legal sciences and economics) with input from a variety of actors (including governments, international organizations, civil society and professional associations). Global health is, therefore, to a large extent multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and focused on cooperation.

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 an internship. This training package prepares you to become a catalyst for change as a global health professional.

Every day we are faced with important global health challenges of the 21st century, such as chronic diseases, mental illnesses, ageing population, the health consequences of climate change, pollution, and migration. These challenges can only be effectively addressed through an interdisciplinary, inter-sectoral, global approach that tackles the multiple causes and consequences. The Master 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 an internship. Together, this training package prepares you to become a catalyst for change as a global health professional.

The programme:

The Master of Science in Global Health is a two-year advanced master programme (120 ECTS) consisting of 3 components: 1) theoretical courses, 2) master’s theses and 3) internships.

Why choose this Master?

• Adopting a truly interdisciplinary approach
• A collaboration between five top Belgian universities
• Emphasizing strong individual mentorship
• Connecting with the professional world through the internship programme
• Applying an innovative educational concept
• Learning in the heart of Europe

Career opportunities:

In the second year, the Master’s programme offers two tracks. Students graduating from our ‘Global Health Policy and Programmes’ option will be more oriented towards government institutions, international organizations, development agencies, non-governmental organizations 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.

Who is the course for?

Complex health problems require interdisciplinary, intersectoral and international solutions. We welcome students with a recognized Master’s degree from any background discipline.

Requirements:

• a Master’s degree or equivalent that complies with the minimum diploma requirements (verified by the UGent admissions service)

• proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL 550/213 or IELTS score 6.5)

• interest in and basic knowledge of the field of global health, assessed through a personal motivation letter and an interview

Studying in Belgium:

In the first year, classes are spread over three campuses in Belgium – Ghent, Antwerp and Leuven – in the heart of Europe. Easy public transport connects the three campuses. Students will be given access to student facilities on the three campuses.

What international employers say about the Master:

Global health is about global evidence based principles translated into local policies and practices. It is about partnerships and task-sharing to promote health and provide optimal care to all. Global Health graduates deliver towards these goals as they are well trained to collaborate between disciplines, across cultures and beyond borders.