MSc Sexual & Reproductive Health Policy and Programming

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

Knowledge and understanding

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
Students will be able to demonstrate:

• 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.

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. 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.