The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Global Health Concepts and Research (CAS GHCR) provides international participants with an in-depth understanding of global health.

You will develop the competencies to collect, analyse, and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data relevant to improving health and health care in low- and middle-income societies. You will also acquire skills and knowledge to identify, understand and address interrelated determinants of health and major health problems of populations from a cross-sectoral and transdisciplinary perspective in low- and middle-income settings and at the global level.

With a focus on practical application and interactive training, participants in the CAS GHCR benefit from interaction with experts from various fields and with the international and diverse student body participating in the full-time Diploma of Advanced Studies in Global Health Systems and Management (DAS GHSM).

The CAS Global Health Concepts and Research is designed for professionals who want to better understand global health challenges and learn how research can help analyse and address them. It is particularly relevant for those who want to develop their ability to critically assess health information and evidence and apply these insights in their work.

Participants come from a variety of professional backgrounds and countries. Most are trained health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, midwives and pharmacists, but participants from other disciplines, including business and social sciences, also contribute to the diversity of the class.

The CAS GHCR starts with an introductory online module, followed by 3 on-site modules of 2 weeks each. The programme can be completed full-time in 6 weeks or modularly over 2 or 3 years. Starting with Module 1: Foundations of Global Public Health is recommended but not mandatory.

After successful completion, you can easily progress to the DAS Global Health Systems and Management (DAS GHSM) by taking the CAS in Health Systems and Management (CAS HSM) and the final DAS assignment.

To enrol on the CAS Global Health Concepts and Research, 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).

Candidates should apply via the online application form with 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)

The CAS Global Health Concepts and Research consists of an online introduction and three 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 course 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

The CAS GHCR costs CHF 6,600. If you complete the course within one year and register by the early bird deadline, a reduced fee of CHF 6,000 applies. For modular completion over more than one year, the standard fee applies.

The total course fee includes a non-refundable registration fee of CHF 200 due 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 costs during the stay.

Scholarships

A very limited number of partial scholarships that help covering living costs in Switzerland are available for the CAS Global Health Concepts and Research. They 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.

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.

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