HP404 Half Unit
Global Health Policy: Institutions, Actors and Politics
This information is for the 2022/23 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Clare Wenham COW 1.03
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Global Health Policy. This course is available on the MSc in Global Population Health, MSc in Health Policy, Planning and Financing, MSc in Health and International Development, MSc in International Health Policy and MSc in International Health Policy (Health Economics). This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
This course has a limited number of places (it is controlled access) and demand is typically high. Places are allocated first to students in the Department of Health Policy and then on a first come first served basis.
Course content
Globalization has not only impacted on the nature of emerging global health but the policy responses to these challenges. This module critically examines the transnational institutions and actors involved in global health policy and the interplay between them. The governance of global health issues has traditionally been carried out by states and various United Nations agencies (namely, the World Health Organisation), but given the transboundary nature of many global health issues, a diverse range of actors, including the private sector, civil society organizations and national governments, are now integrally involved. The funding of global health programmes and policies, for example, has shifted from primarily bi-/multilateral donors to include private and public sectors and philanthropists in a global health governance mosaic. The module will use a number of case studies to examine the organisation and role of global health institutions, the challenges and opportunities presented by these governance arrangements, and their (intended and unintended) impacts on global health policy and practice. In doing so, the module will draw on contributions from a range of social sciences including sociology, political science and health services research.
Teaching
This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars totalling a minimum 25 hours during Michaelmas Term. Seminars will be discussion-based and take place in small groups each week.
There will be a departmental reading week in week 6 of term.
Formative coursework
One essay (1000 words) focusing on different approaches to framing global health
Indicative reading
Frenk, J., & Moon, S. (2013). Governance challenges in global health. New England Journal of Medicine, 368(10), 936-942.
Taylor, S. (2018). ‘Global health’: meaning what?. BMJ Global Health, 3(2) e000843.
Davies, S. (2010). Global politics of health. Polity.
McInnes, C., & Lee, K. (2012). Global health and international relations. Polity.
Assessment
Essay (100%, 4000 words) in the MT.
One extended essay (4000 words) will be due at the end of MT. Essay questions will be provided at the start of the course, or students are welcome to select an essay topic of their choice, with approval from the course convener.
Student performance results
(2018/19 - 2020/21 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 18.9 |
| Merit | 62.7 |
| Pass | 18 |
| Fail | 0.5 |
Key facts
Department: Health Policy
Total students 2021/22: 64
Average class size 2021/22: 13
Controlled access 2021/22: Yes
Lecture capture used 2021/22: Yes (MT)
Value: Half Unit
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills
