M.Sc. Global Urban Health

Global Health is the health of populations in a global context and transcends the perspectives and concerns of individual nations; it is about worldwide improvement of health, reduction of disparities, and protection against global threats that disregard national borders. 

Urban Health is the health challenges of the ever growing urban populations worldwide (1.02 billion people in 14 years with an upwards trend) including health risks from air and water pollution, noise, stress, the impact of violence, dissolving families, unhealthy food, reduced physical activities, overburdened health services with the double threat of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and many more. 

The Master of Science in Global Urban Health at University of Freiburg

The Master of Science in Global Urban Health (MSc GUH) is an interdisciplinary modular course for graduates in the fields of social sciences, medicine, public health, anthropology or similar background who have professional experience in health sciences, environmental health, urban planning / migration or social work.  
The aim of the course is to convey knowledge, skills and competences concerning the identification and management of risks factors for health in big cities especially, but not only, in low- and middle income countries. This includes the application of appropriate research methods and implementation strategies for the special requirements of areas such as concept development, planning and implementation of health-related interventions. Main topics covered are analysis of environmental health risk factors and socio-economic determinants of health in urban areas, epidemiology and infectious diseases, as well as migration, violence and mental illness within vulnerable groups of the urban population. The programme is based on national and international Global Health and Urban Health concepts and is in line with international strategies such as the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). The modules use participatory learning techniques and practical exercises, field trips as well as study tours to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Environmental Program (UNEP) in Geneva, the Swiss Tropical Institute (STI) in Basel and Freiburg-Vauban.

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