MSc Sexual & Reproductive Health Policy and Programming (online)

MSc Sexual & Reproductive Health Policy and Programming (online)

Course overview

This intensive online programme is developed and delivered with the University of Ghana School of Public Health (UGSPH). It is primarily targeted at those interested in acquiring the knowledge and skills required to design, implement and evaluate evidence-based sexual and reproductive health programmes and policies in sub-Saharan Africa and other low- and middle-income settings.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of:

  • Policy and health system factors influencing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in low and middle income settings, and how these should be taken into account in the design and delivery of effective SRH programmes  
  • The influence of socio-political, cultural, legal and ethical issues surrounding SRHR in low- and middle-income settings on the  design and delivery of SRHR programmes and policies tailored to the context 
  • Up-to-date evidence base on effective sexual and reproductive health policies and interventions 
  • Skills and other attributes 
  • Critically interpret, synthesise and apply research evidence to support SRHR policies and programs 
  • Design, and cost a SRHR programme informed by the latest evidence and tailored to the context 
  • Select and deploy appropriate methods, data sources and quality measurement approaches to monitor and evaluate SRHR programmes and policies 
  • Critically appraise policy strategies to promote SRHR in low- and middle-income settings, that reflect the variation in needs of different population groups 
  • Apply skills in communication with specialist and non-specialist audiences, advocacy, and collaborative working to engage effectively with stakeholders who influence sexual and reproductive health policy and programming 

Mode of delivery

The programme will be delivered wholly online, with no in person attendance. There will be a mix of live and interactive activities (synchronous learning) as well as recorded or self-directed study (asynchronous learning). Examples of synchronous learning are live online lectures, group discussions and seminars which students are required to attend. Asynchronous learning includes pre-recorded lectures and independent reading.

Duration

The programme is 12 months full-time or 24-36 months part-time.

Full-time (12 months)

Full-time students are expected to study approximately 40 hours per week including about 6-12 hours of synchronous learning per week during the teaching term. Live synchronous lectures and classes sessions usually take place Monday-Friday between 9.30am and 5pm in UK time. Students are also required to attend all live sessions, group work and undertake self-led study each week. 

Part-time (24 or 36 months)

Students can study part-time by studying for two or three days per week during the teaching term, and spreading all the modules required to complete a master’s programme over two to three years. There are no evening or weekend classes. Depending on module selection, students may be required to attend for different days in each term. 

Funding

The MSc SRHP&P Scholarship fund aims to contribute to strengthening sexual and reproductive health in sub-Saharan Africa. Scholarships awards, which are tenable at LSHTM, are available for 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years. 39 scholarship awards are available for 2022-23 with a similar number of awards to be offered in 2023/24. Further details can be found on our fees and funding webpages.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

In order to be admitted to the MSc Sexual & Reproductive Health Policy and Programming, an applicant must:

  • hold either a first degree at the UK equivalent to Second Class Honours standard or above in a relevant discipline, or a degree in medicine recognised by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) for the purposes of practising medicine in the UK, or another degree of equivalent standard awarded by an overseas institution recognised by UK ENIC.

or

  • hold a professional qualification appropriate to the programme of study to be followed obtained by written examinations and judged by LSHTM and UGSPH to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours degree or above.

or

  • have relevant professional experience or training which is judged by LSHTM and UGSPH to be equivalent to a Second Class Honours degree or above.

If you have not previously studied in the UK, you can check our guide to international equivalent qualifications for our master's degrees.

Additional requirements 

Successful applicants for the MSc Sexual & Reproductive Health Policy and Programming are expected to have worked either in the health sector in a low- or middle-income country setting or the sexual and reproductive health field for a minimum of two years.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirement, but who have relevant professional experience may still be eligible for admission. Qualifications and experience will be assessed from the application.

English requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements: Band C.

Please see our English Language Requirements and English Language Requirements Policy for more information.

IT requirements

You must have regular access to a computer with a reliable internet connection to access learning materials and fully participate in live synchronous classes often using Zoom.

To get the most from your studies, your computer should have at least the following minimum specification:

  • a web browser (the latest version of Firefox, Chrome or Safari). This must accept cookies and have JavaScript enabled
  • sufficient bandwidth to live synchronous classes: 1.0 Mbps/600kbps (up/down). Ideally 2-4 Mbps.

If you do not currently have a computer and need some advice around what to look for, please see the Technical Requirements for Students FAQs.

We strongly recommend you to have a built-in or stand-alone webcam. We also recommend you to have headphones or earphones to ensure you have better quality audio and more privacy.

Please note that the 2022-23 MSc Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy and Programming Scholarships offer support for IT equipment and/or internet costs/and/or other learning costs.