Global Health Policy- London School of Hygiene

[vancouverrunner]

HI all,

Does anyone have any insight into the London School of Hygiene in Tropical Medicine's Global Health Policy program?

I have done my research and was actually accepted into the program. It is entirely through distance education with an option to go to London and study at the school for a 6 week blended-learning option. There is an option for a project at the end, otherwise known as a thesis. I work full-time as a research assistant so this masters would allow me the time to build my professional career as well as my academic. 

Apparently, LSHTM has an outstanding reputation and I have spoken with a wide representation of people who have all pretty much regarded the program to be high. My worry is about the potential for networking through distance education. Also, is there any stigma associated with a distance masters degree? There isn't much in terms of funding through distance education but the price tag isn't too hefty. I really like the international perspective, without having to leave for too long. Also, their connections to the UN, WHO etc...

In the global health/policy world, how is LSHTM regarded? Should I hold out to apply to other schools next year? 

 

Thanks ahead for reading this!

[went_away]

If you're already working in the field and somewhat happy with your current employer and opportunities, this looks like a good move.

[CakeTea]

I am not familiar with MSc Global Health Policy Distance learning. But I have been to LSHTM on Keppel St and know people who did

MSc Public Health Full time, MSc Health Policy, Planning, Financing, MSc Control of Infectious Diseases part time

LSHTM is specialised in public health and diseases, has one of UK's premier bio labs, excellent track record in field work and scholarship. Profs publish in peer reviewed journals such as The Lancet or Epidemiology journals. The MPH programe is one of the best in Europe and very established. In the UK, LSHTM MPH full time program is certainly top 3 along with Oxford, ICL and maybe UCL. The course also offers some advanced quantitative modules of statistical modelling. LSHTM is dialed in the international research community with joint research projects with international partners and grants from gov, EU and industry. Excellent guest speaker series: EcoLab seminar on Ebola. LSHTM has been actively involved in responding to ebola epidemic with research and field work.

I know a nurse who did MSc Control of Infectious Diseases part time. The course is academically challenging and requires some time management along with understanding employer as her work is located 200 miles away. She reckons that she can transfer the theory of class room into her work and use a work project as basis of her MSc dissertation.

The student body is international with many Europeans, Asians and Africans. They are smart and driven with healthcare goals. Some have scholarships from school or their governments. Cohesive culture and you can see small study groups in the Common Room. The library is well stocked with subscription to leading journals. LSHTM is a specialised institution with graduate degrees and maybe little known to the general public. But among health professionals, it has a formidable reputation.

Good luck

[vancouverrunner]

12 hours ago, CakeTea said:

I am not familiar with MSc Global Health Policy Distance learning. But I have been to LSHTM on Keppel St and know people who did

MSc Public Health Full time, MSc Health Policy, Planning, Financing, MSc Control of Infectious Diseases part time

LSHTM is specialised in public health and diseases, has one of UK's premier bio labs, excellent track record in field work and scholarship. Profs publish in peer reviewed journals such as The Lancet or Epidemiology journals. The MPH programe is one of the best in Europe and very established. In the UK, LSHTM MPH full time program is certainly top 3 along with Oxford, ICL and maybe UCL. The course also offers some advanced quantitative modules of statistical modelling. LSHTM is dialed in the international research community with joint research projects with international partners and grants from gov, EU and industry. Excellent guest speaker series: EcoLab seminar on Ebola. LSHTM has been actively involved in responding to ebola epidemic with research and field work.

I know a nurse who did MSc Control of Infectious Diseases part time. The course is academically challenging and requires some time management along with understanding employer as her work is located 200 miles away. She reckons that she can transfer the theory of class room into her work and use a work project as basis of her MSc dissertation.

The student body is international with many Europeans, Asians and Africans. They are smart and driven with healthcare goals. Some have scholarships from school or their governments. Cohesive culture and you can see small study groups in the Common Room. The library is well stocked with subscription to leading journals. LSHTM is a specialised institution with graduate degrees and maybe little known to the general public. But among health professionals, it has a formidable reputation.

Good luck

Thank you (both) for the response. 

My goals are to work internationally but am currently in a two-year contract with a research institute here around the cannabis legislation change here in Canada. My goals are to work in policy but infuse aspects of my research (more around philosophical concepts such as empathy) into policy. I like how LSHTM distance program allows you to start the program here, and then do blended learning (where you would go to London and study). 

I asked this question because sometimes I am wary of an online/distance program but as you stated above, LSHTM is very well regarded and established. I am seeing most MPH/GHP programs move online as I search around me. I was also thinking I could work the next 2 years to build my resume and try to apply abroad with a scholarship (I may be competitive after this experience). 

As for graduation options, it seems most graduates move into places such as WHO or the UN. But I am sure that varies.

 

Thank you for your responses!

 

[CakeTea]

There are 3 LSHTM alumni chapters in Canada. I strongly suggest to reach out and enquire about their experience and employment after LSHTM. I think there are even alumni ambassadors for the distance learning program and they can be more helpful to you.

LSHTM has a mission in its history of field work and public engagement of health policy. It was founded in 19th Century to train health professionals for the British Empire. You see it in resume of alumni and profs who worked in senior capacity for health and NGO organisations. To name a few recruiters of LSHTM grads: MSF, Save the Children, UNICEF, WHO Child Health unit Southeast Asia, national department of health, Aid against Hunger and pharma companies. Most full time students tend to have prior work experience.