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Overview

Health systems in a global context, comparative health systems and how different countries organise their health systems. Evaluation of the performance of different health systems.

This paper examines the global forces and institutions that shape health systems, challenges faced by developing and developed countries and the different methods for assessing health systems' performance.

About this paper

Paper title Global Health and International Health Systems
Subject Public Health
EFTS 0.125
Points 15 points
Teaching period(s) 1st Non standard period (14 September 2026 - 6 November 2026) (Distance learning)
1st Non standard period (14 September 2026 - 6 November 2026) (Distance learning)
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,743.38
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Limited to
MA, MHealSc, MPH, DPH, PGDipArts, PGDipHealMgt, PGDipHealSc, PGDipPHC, PGCertPH, PGCertPHC
Recommended Preparation
PUBH 714
Eligibility

Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline or recognised equivalent

It is strongly recommended that students complete PUBH714 before commencing this paper.

Contact

Christchurch Campus: publichealth.christchurch@otago.ac.nz

Dunedin Campus: publichealth.dunedin@otago.ac.nz

Wellington Campus: publichealth.wellington@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Co-Convenors:

Dr Johanna Reidy (Wellington)

Dr Erin Penno (Dunedin)

Paper Structure

Topics:

  • Challenges to global health
  • Emerging trends in global health
  • Strategic responses to global health challenges
  • Health systems
  • Universal health coverage
  • Governance in global health and the role of international institutions
Teaching Arrangements

This Distance Learning paper is taught remotely.

Distance taught via Zoom webinars:

  • Week 1: Two compulsory 3-hour block sessions on the Monday and Thursday of Week 1. These will be held via Zoom. 9am-12pm.
  • Weeks 2-6: Weekly 1.5-hour sessions Mondays 4pm via Zoom.
Textbooks
None - key readings provided in course materials
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the paper will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of health systems in an international context, including the roles of international governmental and non-government agencies, global health risks and international health policies.
  • Demonstrate and apply an understanding of comparative health systems and how different countries organise their health systems, including the roles of universal coverage, health insurance and health reforms in different jurisdictions.
  • Evaluate the performance of different health systems.
Assessment details

Assessment:

  • Assignment 1 - 40%
  • Assignment 2 - 55%
  • Recognition of participation - 5%

Overview

Health systems in a global context, comparative health systems and how different countries organise their health systems. Evaluation of the performance of different health systems.

This paper examines the global forces and institutions that shape health systems, challenges faced by developing and developed countries and the different methods for assessing health systems' performance.

About this paper

Paper title Global Health and International Health Systems
Subject Public Health
EFTS 0.125
Points 15 points
Teaching period(s) 1st Non standard period (13 September 2027 - 5 November 2027) (Distance learning)
1st Non standard period (13 September 2027 - 5 November 2027) (Distance learning)
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Limited to
MA, MHealSc, MPH, DPH, PGDipArts, PGDipHealMgt, PGDipHealSc, PGDipPHC, PGCertPH, PGCertPHC
Recommended Preparation
PUBH 714
Eligibility

Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline or recognised equivalent.

It is strongly recommended that students complete PUBH 714 before commencing this paper.

Contact

Christchurch Campus: publichealth.christchurch@otago.ac.nz

Dunedin Campus: publichealth.dunedin@otago.ac.nz

Wellington Campus: publichealth.wellington@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Co-Conveners:

  • Dr Johanna Reidy (Wellington)
  • Dr Erin Penno (Dunedin)
  • Paper Structure

    Topics:

    • Challenges to global health
    • Emerging trends in global health
    • Strategic responses to global health challenges
    • Health systems
    • Universal health coverage
    • Governance in global health and the role of international institutions
    Teaching Arrangements

    This Distance Learning paper is taught remotely.

    Distance taught via Zoom webinars:

    • Week 1: Two compulsory 3-hour block sessions on the Monday and Thursday of Week 1. These will be held via Zoom. 9am-12pm.
    • Weeks 2-6: Weekly 1.5-hour sessions Mondays 4pm via Zoom.
    Textbooks
    None - key readings provided in course materials
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will:

    • Demonstrate an understanding of health systems in an international context, including the roles of international governmental and non-government agencies, global health risks and international health policies.
    • Demonstrate and apply an understanding of comparative health systems and how different countries organise their health systems, including the roles of universal coverage, health insurance and health reforms in different jurisdictions.
    • Evaluate the performance of different health systems.
    Assessment details

    Assessment:

    • Assignment 1 (40%)
    • Assignment 2 (55%)
    • Recognition of participation (5%)
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