The Institute for Environment and Human Security of the United Nations University (UNU-EHS; https://ehs.unu.edu/)
Courses are exclusively held in English. The Master's thesis has to be written in English, too.
From the winter semester 2024/25 onwards, the Master's programme has a length of two semesters (full-time studies). Enrolling in the four-semester programme will no longer be possible.
In its new form, the Master's can also be studied part-time (with a maximum of ten semesters as regular length of studies). Part-time studies include a high portion of asynchronous elements, online or hybrid seminars.
The Master of Science in Global Health is a study programme of the University of Bonn in association with the Institute of Environment and Human Security at the United Nations University (UNU-EHS), which is also located in Bonn. This modular course is offered to post-graduate students from around the world and is taught in English. Upon completing the MSc, students are well equipped for a career path in health-related management, policy making or policy advise, health and social advocacy at international, national or regional levels. Preparation for a PhD and research career only play a subordinate role.
Examples of the fields of study include the following:
a) Global Clinical Care and Non-Communicable Diseases, Infectious Diseases, Prevention and Control
b) Health Systems Management and Policies
c) Food and Nutrition Security in the Framework of Global Health
d) Humanitarian Aid and Development Cooperation in Health
e) Spatial Health Assessment
f) Vulnerability, Disaster Risk Management, Emergency Preparedness and Response
g) Sustainable Development as Guiding Principle for Health
For the full-time students, the first semester kicks off with a core course (20 ECTS) that equips students with in-depth understanding of global health and refreshes academic and research skills.
On this basis, students can choose from five elective modules that take place between January and July. Four electives (with 5 ECTS each) must be taken to successfully complete this part of the studies. Besides the electives offered at the University of Bonn, and if fitting the overall study schedule, students may also choose from courses offered within the tropEd network. Part-time students and students who do not come on a scholarship and/or student visa are more flexible in the choice of tropEd modules.
The last three months are completely dedicated to the Master's thesis. Students are asked to work on a topic that is clearly linked to the content of Global Health and that is of interdisciplinary or intersectoral nature. Given the overall direction of the Master's programme, the practical relevance of the thesis must be demonstrated.
All modules are taught in small groups. They mainly consist of seminars and tutorials. Active participation in the group work and beyond as well as attendance in the courses are a must. Excursions (e.g. to the university farm) and first-hand exchange with global health practitioners (in NGOs, at UN, etc.) are an integral part of the studies in Bonn.
100 EUR per semester (as of April 2023)
You will be enrolled as a post-graduate student. At the University of Bonn, post-graduate students have the same status as guest students and hence are not eligible for some benefits such as the student transit pass ("Semester Ticket").
Compared to the rest of Europe, living in Germany is not very expensive; in fact, it is only slightly above the EU average. The cost of living for students in Bonn is around 950 EUR to 1,100 EUR, with rent accounting for the largest share.
Applicants must have a first academic degree of 240 ECTS in the areas of health, human medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, other academic health professions (public health/health sciences, psychology/psychotherapy, nursing/sciences, midwifery, medical laboratory sciences), international relations or other relevant social sciences. Additionally, applicants must have at least one year working experience in relevant areas, for instance, the regulation of health protection, health management and planning of health care, infrastructure, etc. The work experience of one year must be fully collected before applying.
More information: https://master-globalhealth.de/admission/
For non-native English speakers: A sufficient proficiency in the English language (at least at the level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is required.
A proof of English language proficiency is not required by native speakers from the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom, United States.
Students of the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory of the Studierendenwerk Bonn (further information: https://www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation/).
For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website: www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university-life/living-in-bonn.
The career advisory service includes individual career counselling with the study programme coordinator and/or with global health lecturers having professional experience in LIC (low income countries) and LMIC (low and middle income countries) as well as international organisations is part of the programme.
Furthermore, the University of Bonn has a central career service, which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. Moreover, international students can join the "iStart" career programme, which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies, thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.
The University of Bonn offers a range of different support programmes for international students. The Welcome Days before the start of every semester are an opportunity for new students from abroad to gather information on the most important issues, such as enrolment, registration with the local authorities, and opening a bank account. Getting to know fellow international and German students during recreational activities is another benefit of the Welcome Days.
The Study Buddy programme matches newly-arrived international students (mentees) with a University of Bonn student (buddy) who helps them as they start their studies and adjust to life in Bonn. The buddies give tips, advice and assistance that make it easier for their mentees to become familiar with the university and get settled in Bonn.
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