This Master of Science in Global Health is offered within the Medical Faculty and closely cooperates with the Faculties of Agriculture, Nutrition and Engineering as well as the Center for Development Research (ZEF). The programme is organised in a modular format and is delivered in English, making it accessible to postgraduate students from around the world.
The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for practical, policy and management roles rather than primarily for academic research. On completion, students are equipped to pursue careers in health-related management, policy development and advising, or health and social advocacy at international, national or regional levels; preparation for a PhD or a research-focused career plays a secondary role.
Structure and key modules
Full-time students begin with a substantial core course (20 ECTS) in the first semester that builds a deep understanding of global health while refreshing essential academic and research skills. After this foundation, from January to July students select four elective modules (5 ECTS each) taught in Bonn; these electives allow you to specialise in topics aligned with your interests. Where the timetable permits, electives may also be taken through the international tropEd network. Part-time students — and those who are not arriving on a scholarship and/or a student visa — generally have greater flexibility to include tropEd modules in their study plan. The final three months of the programme are devoted entirely to the Master’s thesis, which must address a topic clearly connected to global health, be interdisciplinary or intersectoral in nature, and demonstrate practical relevance.
Teaching and learning experience
Classes are delivered in small groups, primarily as seminars and tutorials, so active participation and regular attendance are expected. The curriculum emphasises practical exposure and professional exchange: excursions (for example to the university farm) and direct contact with practitioners from NGOs, UN agencies and other organisations are integral to the learning experience. By the end of the programme you should be able to apply interdisciplinary thinking to real-world global health problems, carry out independent research with practical relevance, and engage effectively with professional stakeholders in the field.
Requirements (concise)
This master’s programme requires both a relevant academic background and practical professional experience. Applicants must hold a first degree that corresponds to 240 ECTS (or an internationally recognised equivalent) in specified subject areas, and they must have completed at least one year of relevant work experience before submitting an application.
Acceptable academic fields include a broad range of health-related disciplines as well as international relations and other relevant social sciences. The required work experience should be directly related to health systems, policy or management—examples include work on regulation of health protection, health management and healthcare planning, or health infrastructure.
For full details and documentation guidance, consult the programme’s admission webpage: https://master-globalhealth.de/admission/
Admission requirements (concise)
Winter Semester (International)
15 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers in health-related management, policy-making and policy advising, as well as health and social advocacy at international, national and regional levels. Typical employers include ministries of health, international organisations (UN agencies, WHO), NGOs, humanitarian and development agencies, and health-focused think tanks or consulting firms.
While the programme provides some research training, it is primarily practice-oriented and therefore more directly suited to professional roles in programme management, health systems strengthening, public health policy, humanitarian aid, One Health and climate-health initiatives. Preparation for an academic PhD/research career is secondary.