Overview
This English-language MSc trains students to address health challenges in low- and middle-income countries through an interdisciplinary public-health perspective. The curriculum combines core topics in global and international health — including infectious and non-communicable/chronic diseases, health economics and health policy — with systematic training in research methods so students can design and carry out an independent MSc thesis.
Teaching is delivered by the Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (Teaching and Training Unit) together with the CIH LMU Center for International Health. Small class sizes and an international student body enable close, individual guidance. Most lectures are held in Munich, and during the advanced phase students can broaden their experience by taking modules offered via the tropEd network around the world or by choosing from a wide range of modules at the Division based at the University Hospital of LMU Munich.
The programme also offers the option to combine the MSc with the Diploma in Tropical Medicine and International Health (DTMIH). For details about this combined pathway, application procedures and other specifics, please consult the programme website or contact the programme team directly.
Key facts & application notes
This master's curriculum builds a comprehensive foundation in international health by combining core theory, practical research training, and short, focused specialty modules. Core topics cover international health fundamentals (including medical perspectives, policy and politics, and common health problems with responses), research methods and study design, and professional skills such as management and communication. Together these elements develop the analytical and practical abilities needed to assess health challenges across different settings.
A distinctive feature is the opportunity to tailor your learning through six advanced modules (each lasting roughly one to two weeks) chosen to match your interests and career goals. These electives are offered by the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at the University Hospital of the Ludwig‑Maximilians‑Universität München and may take place in Munich, in low‑ and middle‑income countries, or online. Available modules span laboratory, clinical, systems and policy topics, giving hands‑on or applied exposure to areas such as molecular laboratory techniques, vaccine research, vector control, public health systems in Nepal, GIS for health, and global mental health in low‑resource contexts.
The programme concludes with an independent master’s thesis and an oral defence, consolidating research skills and subject expertise. Learning outcomes include the ability to design and conduct applied public health research, communicate and manage health projects, apply modern laboratory and GIS methods where appropriate, and engage with policy and systems challenges in diverse international settings.
Curriculum requirements (concise)
This Master's programme expects applicants to hold a completed first university degree in a health-related science. The standard entry qualification is a degree totalling at least 240 ECTS credit points — normally equivalent to a full-time, four-year (eight-semester) bachelor’s programme. Candidates who hold a six-semester (180 ECTS) first degree may still be considered, but only if they fulfil additional conditions such as extra coursework and/or relevant professional experience; if this applies to you, contact the MSc Programme Coordination for guidance on the specific additional requirements.
In addition to the academic qualification, you must have practical professional experience in the health sector. A minimum of two years’ relevant, full‑time work experience is required and this period must be completed by the time you submit your application. Short internships generally do not count toward this requirement; only longer internships may be considered if they clearly equate to full‑time employment and are documented by an appropriate reference.
Winter Semester (International)
31 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for roles in international and global health sectors, including positions in public health agencies, NGOs, international organisations, health ministries, and research institutions. The programme’s emphasis on research methods, applied clinical research and project management also supports careers in academic research and further doctoral studies.
Given the programme’s focus on low- and middle-income settings and its interdisciplinary curriculum (policy, infectious and non-communicable diseases, health economics), alumni are well placed for technical and leadership roles in global health programmes, programme implementation and evaluation, and advisory positions in health policy and planning.