Global Health Systems and Management (DAS GHSM)

The Diploma of Advanced Studies in “Global Health Systems and Management: From Research to Implementation” (DAS GHSM) course prepares our international participants to understand and respond to health challenges at a world-leading institute in global and public health. You will develop the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to work effectively as public health professionals and leaders in resource-constrained settings. Besides subject-specific knowledge and concepts in global health, the course develops your understanding of health systems and places a strong emphasis on management and leadership competencies as well as social and personal development.

With a focus on practical application and interactive training, our international participants benefit from engaging with experts from various fields and with a diverse student body to advance their professional development in the health sector. 

The course has been running for over 30 years – for 2027, the course has been thoroughly updated to better reflect the current challenges of healthcare professionals. Under a new name, the DAS in Global Health Systems and Management provides more flexible learning options and puts more emphasis on leadership and management, while staying true to the credo “from research to implementation”.

The DAS in Global Health Systems and Management is designed for health professionals who wish to broaden their perspective on global public health and health systems while strengthening their management and leadership skills. The programme is particularly relevant for professionals working or planning to work in resource-constrained settings. It is also well suited to those working with international teams and diverse patient populations, including within the Swiss health system. The programme also welcomes career starters and career changers who aim to acquire the knowledge, skills and competences needed to take on leadership responsibilities in the health sector.

The course is open to participants from a range of backgrounds and countries. Participants are typically health professionals (doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, veterinarians). However, participants from other disciplines (e.g. business or social sciences) also contribute to the diversity of the course.
 

The DAS GHSM can either be completed in 12 weeks on a full-time basis or in a modular way over 2-5 years. If you wish to study the DAS GHSM course in a modular way, you must complete the CAS Global Health Concepts and Research and the CAS Health Systems Management and a final DAS assignment. Both CAS combine an online introductory module with 3 on-site modules à 2 weeks, which all can be taken individually. 

The DAS GHSM also serves as the core course for those who wish to pursue a Master of Advanced Studies International Health (MAS IH).
 

Our GHSM programme – formerly known as the DAS in Health Care and Management: From Research to Implementation – has been running for over 30 years with 700 participants from over 85 countries and more than 40 different professional backgrounds. Drawing on its global network and its experience in research, education and services, Swiss TPH offers a unique study environment with highly qualified experts from research and practice, an international student body and state-of-the-art teaching facilities. 

The programme has been thoroughly revised and renamed for the 2027 edition. The updated structure and curriculum reflect the evolving challenges in global health and the changing requirements of health professionals working in an increasingly globalised world. The DAS GHSM combines a global health perspective with a strong focus on health systems, management and leadership. It also supports your social and personal development, preparing you for the challenges of working in diverse health contexts.

To ensure an optimal learning experience, our diploma courses in Global Health Systems and Management use a wide range of teaching methods, from lectures and tutorials to individual exercises, group work, and organisation visits. The courses are designed to develop your competences in systemic problem analysis, solution-oriented thinking and critical reflection on complex issues.
 

To enrol on the DAS Global Health Systems and Management, candidates must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a health-related field, at least two years' work experience and demonstrate an adequate level of English (minimum B2; TOEFL paper 550/TOEFL computer 213/TOEFL internet 79 - 80/IELTS 6.0 or native speaker or university degree in English with written proof). In justified exceptional cases, candidates who do not meet the standard admission requirements may be admitted based on an appropriate professional background and relevant qualifications (sur dossier).

To apply, you must complete the online application form on our website and submit the required documents:

• Letter of motivation: In your letter of motivation, please explain why you are interested in the programme, how it will benefit your career, what your institution and/or country can gain from the programme, what skills you will bring to the class and how you will act as a potential multiplier to spread what you have learned.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Relevant degrees and/or certificates
• English diploma (unless native speaker)
• Photograph (passport-size)
• Copy of your passport
• Agreement and reference of employer (for scholarship applicants)

Applications for all courses are normally accepted on a rolling basis. Except for scholarship applications, which will be considered after the application deadline.

The DAS Global Health Systems and Management consists of two online introductions and six on-site modules, each lasting two weeks. These modules can be taken individually over several years for a flexible study plan that fits your schedule.

The online preparatory courses will be available latest 4 weeks before course start.

Course dates 2027

Online Introduction 1: Introduction to Global Public Health, self-paced before 5 April 2027

Module 1: Foundations of Global Public Health, 5–16 April 2027

Module 2: Epidemiology and Research Methods, 19–30 April 2027

Module 3: Applied Epidemiology, 3–14 May 2027

Online Introduction 2: Health Systems and Governance, self-paced before 18 May 2027 

Module 4: Health Systems Interventions and Management, 18–28 May 2027

Module 5: Strategic Stakeholder and Project Management, 31 May – 11 June 2027

Module 6: Applied Health System Management, 14–25 June 2027
 

If you complete the DAS GHSM within one year, the course fee is CHF 10,900 or CHF 9,900 with the early bird discount. If you complete the DAS GHSM in a modular format over more than one year, the total fee is made up of the individual fees for the two CAS programmes (CHF 6,600 each at regular cost) plus CHF 500 for the final DAS thesis.

The DAS GHSM fee includes a non-refundable registration fee of CHF 500, payable at the time of acceptance. The course fee must be paid no later than six weeks before the start of the course. It does not include insurance or other personal living expenses during the stay.

Scholarships

A very limited number of scholarships are reserved exclusively for participants from low- and lower-middle income countries (according to the World Bank country classification) who are working in or wish to work in primary health care, public health or district-level health services.

We offer two types of scholarships. Full scholarships cover course fees, travel, health insurance, accommodation and living costs in Switzerland. In addition, we offer some partial scholarships to help cover living costs in Switzerland. Partial scholarships cover travel, health insurance, accommodation and living costs in Switzerland. Please note that partial scholarships do not include the course fee, which students are responsible for paying themselves. Partial scholarships will only be paid once the full course fee has been received.

Applications for scholarships are accepted throughout the application period and are only assessed once the deadline has passed. You will be notified of your scholarship status by mid-November at the latest.

Cancellation

Cancellations must be submitted in writing. For cancellations made up to four weeks before the start of the course, the course fee will be refunded, excluding the registration fee. For cancellations made between four and two weeks before the start of the course, 50% of the course fee will be refunded. No refund will be provided for cancellations made less than two weeks before the start of the course. 

Disclaimer

In the event of an insufficient number of participants, the course may be cancelled up to 4 weeks prior to the start of the course. Swiss TPH is not responsible for any costs related to flight bookings, etc.