Global Health Policy

This course provides students with an overview of Global Health Policy as an academic discipline. It will focus on the policies and practice of global health, and the interconnectedness of health and its wider determinants within states and internationally. Students will learn about key theories and concepts underpinning global health, including measures of health (morbidity, mortality, DALY), the main burden of disease in low- and high-income countries, and the concept of (non-)communicable diseases. In addition, students will learn to critically assess the role of international organisations, governments, and the private sector in shaping global health policies. By the end of the course, students will have developed a good understanding of the fundamentals of global health and its policies. 

The course will cover the four main building blocks of Global Health Policy: The first block will provide students with foundational knowledge of the main concepts and theories of global health, drawing from economics and political science. It will also equip students with key epidemiological concepts, such as morbidity, mortality and DALY. The second block will focus on exploring the governance mechanisms of global health. We will examine the role of governments, international institutions such as the UN, foundations, and the private sector. We will look at partnerships and funding mechanisms and discuss current issues related to this block. In the third block, students will explore the main issues which have emerged or are emerging in Global Health Policy, and which have shaped policies and practice. Students will analyse past and present pandemics and country preparedness, and the issues of humanitarian health and climate change. In the fourth block, students will learn about wider determinants of health and the impacts of issues such as poverty and ethnicity on health.  

The course will be taught through a combination of lectures, class discussions, group work and practical case studies. Lectures will introduce key concepts and theories, and case studies will allow students to deepen their understanding through practical application and exploration of contemporary issues. In addition, the group activities will provide an opportunity for students to strengthen their academic skills.  

Week 1 (4 July)

• Mon (10:00-12:00)
• Tues - Fri (10:00-13:00)

Week 2 (11 July)

• Mon - Fri (10:00-13:00)

Week 3 (18 July)

• Mon - Fri (10:00-13:00)

Week 4 (25 July)

• Mon - Thurs (10:00-13:00)

All classes will be delivered in person at the University of Edinburgh’s Holyrood Campus. 

The course will be assessed through a 2500-word essay. In preparation of the essay, students will be encouraged to submit an essay plan of up to 750 words on which feedback will be provided. 

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of key theories and principles in Global Health Policy.  
2. Identify and describe key global health actors, partnerships and cooperation mechanisms. 
3. Critically assess global health data, such as the burden of disease, disability, death from infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases in low- and high-income countries. 
4. Analyse policies that seek to solve global health issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. 

The course fee does not include accommodation during your study. Please see our Accommodation section for more information. 

To ensure your experience at the University of Edinburgh's Summer School is memorable, we encourage students to embrace the city and its culture and take part in the variety of social activities available.

More about our social programme activities >