Do you want to help minimise the global impact of epidemic diseases or illnesses that spread after a natural disaster? Or are you driven to address the worldwide inequities in access to healthcare?

Then Global Health could be just the programme for you. It provides you with the theoretical foundation, methodology and tools you need to function effectively in this challenging field. You’ll also work on assignments with students from other countries, giving you a unique interdisciplinary, cross-cultural learning experience.

After you’ve graduated, you can pursue a career as a health professional in an international setting. You could, for example, become a policymaker, a health advocate or a social entrepreneur. 

Why this programme?

Rapid developments in the biomedical sciences and recent trends in globalisation have led to an increased awareness of the numerous factors contributing to the complexity of disease aetiology.

The master’s in Global Health emphasises the international dimensions of health and disease and the need to work together to tackle cross-border dimensions of health inequities in efforts to improve health around the world. This programme has a unique focus on the complexities of global health and its relation to technological innovation and social, political and economic change.

You'll develop a solid knowledge base and will learn the methodology and skills you’ll need to function effectively in this challenging interdisciplinary field.

Collaboration with international partners:

Successful global health initiatives require intensive cross-border cooperation. Not only will you develop intercultural communication skills within the international academic community in Maastricht, but you will also gain first-hand experience in international collaboration by working closely with researchers and students at our six partner universities:

• Thammasat University, Thailand  
• Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India  
• McMaster University, Canada  
• Rosario University, Colombia  
• Afhad University for Women, Sudan  
• University College of South-East Norway, Norway  

These universities provide a broad range of expertise in globalisation and international health. You'll have the opportunity to interact with their expert researchers while conducting independent research and field work.

You'll also participate in various projects and exchanges, including:

• joint online courses and seminars
• shared virtual projects in intercontinental teams
• an annual two-week summit in a low income country
• a 12-week elective at one of the partner universities (optional; the amount of available places will be determined each year with the respective partner universities.)

Master’s thesis and internship:

During the second and third term of the programme, you'll do an internship and complete a master’s thesis under the close supervision of the academic staff. You can do your thesis research abroad, arrange your own project or choose from a diverse range of topics.

In the past, students have written theses on topics such as:

• Examining the effects of a health intervention in a low income region in South America.

• Using new health technologies to reach a remote community in Africa.