We are expecting further minor updates to this course will need to be made for 2024 entry. This page will be updated when possible.

Postgraduate Taught

Sexual and Reproductive Health - MSc

Do you want to make a difference to the health of people in low-resource settings? Are you passionate about social justice or looking for a qualification that will enable you to work at a senior level in health policy and practice in the UK or abroad, particularly in low and middle income settings? Our flexible and highly respected range of global health courses could be the perfect stepping stone for your career.

This MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Health course will be attractive to those working in healthcare settings, health practitioners, community and development workers, in areas of gender, sexual and reproductive health, who are looking to develop their theoretical knowledge and non-clinical practical skills for working in technical, advocacy and leadership positions with national and global programmes on sexual and reproductive health issues.

The course will equip you to work at a senior level to promote the sexual and reproductive health and social wellbeing of people, especially those living in low and middle-income countries, through the development of effective, contextualised sexual and reproductive health policies, services and interventions.

The course can be studied full time or part time.

Why QMU?

Unique academic institution: The Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) at QMU offers a range of postgraduate courses aimed specifically at those who wish to work in health policy and practice, particularly in low and middle income settings.
Make a difference to your career and to others' lives: Our courses put a strong focus on the social aspects of health and on health systems strengthening from a community-based perspective. They will equip you to assist in improving the lives of the most vulnerable people in the world, whether that be overseas or locally in Scotland. You will develop a strong understanding of current global health and development issues and will equip yourself with the tools you need to forge positive change locally, nationally or internationally.
Access to expertise and industry connections: You will learn from experienced figures in the field and make connections that could last your whole working life. At IGHD we work directly with ministries of health, international and national organisations and local communities to develop real solutions to health and development problems. We have links with various bodies, including the following: Health Systems Global / Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Network / Scottish International Development Alliance / Development Studies Association / Scottish Government Scottish Refugee Council. At QMU we host the NIHR Research Unit on Health in Situations of Fragility (RUHF).
Join us on our compassion mission: Our work at IGHD addresses the health and wellbeing of those in greatest need, whether that be vulnerable populations in Scotland or those living in low or middle income countries.  
Wide ranging teaching and research expertise: Our teaching and research expertise spans multiple aspects of global health and development. These range from health financing, support to fragile and conflict-affected settings, to refugee integration and child protection.

Sexual and Reproductive Health (MSc): More information and what you will achieve

On this MSc Sexual and Reproductive Health course you will study the social and political issues influencing sexual and reproductive health, with a focus on low and middle-income countries. You will work on integrating theory and practice, developing critical thinking skills and widening your perspective on current and historical sexual and reproductive health issues.

You will work on integrating theory and practice, developing critical thinking skills and widening your perspective on current and historical sexual and reproductive health issues.

How will I be taught?

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full MSc (180 credits), a PgDip (120 credits) or a PgCert (60 credits).

You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD. On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award. A variety of modules can be studied, for example: Psychosocial Interventions for Displaced Populations and Forced Displacement and Integration Module. Contact IGHD for more information.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching is comprised of a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, simulation exercises and projects. Assessment is continuous and incorporates assignments, action plans, projects and presentations.

For your dissertation projects, you can chose to do a desk study involving a literature review or conduct primary data collection in collaboration with national or international organisations working in health and development.

Teaching hours and attendance

Your exact attendance requirements at QMU will depend on the module you are studying and whether you are studying full-time or part-time. In addition, for each module students spend approximately 10-12 hours of each week on preparatory class work independently and with colleagues, including readings and exercises available on dedicated web-based learning platforms.

Class sizes

We expect approximately 10-15 students to enroll for this course each year.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

Modules

PgCert

Global Approaches to Gender and Health (15 credits)
Sexual and Reproductive Health (15 credits)
Sexual Health Rights: Policy and Programming in Practice (15 credits)
Plus one module chosen from other available electives.

PgDip

Global Public Health and Social Policy (20 credits)
Health Systems, Services and Communities (20 credits)
Global Health Research (20 credits)
Global Approaches to Gender and Health (15 credits)
Sexual and Reproductive Health (15 credits)
Sexual Health Rights: Policy and Programming in Practice (15 credits)

MSc

Global Public Health and Social Policy (20 credits)
Global Health Research  (20 credits)
Health Systems, Services and Communities (20 credits)
Sexual and Reproductive Health (15 credits)
Sexual Health Rights: Policy and Programming in Practice (15 credits)
Global Approaches to Gender Health (15 credits)
plus one 15-credit elective module available within the Institute, other QMU courses or other universities.

If studying for the MSc, you will also complete a dissertation involving desk study or fieldwork on an approved topic related to sexual and reproductive health and development (60 credits).

The modules listed for each course are correct at time of posting(October 2023) but are subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students.

Sexual and Reproductive Health (MSc): Entry requirements and application information

Entry requirements

A UK honours degree or equivalent from a relevant subject area (arts, humanities, health or social sciences). Students without an honours degree may be considered if they have other relevant qualifications and/or appropriate work experience.

International: You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.0 with no individual component score less than 5.5.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.

Application deadline

Home: End of August for September 2024 start.

International: 26^th July for September 2024 start.

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2024/25 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).