HP404 Half Unit
Global Health Policy: Institutions, Actors and Politics
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Clare Wenham
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Global Health Policy. This course is available on the MSc in Health Data Science, MSc in Health Policy, Planning and Financing, MSc in Health and International Development, MSc in International Health Policy and MSc in International Health Policy (Health Economics). This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to Apply
Priority for enrolment in Health Policy (HP) courses will be given to students from the Department of Health Policy, especially where the course is listed in their Programme Regulations.
Any remaining places will be offered to students from other departments who have HP courses listed in their Programme Regulations, and then on a first-come, first-served basis.
By submitting an application, you confirm that you meet any specified prerequisites.
Written statements will not be considered and will not affect your chances of being accepted onto a course.
Application opens: 10am on Thursday 25 September 2025
Do not apply before this time. Please make your selection as soon as possible once course selection opens.
Offers will be made by: 12pm (noon) on Monday 29 September 2025
For queries:
- Course content: Contact the Course Leader listed on the course guide.
- Application process: Email the Programmes Team at healthpolicy@lse.ac.uk
This course has a limited number of places (it is controlled access) and demand is typically high. Places are allocated first to students in the Department of Health Policy and then on a first come first served basis.
Course content
Globalization has not only impacted on the nature of emerging global health but the policy responses to these challenges. This module critically examines the transnational institutions and actors involved in global health policy and the interplay between them. The governance of global health issues has traditionally been carried out by states and various United Nations agencies (namely, the World Health Organisation), but given the transboundary nature of many global health issues, a diverse range of actors, including the private sector, civil society organizations and national governments, are now integrally involved. The funding of global health programmes and policies, for example, has shifted from primarily bi-/multilateral donors to include private and public sectors and philanthropists in a global health governance mosaic. More recently, fundamental changes in the global health policy architecture have emerged, with the US withdrawal from WHO, and the significant reduction in funding a range of health activities. The module will use a number of case studies to examine the organisation and role of global health institutions, the challenges and opportunities presented by these governance arrangements, and their (intended and unintended) impacts on global health policy and practice. In doing so, the module will draw on contributions from a range of social sciences including international relations, political science and health policy.
Teaching
10 hours of seminars and 15 hours of lectures in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
Seminars will be discussion-based and take place in small groups each week.
Formative assessment
One essay (1000 words) focusing on different approaches to framing global health
Indicative reading
Frenk, J., & Moon, S. (2013). Governance challenges in global health. New England Journal of Medicine, 368(10), 936-942.
Taylor, S. (2018). ‘Global health’: meaning what?. BMJ Global Health, 3(2) e000843.
Davies, S. (2010). Global politics of health. Polity.
McInnes, C., & Lee, K. (2012). Global health and international relations. Polity.
Assessment
Essay (100%, 4000 words)
One extended essay (4000 words) will be due at the end of AT. Essay questions will be provided at the start of the course, or students are welcome to select an essay topic of their choice, with approval from the course convener.
Key facts
Department: Health Policy
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 53
Average class size 2024/25: 13
Controlled access 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills