Global Health Policy by Distance Learning London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)

These programmes provide students with an in-depth understanding of the planning and delivery of policy responses to global health concerns and issues. They focus on approaches to effective policy-making which contributes to the protection and promotion of population health in a globalising world, at both national and transnational levels.

These programmes are aimed at students and professionals from both health and non-health backgrounds who seek to understand more about the policy environment associated with issues of global health. They will be of value especially to those seeking to assume positions related to issues of global health policy in national, regional or global health organisations, health-related research institutions, non-governmental organisations and private consultancies.

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

All applicants are required to have:

A first or second class honours degree or the equivalent, from a university or other institution acceptable to the University of London, in:

• a scientific subject (e.g. biology, medicine, nursing or pharmacy); or
• a social science subject such as: anthropology, demography, development studies, economics, environmental studies, human rights, geography, international politics, international relations, sociology, policy studies, politics, political science, or water and sanitation

Qualifications from around the world are accepted; for further guidance please see the School's qualifications for entrance. Students who do not satisfy the entrance requirements may still be admitted at the discretion of the School on the basis of their academic qualifications, work experience and references.

English language requirements

You need a high standard of English to study this programme. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved one of the following within the past three years:

• IELTS: 7.0 overall, with 6.5 in the written test and 5.5 in listening, reading and speaking.
• TOEFL iBT: 100 overall, with 24+ in writing, 23+ in speaking, 22+ in reading and 21+ in listening.
• Pearson Test (Academic): 68 overall, with 62+ in writing and 59+ in listening, reading and speaking.
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English: 185 overall, with 176+ in writing and 169+ in listening.
• Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 130.

Alternatively, you may satisfy the language requirements if you have at least 18 months of education or work experience conducted in English.

If you do not meet these requirements but believe you can meet the standard, the University of London may also consider your application.

Additional requirements

The computer should have at least the following minimum specification:  

• a web browser with Cookies and JavaScript enabled (latest version of Firefox or Chrome is recommended)
• a good internet connection
• screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or greater
• sufficient bandwidth to download documents/files of at least 50 MB

And the following applications installed: 

• Word processing software, for example Microsoft Word (.doc and .docx)
• PDF reader, for example Adobe Acrobat Reader

A headset/microphone may be required to participate in "real time" online discussions.