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Course syllabus - Health Systems and Global Governance

Scope

5.0 credits

Course code

FHA102

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

Second cycle

Progressive Specialisation

A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Science of Public Health

Organisation

Department of Health Sciences, Innovation and Design

Ratified

2025-12-09

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

Objectives

The aim of the course is for the students to acquire knowledge to understand how health systems are organised and how global governance influences health policies and health outcomes. Furthermore, the course aims to develop the students’ ability to compare health system models, assess equity and sustainability challenges, and apply governance perspectives to analyse pressing global health issues.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

  1. explain key concepts related to health systems and global governance.
  2. compare and evaluate health system models and core functions in relation to achieving universal health coverage
  3. analyse how key actors, institutions, and global governance arrangements shape health systems and health policy
  4. apply concepts of health systems and governance to discuss contemporary global health challenges
  5. critically reflect on issues of equity, ethics, and sustainability in health systems and their implications for global health

Course content

  • Foundations of health systems and global governance
  • Health system models and functions, including health economics
  • Global governance and partnerships, globalisation, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and key actors
  • Equity, ethics, and sustainability in health systems and global governance
  • Contemporary global health issues

Specific requirements

A completed Bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 ECTS credits with a major in public health sciences, caring sciences, medical sciences, psychology, physiotherapy, political sciences, or an equivalent academic field. In addition, at least 5 ECTS credits in public health sciences, either as part of or outside the degree and English course 6 or English level 2 or A TOEFL test result with a minimum score 575 and a TWE score of at least 4.5 (PBT) or 90 with a TWE score of at least 20 (iBT), or an IELTS test result with an overall band score of at least 6.5 and no band score below 5.5, or equivalent, are required.

Examination

HEM1, Take-home examination, 1 credit, Grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).
INL1, Assignment, 4 credits, Grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).

To receive a Pass for the course, the student must have earned a G for HEM1 and INL1.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

Two-grade scale