Introduction To Global Health

Module description

Global health is a field of research and practice that recognises that programmes to reduce disease, safeguard wellbeing, and provide adequate health care are shaped by factors that transcend national boundaries. The module introduces students to key concepts in global health, including definitions, major actors, inequities and measurement. Students will learn how to critically assess the roles that governmental, institutional and corporate actors play in financing, governing and delivering healthcare worldwide. 

Assessment details

• 1 x 500 Word Essay Plan (0%) 
• 1 x 1,000 Word Essay (40%)
• 1 x 2,000 Word Essay (60%)

Educational aims & objectives

The module aims to:

• Introduce key concepts and debates about what global health is and how it might be secured
• Build a critical understanding of the relationships between social, political, and economic factors in the delivery of global health initiatives
• Develop skills to critically evaluate global health initiatives, and to identify the role of key stakeholders in shaping them
• Demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary approaches to global health
• Provide an understanding of the methodological and epistemological tools used in global health research 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will have:

• An understanding of theories of and approaches to global health research
• An ability to critically evaluate current initiatives in global healthcare delivery
• An ability to understand and assess the role that social, political, and economic factors play in shaping global health outcomes and inequalities
• Insights into the use of particular methodological and epistemological tools in the production of global health research

Teaching pattern

• One weekly 90 minute lecture followed by a 30 minute discussion. 
• One weekly 1 hour group seminar. 

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.