Public Health (MSc)

After pursuing my master’s in Social Work, and working for the U.S. Federal Government, and UNICEF, I found that my interest lay in policy and public health. I learned about the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine through colleagues at UNICEF who had either obtained an MSc or a PhD from the school. The school was highly recommended for both its reputation around the world, and for the quality of the programs and its research.

The best part of being a student at LSHTM is the diversity of the students. Each student offers a unique perspective to the problems that offers a unique learning opportunity that you may not find anywhere else.

The program and the opportunities that it has provided me has lead me to want to pursue a career in academia in the area of public health. I am currently applying for programs and hope to continue my studies here at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, because I feel that the tools I have obtained so far will only be enhanced through continued studies at the school.

My education thus far at LSHT have not only given me a strong academic background in public health, but has also allowed me to make life long connections that have change my life forever.

I graduated as a physiotherapist from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. I wanted to further my career in public health and contribute to efficient health care at population level through effective health education, promotion and resource planning.

I chose the School because of the health economics stream and the part time option over two years. I was not disappointed and my expectations were by far exceeded! Our lecturers and tutors are world leaders and experts in their fields. The diversity and international experience of lecturers and students is visible through the impressive number of international and national research and publications as well as the valuable and passionate leadership and expert advice during for example the Ebola crisis. I have met exceptional people from all over the world and I am very privileged to be able to learn from them and share experiences during the group practicals and tutorials.

I enjoy the analytical and quantitative modules at the School and I would like to further my career in developing efficient health systems that address the needs of the population. Health systems finance on a global level is a very interesting and challenging field and I would like to be part of a team consulting to governments and local authorities about financing their health systems and making efficient use of scarce resources.

The School will certainly will certainly offer these opportunities and the network connections to start the next step in my career. Bring on year two!

I completed my third year of medical school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska before coming to the School for my MSc in Public Health. Next year I hope to finish medical school and go into psychiatry and mental health policy. I first heard about the School while interning at the World Health Organization. I chose the School for its stellar reputation in global health, the variety of coursework to choose from, the ability to complete my MSc in one year and of course the opportunity to live in such an incredible city.

I couldn’t be happier with my choice! The professors are fantastic! I frequently notice that the papers and books I am reading are authored by the School’s faculty, who are very enthusiastic and approachable teachers. My fellow students are also remarkably accomplished with diverse backgrounds. Classes are focused on building skills and teaching us to think in new ways about public health. It has been one of the most educational, exciting, and enjoyable years of my education.

Every day at the School is like diving into a global swimming pool of experience, with so much learning occurring outside the classroom in the context of a truly international and multicultural student cohort. From conversations with fellow students, I have learned about the medical politics of Kenya; the format of medical school interviews in the USA; and have even had the chance to test theories from a policy class against their architects in Geneva. The School presents a unique environment and opportunity, not easily replicated anywhere in the world.

One of the strengths of the School is the diversity of students”, remarked a Dean during orientation. The School attracts the brightest from all over the world, and with their wealth of knowledge and personal backgrounds, the learning opportunities are immense. Despite their outstanding accomplishments, the students here are extremely friendly and humble. I have learnt so much from my classmates and made life-long friends within this short year. All this would not have been possible without the unique environment at the School, where diversity, passion and the warmth of the students are true strengths.