An English master's in global health from ISGlobal and the University of Barcelona - a leading Mediterranean global-health programme.
What is a master's in global health in Spain?
A master's in global health in Spain is an English-taught postgraduate degree - usually one to two years - that builds advanced expertise in global health. It is open to graduates with a relevant bachelor's degree, and leads to global health, international organisations, NGOs and health policy.
Global Health at a glance
| Degree | Master's degree (MSc) |
|---|---|
| Field | Global health |
| Language | English |
| Typical duration | usually one to two years |
| Location | Spain |
| Universities | ISGlobal - University of Barcelona |
Why Spain?
Spain's Barcelona is a global-health hub, where ISGlobal and the University of Barcelona run English-taught master's in global and public health.
About this programme
The Master of Global Health from ISGlobal (Barcelona Institute for Global Health) and the University of Barcelona is taught entirely in English - a unique programme in the Mediterranean region.
It gives a solid grounding in public health and the wider forces shaping global health: health economics and financing, health systems, policy and international governance.
It suits medical and health-science graduates aiming for careers in global health, international organisations and NGOs.
Course structure & how it works
A taught master's in global health in Spain is usually one to two years. It combines taught modules - covering areas such as fundamentals of global and public health, health economics and financing, health systems and policy - with an independent research project or dissertation, typically worth 60-120 credits (ECTS). Most programmes start in September or October, and some universities also run a January intake. Teaching, assessment and supervision are all in English.
What you'll typically study
Programmes like this generally cover the areas below. The exact modules are set by ISGlobal - University of Barcelona and confirmed each intake.
- Fundamentals of global and public health
- Health economics and financing
- Health systems and policy
- International health governance
- Global-health research methods
Entry requirements
To apply for a master's in global health in Spain, you'll typically need:
- A relevant bachelor's degree - usually a good second class (about 60%+ in an Indian degree)
- Proof of English, typically IELTS 6.5-7.0 or equivalent (sometimes waived for English-medium degrees)
- Official academic transcripts and your degree certificate
- A statement of purpose setting out your goals
- Two references (letters of recommendation)
- A CV; some programmes value relevant clinical or research experience
Requirements vary by university and intake - we confirm the exact criteria for your shortlist, free.
How to apply - step by step
- 1Shortlist - we match your background and budget to the right universities in Spain.
- 2Prepare your documents - transcripts, English test, statement of purpose and references.
- 3Apply to your chosen universities (applications go directly to each university, often on a rolling basis).
- 4Receive and accept your offer, and pay any deposit to hold your place.
- 5Apply for your student visa, then arrange travel, insurance and accommodation.
- 6Enrol and begin your master's.
Who it's for
Medical and health-science graduates aiming for global-health, international-organisation or NGO careers.
Where it leads
Global health, international organisations, NGOs and health policy.
Fees, funding & careers in Spain
Tuition & fees
Mid-range; ISGlobal-UB programmes are professionally priced. Confirmed per programme.
Scholarships & funding
Spanish government (MAEC-AECID), 'la Caixa', university scholarships, and Erasmus Mundus.
Job opportunities
Opens global-health, NGO and international-organisation careers in a leading Mediterranean research hub.
Opens global-health, NGO and international-organisation careers, backed by a respected qualification in a leading Mediterranean research city.
Entry & English
Entry is typically a relevant bachelor's degree plus proof of English (usually around IELTS 6.5). Exact prerequisites, fees and start dates are set by the university each intake - we confirm them for your profile before you apply.
These are taught postgraduate (master's / PhD) programmes in health and medical sciences - for research, public health, health management and academic careers. They are not clinical specialisation / residency, which in Europe is conducted in the national language and is largely restricted for non-EU doctors. For clinical PG, most Indian doctors return to India via NEET-PG.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a master's in global health in Spain?+
A master's in global health in Spain takes usually one to two years. A master's combines taught modules with a research project or dissertation.
Is a master's in global health in Spain taught in English?+
Yes - it is delivered fully in English. English-medium schooling or an IELTS/TOEFL score (around 6.5) usually satisfies the language requirement.
Can I become a specialist doctor (cardiologist, surgeon, radiologist...) with this degree?+
No. Clinical specialisation - cardiology, surgery, radiology, psychiatry, paediatrics and the rest - is achieved through specialist (residency) training in hospital training posts, governed by the national medical council, not through a taught master's. This taught master's degree builds research and academic expertise in global health and related fields; it does not grant a licence to practise as a specialist. For clinical specialisation, most Indian doctors train in India via NEET-PG.
How much does a master's in global health in Spain cost?+
Mid-range; ISGlobal-UB programmes are professionally priced. Confirmed per programme. We confirm the exact figure for your shortlisted programme before you apply.
Are scholarships available for a master's in global health in Spain?+
Spanish government (MAEC-AECID), 'la Caixa', university scholarships, and Erasmus Mundus.
Can I work in Spain after a master's in global health in Spain?+
Opens global-health, NGO and international-organisation careers in a leading Mediterranean research hub.
How is a master's in global health in Spain structured?+
It combines taught modules with an independent research project or dissertation. A taught master's is usually one to two years, worth roughly 60-120 credits (ECTS), usually starting in September/October (some universities also run a January intake). You'll typically cover fundamentals of global and public health, health economics and financing, health systems and policy, then complete a supervised project.
What are the entry requirements for a master's in global health in Spain in Spain?+
Typically a relevant bachelor's degree - a good second class (roughly 60%+ in an Indian degree) - plus proof of English (usually IELTS 6.5-7.0), academic transcripts, a statement of purpose and references. Medical and health-science graduates aiming for global-health, international-organisation or NGO careers. Exact prerequisites are set per university each intake, and we confirm the current requirements for your profile.
How do I apply for a master's in global health in Spain in Spain, and when?+
You apply directly to the university. Start about 9-12 months ahead: shortlist programmes, prepare your transcripts, English test and statement of purpose, then apply - many universities admit on a rolling basis until places fill. We manage the shortlist, applications and timeline with you.
Is a postgraduate degree from Spain recognised in India?+
Yes - it is a recognised European qualification, valued for academic, research and health-sector careers. It does not by itself grant clinical registration in India (that follows the separate NMC/DCI route). We explain exactly how this degree fits your goals before you commit.
What careers can a master's in global health in Spain lead to?+
Global health, international organisations, NGOs and health policy. We help you plan the route - academic, clinical-academic, industry or a PhD - that fits your goals.
Interested in this programme?
Tell us your background and we'll check your eligibility and confirm the current fees, entry requirements and intake dates - free and honest.