UBC Launches Innovative Master of Global Health Program to Address Worldwide Health Challenges

The University of British Columbia’s School of Population and Public Health is proud to announce the launch of its Master of Global Health (MGH) program, western Canada’s only standalone professional global health graduate program, designed to equip learners with the knowledge and business skills necessary to tackle today’s most pressing global health challenges.

Program Structure and Format

The 20-month interdisciplinary professional program features a unique curriculum combining the expertise of UBC’s global health faculty with evolving thematic pillars addressing the most relevant global health needs worldwide. For much of the program, students can experience core classes either in-person or online through the program’s innovative multi-access format, allowing for in-person interaction among students as well as flexibility while continuing to build their careers.

The MGH program will be delivered by world-class UBC global health experts and guest lecturers from around the world. Students will also have access to global health-oriented elective options from other UBC Faculties. Practical skills are woven throughout the curriculum, emphasizing:

• Business communication
• Systems thinking
• Cultural sensitivity
• Networking skills
• Stakeholder engagement

The Three Thematic Pillars

The MGH program focuses on three key thematic pillars that evolve with societal needs:

• Global health ethics – addressing inequities in various contexts, especially those relating to colonialism and marginalized populations
• Global health policy – focusing on coordination among governments and organizations to address global health challenges and crises
• Global environmental health – examining environmental drivers of health inequities and interventions to address them

Hands-On Experience and Practicum

A cornerstone of the program is its 3-month practicum, providing students with real-world experiences in global health-oriented initiatives either domestically or internationally with organizations such as regional health authorities, international non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and private sector partners.

Leadership and Vision

“The MGH program will give students skills they need to succeed professionally in a world where the health of communities is globally linked, both abroad and in Canada,” said MGH Program Director Daniel Steel, highlighting the program’s relevance to both local and international contexts.

“The Master of Global Health program is a timely and valuable addition to our graduate education landscape at SPPH. I look forward to seeing the program’s vision of interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and transnational collaboration in action to address collective health challenges in an interconnected world,” stated SPPH Director Dr. Aslam Anis.

About the School of Population and Public Health

With a full range of academic programming paired with world-class research that bridges multiple disciplines, SPPH is known as one of the best places in Canada for public and population health experts to train, learn and grow. There has never been a greater need for training opportunities in public, population and global health, in a rich and unique environment, fully imbedded within the health-care delivery system of BC with a variety of groups and disciplines.

Related Educational Events

The Public Health Association of BC presents the Public Health Summer Institute 2025: Building Wellbeing Societies & Communities. The Public Health Association of British Columbia is proud to host the 2025 Summer Institute, a virtual event that will explore what it means to build a Wellbeing Society—one that prioritizes people, planet, and future generations. Drawing inspiration from the World Health Organization’s Geneva Charter for Well-being (2022), this year’s Institute invites public health professionals, researchers, academics, policymakers, and advocates to reimagine the role of public health in shaping a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable world.