Gender Equality for a Sustainable Future
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).
Who should apply?
You should apply to this 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. Applicants should want to work or should already work within non-governmental or intergovernmental organisations, such as WHO or UN agencies. Documented knowledge of spoken and written English is required.
How To Apply
Applying to the Master's Programme in Global Sexual and Reproductive Health is quick and easy. Just complete these 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.
- Submit the required documents to verify that you meet the entry requirements listed below. You can usually upload the required documents to your user account.
Required documents for application
Selection Criteria
The programme has two selection groups. A number of spaces will be allotted to students who are required to pay tuition fees and a number of spaces will be allotted to students who are exempt from tuition fees.
Entry Requirements (August 2023)
Specific Entry Requirements
- Completed Bachelor's degree equal to a Swedish degree of 180 credits majoring in Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Economics or an equivalent degree -- or you are currently completing the final year of your studies leading to such a degree.
- Documented English language proficiency equivalent to English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school (more information below).
English Language Proficiency
The most common tests and important scores that are accepted are:
- IELTS (academic training): 6.5 (with no part of the test below 5.5)
- TOEFL (Internet based): 90 (with a minimum of 20 on the written part)
- TOEFL (paper based): 575 (with a minimum of 4.5 on the written part)
Please check the University Admissions information on English Language Proficiency to see if you are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS result.
Tuition Fees
151 500 SEK (total)*
*EU/EEA Citizens are not required to pay tuition fees.
Tuition fees are paid in two installments of 75 750 SEK, and the first payment must be paid no later than June 1. This allows for reasonable processing time for a residence permit application.
If you have any questions about tuition fee payments, please e-mail tuitionfees@du.se.
Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available for successful applicants to the Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme who are not EU/EEA citizens.
For more information about scholarships, please visit our webpage about International Student Scholarships or contact us using the contact form on this webpage.
Programme Overview
All courses are taught in English. The programme comprises 60 credits (1 credit = 1 ECTS) and begins at the start of the autumn semester in late August.
Note: 1.5 credits = one week of full-time study.
Semester 1 (Autumn) - Late August to January
In the first semester, you will gain an overview of the field of sexual and reproductive health from a global perspective and, in parallel, deepen your knowledge in related research methodology and implementation of evidence within the field.
You will take these 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 to Mid-June
In the second semester, you will have time to focus on and deepen your knowledge about health systems research, leadership and management while having the opportunity to commence your field work for the thesis. During the second part of the second semester, you will focus entirely on the thesis. This will include in-depth studies within a chosen subject area, analysis and interpretation, report writing and a presentation. The work will conclude with the defence of your thesis 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)
Blended learning, the combination of web-based teaching and campus teaching, is used for this programme, which also features guest lecturers and seminars headed by representatives from regional and international partner organisations.
You will have the opportunity to develop your ability to understand, interpret and critically evaluate scientific literature by way of assignments and the writing of your final thesis. You will be assessed based on your assignments and your participation in seminars and presentations.
You can 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.
Degree Awarded
Upon completion of this programme, you will receive a Master of Science in Sexual, Reproductive and Perinatal Health (60 credits). You can use this degree to apply for PhD studies in Sweden.
Meet the faculty
The faculty for the Master's Programme in Global Sexual and Reproductive Health have extensive experience in education and research within this field of study. Your instructors will be:
Study Environment
Dalarna University attracts students from the world over, making for an international environment and a diverse classroom. The fact it is a small university will make it easy for you to develop close professional relationships with both your fellow students and teachers alike.
Your place of study will be Campus Falun, which is located in the historic town of Falun, home to the outstanding outdoor and indoor recreational centre at Lugnet, which is located in close walking distance to campus.
This programme comprises lectures, seminars, group discussions, presentations, study trips and written assignments. You will normally have four to eight hours of classes each week, and 20 to 30 hours of self-study that includes the writing of assignments and group projects. Note these hours are simply a guideline and will vary from student to student.
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.
Examples of positions are health programme manager; humanitarian coordinator; civil society programme manager; research and advocacy officer; and donor agency health advisor.
Graduate successfully, and you can also apply for a PhD position within Dalarna University's research field entitled Health and Welfare with a Focus on Evidence-Based Practice, or similar fields at any Swedish university.
