Introduction

Global Health is a relatively recent area of scholarship that focuses on the increasing interconnectedness of health and its determinants. Major socioeconomic, environmental and technological changes are producing new challenges, ranging from the global epidemic in obesity through to the emergence and rapid spread of new infectious diseases. These new problems compound existing inequalities in health that are experienced within and between countries. At the same time, we are witnessing major scientific and medical advances that hold the promise of solving many of these problems given the necessary leadership and commitment to ensure equitable implementation.

This course will comprise a 12 week teaching block where the students gain specialism-specific knowledge and skills, a 5 week self-directed learning block involving independent and group work. All students also perform a 14 week research project.

The Course Director is Dr Richard Pinder (richard.pinder@imperial.ac.uk) and the Deputy Course Director is Dr Mariam Sbaiti (m.sbaiti@imperial.ac.uk)


Aims and Objectives

The Global Health BSc aims to support undergraduate students who wish to develop the knowledge and skills to become future leaders in Global health or related areas of research, policy or practice. It also enables trainee doctors who wish to develop a better understanding of their clinical context to gain a skillset which will support an academic career in parallel with their clinical career.

Overall aims for students are:

  • To develop an awareness of the major issues in Global Health scholarship from a global public health perspective and be able to discuss these, including their theoretical foundation
  • To be able to integrate the contribution of different academic disciplines to the study of Global Health issues including those of anthropology, sociology, ethics, international development, history and economics
  • To learn to apply specific scientific methods relevant to the study of Global Health or interpret their use critically
  • To be able to critically discuss the ethical and political dimensions of Global Health
  • To be informed, analytical and able to identify challenges in Global Health and advocate for solutions based on critical assessment of evidence
  • To acquire, through theory and practice, reflexivity of approach and ability to communicate these ideas effectively to a range of audiences
  • To develop a curiosity towards Global Health issues, develop creativity, originality and innovation and be able to apply these in future career

Eligibility

This is a one-year intercalated BSc. To be eligible to apply you must:

  • Be registered on a recognised Medical, Dental or Veterinary course at a UK or Irish university.
  • Have completed at least one year of that course before you apply to Imperial. i.e. you must be at least in Year 2 in 2024/25.
  • Have at least one year of your degree left when you return to your home institution after completing your intercalated BSc.

Application Process

You can apply online now for for 2025-26 entry. The application deadline will be 4pm on Friday 28th February.

Selection is based on your application form and the supporting documents you will upload with your application. Please find further information about the application process in the  Imperial College London Intercalated BSc Guide for 2025-26 (PDF)

BSc Global Health will run from Monday 22 September 2025 until Friday 22 May 2026. The term dates can be found in theProvisional BSc Dates and Course Structure 2025-26 (PDF) 

If you have any queries about the application process, please email the Faculty Education Office (BSc Team) at feo.bsc@imperial.ac.uk.


Second Round of Applications

Unsuccessful or wait-listed applicants will be given the opportunity to make a second application to any BSc course with space remaining.