MSc Sexual & Reproductive Health Policy and Programming (online)

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.

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.

Duration

The programme is 12 months full-time or 24 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 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 years. There are no evening or weekend classes. Depending on module selection, students may be required to attend for different days in each term. 

The below structure outlines the proposed modules for this programme. Programme and module specifications provide full details about the aims and objectives of each module, what you will study and how the module is assessed.

• View programme specification
• View intensive module specifications
• View distance learning module specifications

*Mobile users, scroll right to view fees

Other sources of funding:

• Scholarships opportunities
• Student loans
• Other sources of funding
• Finances and funding FAQs

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 (2:2) 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 the GMC.

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 (2:2) 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 (2:2) 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.

• Postgraduate Taught Admissions Policy
• Admissions FAQs

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.

Exemptions

Applicants who are nationals of a UKVI-recognised majority English-speaking country or who have successfully completed an suitable academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree), which was taught in a majority English speaking country from the UKVI approved country list automatically meet our English Language requirements.

MSc Sexual & Reproductive Health Policy and Programming applicants who have successfully completed a degree-level course comparable to a UK Bachelor’s Degree will meet the course’s English Language requirements if their degree-level course meets all of the following criteria:

• full-time
• at least nine months long
• undertaken at a UK ENIC recognised institution where the medium of instruction and assessment throughout the course is entirely in English
• completed with a gap of no more than five academic years before the start date of the course

Appeals

If an applicant believes that their English ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening) is sufficient to study on the MSc and  that they should not be required to take an English language test, they may appeal the decision. 

English language appeals should be requested after an offer has been issued.  An appeal request must be submitted with evidence of any previous education, professional work and published work which demonstrates proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening in English. The statement and supporting documents can be included in the application. The appeal will be reviewed by the Admissions team and passed to the Admissions Tutor for further consideration. Additional evidence, such as a letter from an education institution or employer confirming proficiency, may also be requested.

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.

Applications should be made online and will only be considered once you have provided all required information and supporting documentation.

Please also read LSHTM's Admissions policies prior to submitting your application.

You can apply for up to two master's programmes. Make sure to list them by order of preference as consideration will be given to your top choice first.

Please ensure you pay careful attention to the content of your personal statement (page limit: 1 page). We do not invite applicants for interview and so the clarity and relevance of the information you provide in your personal statement is of considerable importance to us. We would like to know your experiences in relevant fields(s), your reasons for applying to our MSc, what you hope to gain from the training we offer, and how you intend to use the knowledge and skills you acquired to further your career and contribute to improving sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income settings.

Application fee

A standard non-refundable application fee of £50 applies to all taught Master’s degree programmes and is payable upon application submission. Income generated from the application fee is shared between scholarships and student hardship fund.

Tuition fee deposit

Applicants are required to respond to their Offer of Admission and pay the £500 deposit within 28 days of receipt, or their place will be released and the offer automatically declined. The deposit is deductible from tuition fees upon full registration with LSHTM. Applicants in receipt of a full scholarship will not be required to pay the deposit.

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.

Duration

The programme is 12 months full-time or 24 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 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 years. There are no evening or weekend classes. Depending on module selection, students may be required to attend for different days in each term. 

The below structure outlines the proposed modules for this programme. Programme and module specifications provide full details about the aims and objectives of each module, what you will study and how the module is assessed.

• View programme specification
• View intensive module specifications
• View distance learning module specifications

*Mobile users, scroll right to view fees

Other sources of funding:

• Scholarships opportunities
• Student loans
• Other sources of funding
• Finances and funding FAQs

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 (2:2) 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 the GMC.

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 (2:2) 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 (2:2) 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.

• Postgraduate Taught Admissions Policy
• Admissions FAQs

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.

Exemptions

Applicants who are nationals of a UKVI-recognised majority English-speaking country or who have successfully completed an suitable academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree), which was taught in a majority English speaking country from the UKVI approved country list automatically meet our English Language requirements.

MSc Sexual & Reproductive Health Policy and Programming applicants who have successfully completed a degree-level course comparable to a UK Bachelor’s Degree will meet the course’s English Language requirements if their degree-level course meets all of the following criteria:

• full-time
• at least nine months long
• undertaken at a UK ENIC recognised institution where the medium of instruction and assessment throughout the course is entirely in English
• completed with a gap of no more than five academic years before the start date of the course

Appeals

If an applicant believes that their English ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening) is sufficient to study on the MSc and  that they should not be required to take an English language test, they may appeal the decision. 

English language appeals should be requested after an offer has been issued.  An appeal request must be submitted with evidence of any previous education, professional work and published work which demonstrates proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening in English. The statement and supporting documents can be included in the application. The appeal will be reviewed by the Admissions team and passed to the Admissions Tutor for further consideration. Additional evidence, such as a letter from an education institution or employer confirming proficiency, may also be requested.

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.

Applications should be made online and will only be considered once you have provided all required information and supporting documentation.

Please also read LSHTM's Admissions policies prior to submitting your application.

You can apply for up to two master's programmes. Make sure to list them by order of preference as consideration will be given to your top choice first.

Please ensure you pay careful attention to the content of your personal statement (page limit: 1 page). We do not invite applicants for interview and so the clarity and relevance of the information you provide in your personal statement is of considerable importance to us. We would like to know your experiences in relevant fields(s), your reasons for applying to our MSc, what you hope to gain from the training we offer, and how you intend to use the knowledge and skills you acquired to further your career and contribute to improving sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income settings.

Application fee

A standard non-refundable application fee of £50 applies to all taught Master’s degree programmes and is payable upon application submission. Income generated from the application fee is shared between scholarships and student hardship fund.

Tuition fee deposit

Applicants are required to respond to their Offer of Admission and pay the £500 deposit within 28 days of receipt, or their place will be released and the offer automatically declined. The deposit is deductible from tuition fees upon full registration with LSHTM. Applicants in receipt of a full scholarship will not be required to pay the deposit.