Global Health Systems

Global Health Systems is a 1-year (three-term, September 1- August 31) course-based professional degree program jointly administered by Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry and Faculty of Health Sciences at Western. The degree is comprised of two terms (Fall/Winter) of course work, followed by a third term (Summer) of two types of curricular experiential learning: a field experience in Uganda (International Field School) and an 8-week Internship.

The GHS MHSc program consists of a set of requisite courses that focus on fundamental principles in global health, business, management, and communication. Specialty courses (electives) provide additional competencies in specific areas of interest to global health (e.g., infectious diseases, mental health, oral health, indigenous health, etc.). Course-based learning (Sept – April) is complemented by experiential learning (May – Aug) to generate a comprehensive education, generating well-rounded students who can meet employers' needs.

Program Length

• 3 terms

Program Design

• Full-time study
• Course-based

Funding Information

• Western Financial Assistance

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must possess a four-year degree from an accredited university and have at least a 70% average across courses taken in the last two full-time years of the undergraduate degree.
• Equivalent qualifications may be considered based on the standards of the discipline or profession.
• Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in global health and in working with equity seeking groups (underserved populations). This is assessed through a Statement of Interest essay and by review of their work and volunteer experiences.

Additional Requirements

• A curriculum vitae briefly describing your employment history, any other related academic or professional development, and any relevant work or community service .
• A Personal Statement (500-word maximum) - Please address the following three points:
  • Briefly describe your short-term (one year out) and long-term (five to ten years out) career goals.
  • Why is an MHSc in Global Health Systems a critical next step towards achieving your professional objectives?
  • Make references to specific aspects of the program that will contribute to your success.
• Scanned and uploaded copies of all post-secondary transcripts.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Two references one academic, the second may be academic or an employer.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language by a satisfactory* achievement within the last two years in one of the following:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). iBT (internet-Based Test): The minimum acceptable score is 86, with no individual score below 20. [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
• The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic). The minimum acceptable score is 6.5 out of 9.
• The Duolingo English Test.  The minimum acceptable score is 115.
• The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). The minimum acceptable score is 60.
• Western English Language Centre. The requirement is successful completion of the High-Advanced level.
• Fanshawe College’s ESL Program. The requirement is graduation from Level 10, English for Academic Purposes, with a minimum 80% in all components.

*Programs at Western may require a higher minimum score than those listed above.

Applicants who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to complete one of the above tests or programs and to have the official results sent directly to SGPS by the testing agency.

Application Deadline

Applications open on October 1.

• March 31 – Final deadline for international applications
• July 15 – Final deadline for domestic/permanent resident applications .