Master Programmes
Master of Science in Public Health • MPH Track in Health Systems, Policy and Management • MPH Track in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
The Master of Public Health (MPH)* is a twelve-month Master of Science in Public Health programme organised by KIT Royal Tropical Institute and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). Public health in a changing environment
After the programme you will be able to:
Health systems in low- and middle-income
• Critically assess population health status,
countries face a wide range of complex challenges. These challenges include: the inequalities in health and healthcare; the double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases; the unfolding demographic transition; and the health needs in fragile environments.
identify population health problems, risk factors and determinants and determine health needs. • Appraise the role of health systems in terms of fundamental goals, functions, actors and performance. • Effectively influence policymaking and strategic planning concerning interventions aiming at
The worlds of international and national health
improving public health, taking into account
governance and financing are increasingly
scientific evidence, good practice and local
complex and interconnected. The COVID-19 epidemic highlighted the threats of this
context. • Creatively implement, quality client-centred,
interconnectedness. Globally, there is more
cost-effective, strategies and interventions.
emphasis on the importance of working in
• Monitor and evaluate health interventions by
partnerships to provide evidence-based public
effectively managing human, financial and
health solutions for continuously improving the
logistic resources in the dynamic global and
quality and responsiveness of health services.
local context.
Addressing these issues requires well-trained
• Work professionally across different sectors,
professionals, capable of solving complex
different cultures, disciplines and institutional
public health problems systematically, using a
levels, with private and public actors, and
partnership approach.
through advocacy, communication and networking.
Course Objectives
• Identify research needs; commission research,
The MPH is designed to develop the capacity of
and critically analyse and translate research
mid-level health managers to use an integrated,
results into policy and practice.
multi-disciplinary approach to address health problems in their country. In all programme components, participants are encouraged to
• Incorporate a pro-poor and equity approach in all actions. • Continuously examine and critically self-reflect
interact with participants from other countries
on your own cultural competence, motivation,
who face similar issues but with alternative
practice and values, adjust them accordingly,
solutions.
and act as an agent of change.
* This course was formerly known as the International Course in Health Development (ICHD)
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