International Health MSc

Understand international health and how policies, systems and programmes can improve global health outcomes.
International health focuses on how health issues, systems, policies and programmes work across the world, and how they can be strengthened to improve outcomes for different populations. Understanding this discipline is essential in a world where inequalities in access, resources and outcomes continue to affect lives globally.
This course helps you make sense of those challenges and equips you to respond to them. You’ll explore how healthcare systems operate in different contexts, develop the ability to analyse disparities in health and service access, and gain strong research skills that underpin evidence-based practice. With opportunities to carry out overseas fieldwork as part of your research project, you can apply your learning in real-world settings, gaining experience in research design, ethics, data collection and analysis.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to make an impact in a range of international health and development settings. Many graduates go on to roles in NGOs, research organisations and health systems at national and global levels. Others use the MSc as a stepping stone into PhD study, supported by the course’s strong focus on research methods. For medical students, it provides valuable preparation for working in resource-limited settings. Wherever your path takes you, you’ll leave with the confidence, expertise and global perspective to contribute to meaningful change in health worldwide.

Why study at Leeds
- Connect with global health organisations: Get the chance to take part in a study visit to Geneva, with opportunities to attend workshops and engage with leading organisations such as the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières and Gavi.


- Build strong research expertise: Develop the research skills essential for careers in international health, with a solid foundation for those planning to progress to PhD study.


- Gain real-world research experience: Complete a substantial research project, often in an international setting, where you’ll explore health systems and work alongside organisations operating in low- and middle-income countries.


- Learn by doing: Develop practical experience of how international health organisations operate in real-time, bringing theory to life through applied, experiential learning.


- Understand health in crisis settings: Explore the impact of disasters and conflict on health systems through specialist modules taught by experts with first-hand experience in emergency and humanitarian environments.


Rankings and awards
86th in the world, QS World Rankings 2026
18th in the world for Development Studies, QS World Rankings by Subject 2026

Where this degree could take you
Here’s an insight into the organisations and roles some of our International Health graduates have obtained work:
• NHS doctor (as part of an intercalated degree)



- major international NGOs


- national-level research organisations


- undertaking further research as part of medical degrees or at the PhD level.


A number of alumni have also published their work in world-leading global public health journals.

Career support
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UKs leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.