The degree programme is characterised by a unique synergy of experience and expertise of leading institutions all over the world. It prepares people to work more effectively in a multicultural environment by exposing them to multiple perspectives and offers a flexible structure with the world-wide recognition of education. The programme is open to students world-wide.

The Masters Programme in International Health is offered across tropEd member institutions. The modular programme for full-time or part-time study consists of an introductory core course, specialised optional modules and a research project submitted as a thesis. It is intended for completion within a minimum of one year (full-time) up to a maximum of five years (part-time). Studies comprise a number of public health-related disciplines including anthropology, biology, economics, education, environmental health, epidemiology and statistics, management studies, nutrition, population sciences and reproductive health, psychology, social sciences research, sociology, travel and migrant health and tropical medicine with a focus on infectious diseases, parasitology, virology, bacteriology and laboratory practice.

The professional profile of our student is an international/global health expert who engages in health-related challenges in inter-sectoral environments across multiple levels, ranging from the community to the international and global stage, with a special focus on disadvantaged populations. The expert formulates and implements sustainable actions guided by principles of equity and by scientific evidence.

• Registration at their home institution: which will provide tutorship for students throughout the programme.
• Completion of the core course at the home institution which is equivalent to three months of full-time study.
• After successful completion of the core course, students select optional modules, which may be taken at various partner institutions and are collectively equivalent to 3-6 months of full-time study. Modules are selected from a list of tropEd-accredited courses according to the interests and experience of participants.
• Students carry out a research project submitted as a thesis, equivalent to a further 3-6 months of full-time study, normally at their home institution.
• Students obtain a Masters degree from their home institution when: all three stages and an oral examination have been successfully completed; studies have taken place at a minimum of two member institutions in different countries; and they have gained at least two years professional experience – including field experience in low- or middle-income countries – by the time the degree is awarded.

The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) facilitates transfer of course credits between institutions at the same academic level. A total of 60 ECTS credit points must be accumulated for successful completion of the programme. A student work load of 30 hours formal teaching and private study (student investment time) is equivalent to one ECTS credit point.

Selection of participants is guided by a programme emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach to international health. Students are recruited from a variety of backgrounds including medical doctors, nurses, social scientists, health educators, and health managers. Applicants must hold a first degree – at least equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree – in a relevant field. Each application is individually assessed. Admission requirements vary slightly between home institutions.

The major programme languages are English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. A sound knowledge of the English language is considered necessary for the successful completion of the programme. In most institutions, proficiency in English is required and must be demonstrated by a TOEFL score of at least 550 points paper-based or 213 points computer-based, or an equivalent approved test.

Master of Science (MSc) in International Health or a similar degree awarded by the home institution. tropEd recognition of the Masters-level training is provided to each successful participant, who fulfiled tropEd requirements, by the tropEd co-ordinating centre as a statement about standards in education and training in the tropEd member institutions, as all provision is subject to external quality assurance.

Module and course fees are based on the current fee requirements of the local tropEd institution. On average there is a fee of approximately 100 Euro per credit point for core training, 200 Euro per credit point for the optional modules and of 50 Euro per credit point for the research project and thesis work. Tuition varies widely, however, from country to country. Tuition for the overall Masters programme will amount to approximately 7,500 to 10,000 Euro depending on the courses and institutions selected. Living expenses including accommodation amount to approximately 650 Euro per month; they vary greatly between countries.

Participating institutions may assist tropEd students in obtaining total or partial financial support. A limited number of scholarships is available to students from developing countries with an outstanding academic or professional record. Requests should be addressed to the individual home institutions. Students are encouraged to apply for financial support in their home countries.