A pioneering masters jointly offered by the University of Birmingham and Leiden University, combines world-class expertise to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to address global health challenges effectively.
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.
This is a jointly delivered Masters programme in International Population Health Management with Leiden University Medical Center in The Hague, the Netherlands. It's a 240 credit programme that runs over two years where students will spend time in both Birmingham and The Hague. The main award is 240 credits, but students can also achieve a 180 credit alternative qualification of MSc International Population Health Management
You'll be based at the University of Birmingham and undertake study design and analysis modules and be introduced to the fundamentals of population health management.
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.
Learn in the UK and the Netherlands, gaining insights from two leading European institutions.
Aligned with WHO and NHS priorities, preparing you for emerging careers in health.
Develop the skills to address health challenges across different cultural, socioeconomic, and healthcare contexts.
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.
You'll spend the first and third semester in Birmingham, the second in Leiden University in the Hague and your final semester at your home institution.
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.
In Birmingham, 10-credit modules run over one week, and 20-credit modules over two weeks. Most content is delivered face-to-face, with some online materials to support additional learning. Assessments are typically due four to six weeks after module completion. In The Hague, modules span four weeks: the first two weeks are online with structured meetings and group work, the third week is face-to-face on campus, and the final week is dedicated to completing all assessments.
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
2025/26
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Epidemiology and Statistics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Epidemiology, Statistics and Research Methods | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LUMC flying faculty: Introduction to Fundamentals of Population Health Management | 10 | Semester 1 |
| LUMC flying faculty: Health and health behaviour | 8 | Semester 1 |
| LUMC: Alternative Payment Models | 8 | Semester 2 |
| LUMC: Implementation: putting population health management into action | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LUMC: Panel Management Next Level | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LUMC: Predictive Analytics | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LUMC: Project case II | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LUMC: Syndemics | 10 | Semester 2 |
Year: 2
2026/27
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Health Economics | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Dissertation (Masters’ of International Population Health Management) | 64 | Full Term |
| Health inequalities | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Healthcare Public Health | 10 | Semester 1 |
Students must choose 30 credits from the following:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Global Health | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Health Information and Health Informatics | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Health Improvement | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Introduction to Leadership and Management for Health | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Qualitative Research Methods | 20 | Semester 2 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
2:1 Honours degree in a subject relevant to public and population health, including most biological sciences. Applications are also welcome from medical students in the UK who wish to intercalate.
For Dutch students:
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.
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.
International requirements
For international students there is an English language requirement to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.
If you're made an offer of a place to study and you don't already meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional Course. If you successfully complete this, you'll be able to fulfil the language requirement without needing to take a further qualification.
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.
Full-time
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.
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.
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.
Students will enrol at either University of Birmingham or Leiden University Medical Centre and will be registered at both universities. The programme will be jointly delivered but students will receive a single award from the university they have enrolled with. Students whose 'home' University is UoB will be registered on the MSc. Students whose 'home' University is Leiden will be registered on the PG Aff. This will enable them to receive a UoB transcript, get a UoB ID card, have access to UoB facilities etc. To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Graduates of this course may pursue roles within NHS Integrated Care Boards, focusing on Population Health Management to support the design and implementation of care strategies.
You could also work as Public Health Officers for local authorities, helping to address public health needs at the community level, or as information analysts within NHS trusts, where your expertise in data analysis and health management will contribute to improving patient outcomes.
Career opportunities extend to ministries or departments of health at the national, regional, or city level, where you’ll help shape health policies and programs. Similarly, roles in international agencies and non-governmental organisations offer the chance to make a global impact on health equity and disease prevention.
For those interested in research, you can pursue positions in academic or commercial research, contributing to the advancement of healthcare knowledge. Lastly, there are opportunities within the pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotech industries, where you can apply your skills to the development of innovative health solutions.
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.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
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Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
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Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
