International Population Health Management MSc

This programme is designed to meet emerging health needs by focusing on Population Health Management - a concept endorsed by WHO and the NHS. You’ll learn to target healthcare resources effectively in diverse socioeconomic and healthcare contexts, improving population health outcomes.

Course Structure

What makes this course different?

This course takes a distinctive approach by emphasising Population Health Management, preparing you to design personalised care in resource-limited settings.

By integrating modules from both universities and providing exposure to UK and Dutch healthcare systems, you’ll gain a unique perspective that will broaden your ability to tackle diverse health challenges.

• You’ll be ready to confront the most critical health issues, such as disease prevention and reducing health disparities.
• This is the first programme in the world to offer a Masters in International Population Health Management.
• Delivered by academics from France, Italy, Hungary, Germany and Spain, offering an international perspective on health inequalities and how to address them.
• You’ll learn to analyse the large amounts of data available to identify those most at risk, and optimise resource allocation to where it’s needed most.
• Build expertise in predictive analytics, health economics, and implementation science, plus soft skills like communication and problem solving.

A programme designed on future health needs

This innovative programme goes beyond public health education by focusing on Population Health Management, a critical strategy for delivering and reallocating healthcare resources to those who need them most. By studying in both the UK and the Netherlands, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how different healthcare systems operate, helping you to apply these skills to different contexts.

By comparing the UK and Dutch approaches to Population Health Management you'll deepen your understanding of different healthcare challenges and solutions.

In Leiden, you’ll study modules in four-week blocks: two weeks of online learning, a week of in-person collaboration, and a final week dedicated to report writing. In Birmingham, you’ll have one to two-week blocks of face-to-face learning.

University of Birmingham - each module is delivered face-to-face over the period of a week (sometimes two weeks for 20 credit modules). Teaching includes lectures, small group tutorials, computer practicals, and group work and presentations. 

Leiden University Medical Centre - each module is run over four weeks. The first two weeks consist of independent, online education (supported by work group). The third week is full-time on-campus week to expand your skills through groupwork. The four-week period is concluded with the individual reflection and test week.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

Year 1

2026/27 Session

The following must be taken:

Year 2

2027/28 Session

The following must be taken:

Students must choose 30 credits from the following:

For students from foreign research university:

All other holders of a Bachelor’s or Honours degree in a health related programme from a foreign research university with a level similar to Dutch research universities are eligible for admission if the candidate has accumulated sufficient knowledge of at least the following domains:

Medicine on pathophysiology and pathology (12 European Credits or equivalent)

Quantitative methods: on research methodology, epidemiology and/or statistics (12 European Credits or equivalent)

The Board of Admissions will assess whether your degree and background are sufficiently related to the level and content of the Dutch BSc degree in a health-related programme.

For students applying through Leiden:
Holders of a Bachelor’s or Honours degree from a research university in the Netherlands, in which the following three subjects are covered sufficiently, are admissible to the programme: medicine, health care and quantitative methods.

Students with other Bachelor’s or Honours degrees than mentioned above are invited to submit a request for admission to the Board of Admissions of the Master’s. This request will be individually reviewed.

In the admissions process, UoB will co-ordinate the offer decisions with those of Leiden University to ensure that offers extended to students are consistent across both institutions.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English presessional programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

We charge a single tuition fee for the two years' duration of this course. Fees for 2026 entry are above.

The fees quoted cover the two years of the course. There will not be a tuition fee payable in year two.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

Postgraduate Masters loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

If you apply through Birmingham, you will be awarded an MSc from the University of Birmingham. If you apply through Leiden, you’ll be awarded a degree from Leiden University Medical Centre.

Both pathways offer full access to facilities, resources and academic support at both universities.

You may pursue roles in:

National and regional health authorities - you'll help design and implement population health strategies to improve outcomes and reduce disparities.

International organisations and NGOs - contributing to global health initiatives focused on equity, disease prevention, and health system strengthening.

Public health agencies and local governments - supporting community-level interventions and data-driven decision making.

Healthcare providers and insurers - working as population health analysts or programme managers to optimise care delivery and resource allocation.

Academic and commercial research institutions - advancing knowledge in health systems, epidemiology, and behavioural health.

Pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical technology sectors - applying your expertise to develop innovation solutions for global health.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.