Equal access to sexual and reproductive health care contributes to positive economic, health and educational outcomes for children and their parents, while shaping future economic development and environmental sustainability.
This programme will provide you with a global perspective on the state of people’s sexual and reproductive health, and will enhance your ability to implement evidence-based strategies that will serve to improve the quality of health care.
Two recurring themes in the programme are the promotion of gender equality and the implementation of strategies for evidence-based practice. With knowledge and skills in these areas, you will be equipped to help improve public health in middle and low-income countries.
As a student in this programme, you will be part of an interactive and international learning environment headed by our faculty team, the members of which have extensive experience working with international collaborators such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
Advocate Gender Equality for a Sustainable Future
This programme equips you with the knowledge and skills to promote equal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. With a focus on gender equality and evidence-based practice, you will be prepared to contribute to sustainable development and improved public health in middle- and low-income countries.
The Master’s Programme in Global Sexual and Reproductive Health is a 60-credit programme (two semesters, approx. 10 months) taught in English, beginning in late August at the start of the autumn semester.
The courses balance theory, research, and practical application with a focus on sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income settings. You will also study healthcare systems, leadership, and quality improvement strategies while developing strong research skills that prepare you for your thesis and future work in global health. Across both semesters, you will strengthen your ability to understand, interpret, and critically evaluate scientific literature. Assessment is based on written assignments, seminar participation, and presentations, as well as your final thesis.
Semester 1 (Autumn, early September – mid-January)
In the first semester, you gain an overview of sexual and reproductive health from a global perspective while also deepening your knowledge in research methodology and the implementation of evidence within the field. You will take the following courses:
- Global Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (15 credits)
- Research Methods in Global Sexual Reproductive Health (7.5 credits)
- Implementing Strategies for Quality Improvements in Health Care Settings (7.5 credits)
Semester 2 (Spring, late January – mid-June)
In the second semester, you focus on health systems research and leadership and management. This includes in-depth studies, analysis and interpretation, report writing, and presentations. In parallel, you will conduct your master’s thesis, which is defended at a seminar.
- Healthcare System Research in Low-Resource Settings (7.5 credits)
- Leadership and Management within Healthcare Systems (7.5 credits)
- Thesis: Global Sexual and Reproductive Health (15 credits)
Note: 1.5 credits is equivalent to one week of full-time study.
Degree awarded
Upon completion of the programme, you will be awarded a Master of Science (60 credits) in Sexual, Reproductive and Perinatal Health. This degree also qualifies you to apply for PhD studies in Sweden.
Tuition fees
The tuition fee for the Master’s Programme in Global Sexual and Reproductive Health is 168,000 SEK in total (84,000 SEK per semester).
Note: EU/EEA citizens are not required to pay tuition fees.
Tuition fees are paid in two installments of 84,000 SEK. The first payment should be made as soon as possible after you have received your invoice and no later than the deadline on the invoice. This allows for reasonable processing time for a residence permit application.
For details about what is included in the tuition fee, visit our Tuition Fees webpage. If you have questions, please contact support@du.se.
Scholarships
Students admitted to the Master’s Programme in Global Sexual and Reproductive Health may be eligible for two scholarships offered by Dalarna University.
Choose Dalarna First Scholarship
If you apply on time and are admitted to this programme as your first choice on UniversityAdmissions.se, you are eligible for a one-time scholarship of 5,000 SEK. This amount is deducted from your first semester tuition fee, provided you also apply for the scholarship no later than February 15 (autumn intake).
Academic Excellence Scholarship
Students in the Global Sexual and Reproductive Health programme can also qualify for the Academic Excellence Scholarship, which recognises outstanding academic achievement during the programme.
- Semester Award: Receive 15,000 SEK per semester when you meet the criteria for outstanding academic results.
- Programme Distinction: An additional 20,000 SEK may be awarded if you receive the Semester Award in every semester of the programme.
To qualify for the Semester Award, you must:
- Complete all 30 credits that are part of the programme curriculum for that semester.
- Earn at least 15 credits with a mix of grades A (pass with distinction) and B (pass with merit) — with at least one course graded A.
- Have all course results reported within 6 weeks after the semester ends.
The Semester Award is evaluated independently for each semester, meaning you may receive it for one semester even if you do not qualify in the other.
Swedish Institute Scholarships (SISGP)
A limited number of students from select countries may be eligible to apply for the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) – external link, a national scholarship programme managed by the Swedish Institute. This scholarship is highly competitive and awarded independently of Dalarna University.
