Introduction to Global Public Health, Policy, and Systems module (GM51093)

This module will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for practice in various global health programs. You will learn to critically analyse global health challenges and gain a foundational background to support their advancement into a career in global health practice and research.

This module is delivered fully online, with discussion boards and interdisciplinary tutor support throughout.

What you will learn

In this module, you will

• Comprehend the principles of global health: scope, priorities, opportunities and challenges 
• Recognise infectious and non-communicable diseases from a global perspective: exploring the relationship between these and the ongoing epidemiologic, nutritional and demographic transitions in global health 
• Develop an understanding of system factors, disease risk, and the need for a whole-systems approach: Exploring the link between system factors and the risk and consequences of diseases through case studies on infectious and non-communicable diseases. 
• Be aware of evidence-based policy and policy-based evidence: Incorporating evidence into policy and the associated challenges in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) 
• Through expert case studies develop and explore strategies and policies in global public health such as global health financing, the sustainable development goals, global health equity and human rights. 

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Describe the scope, opportunities, and challenges of global health and the differences between public, international, and global health  
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic knowledge of the strategies and policies in global public health 
• Critically appraise challenges to system factors, disease risk, and the need for a whole-systems approach  
• Critically analyse the link between system factors and the risk and consequences of diseases.     
• Demonstrate knowledge of infectious/communicable (ID) and non-communicable diseases (NCD) and the factors that influence their development and prevalence globally.   
• Demonstrate knowledge of incorporating evidence into policy and the associated challenges in a LMIC

Assignments / assessments

Formative assessment  

•  Practice of summarising research and evidence for policy  

Summative assessment  

• Policy brief essay (80%) 
  • The policy brief will be a 2,000-word essay that critically evaluates one of three designated health issues. It will synthesize research and evidence to inform policymakers about the problem, explore policy options, and provide clear recommendations. The word count excludes references, figures, tables, and the title page. 
• Multiple choice questions (MCQs) (20%)  
  • Multiple-choice quizzes will be conducted twice during teaching —once at the midpoint and once at the end—covering the topics discussed. Each assessment will comprise 10 MCQs.

This module does not have a final exam

Teaching methods / timetable

• Pre-recorded lectures
• Discussion boards for weekly peer and tutor interaction
• On-demand online resources and tutor support
• Use of technology-enhanced learning

This module is delivered fully online.