For full eligibility details and how to apply for Dalarna University’s own scholarships, visit our Scholarships Overview webpage.
Should you apply?
You should apply to the GSRH programme if you have a desire to combine your passion for sustainable development with a curiosity for research, the aim of which is to promote equal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. We consider applicants with a broad range of academic backgrounds in health and social sciences.
How to apply
You apply to the Master’s Programme in Global Sexual and Reproductive Health in two steps:
- Click on the green "Apply" button to create a user account and add the programme to your account in the online application portal (UniversityAdmissions.se).
- Submit the required documents to verify that you fulfil the entry requirements listed below. It is usually possible to upload the required documents directly to your user account.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
In order to be eligible for the Master’s Programme in Global Sexual and Reproductive Health, you need to have:
- A completed Bachelor’s degree comprising at least 180 credits (ECTS equivalent) in Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Economics, or an equivalent field. Applicants in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree are also welcome to apply, but proof of degree completion will be required before the start of the programme.
English language requirements
You must also demonstrate English language proficiency. You should check the UniversityAdmissions.se information about English language proficiency to see if your previous studies fulfil this requirement. If you need to take an IELTS or TOEFL, the following minimum results are required:
- IELTS (academic training): 6.5 overall (with no part below 5.5)
- TOEFL (Internet-based): 90 (with a minimum of 20 on the written part)
For more details, see the English documentation webpage (UniversityAdmissions.se).
Selection criteria
The programme has two selection groups. A number of spaces are allotted to students who are required to pay tuition fees and a number of spaces are allotted to students who are exempt from tuition fees.
Career Opportunities
The knowledge and experiences that you will gain from your fellow students, along with the opportunity to learn from the international research projects that our faculty are working with, will provide you with a sound basis to proceed into the workforce, finding the ideal job within your chosen field.
Upon successful graduation, you will be well prepared for a wide range of employment opportunities and a variety of advanced positions within home ministries, international NGOs and educational institutions. You can also apply for advertised PhD positions at Dalarna University, or other Swedish or international universities.
Examples of positions are health programme manager; humanitarian coordinator; civil society programme manager; research and advocacy officer; and donor agency health advisor.
You can apply for a 12-month residence permit to stay in Sweden and look for work after you complete a degree programme of at least 60 credits.
Using your degree overseas
The degree awarded by Dalarna University for this programme is internationally recognized and has been used by previous students to attain employment or pursue further studies outside of Sweden.
You can also apply to receive an Erasmus+ grant for an internship, even up to 12 months after completing your studies. This opportunity is available to all students in the programme, regardless of nationality, who pursue an approved internship within an Erasmus+ programme country other than Sweden.
Stay in Dalarna and look for a job after graduating
You can apply for a 12-month residence permit to stay in Sweden and look for work after you complete a degree programme of at least 60 credits. International students are encouraged to stay in Dalarna and Sweden and look for a job after graduating from the Master's Programme in Global Sexual Reproductive Health.
A flexible learning environment
You can study the programme completely online, on campus, or in a blended format. Lectures are live streamed and recorded, making it possible to participate even if you are not in Falun. The programme also features guest lecturers and seminars with representatives from regional and international partner organisations.
▶ Watch Jenny explain why she chose the Global Sexual and Reproductive Health programme at Dalarna University (0:30) (opens in a new tab)
An international classroom
Dalarna University attracts students from around the world, creating a diverse and international classroom environment. Because the university is small, you will be able to develop close professional relationships with both classmates and teachers. Students usually have backgrounds as medical professionals or in the social sciences, and the 25–35 students admitted each year share a passion for promoting more equitable health outcomes globally.
Campus and location
The university campus is located in the historic town of Falun, home to the outstanding indoor and outdoor recreational centre at Lugnet, which is within walking distance of campus. While many students study online, campus-based students benefit from being part of a vibrant local community with immediate access to sports, culture, and nature.
What the studies involve
The programme comprises lectures, seminars, group discussions, presentations, study trips, and written assignments. You can normally expect four to eight hours of classes each week and 20 to 30 hours of self-study, including written assignments and group projects. These hours are guidelines and may vary from student to student.
Dalarna University researchers explore a wide range of topics including maternal and newborn health, midwifery in global and local contexts, sexual and reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ access to care, perinatal mental health, and healthcare for migrants and refugees. Their work contributes to more equitable, evidence-based care across diverse populations.
Meet our researchers and your future teachers and mentors.
Guest lectures and additional faculty will be incorporated into your classes.
