Foundations of International Health Management (FIHM)

This course provides participants with an overview of the building blocks of international health and focuses on topical issues confronting managers in the field. Participants will gain a basic understanding of health systems in an ever-changing globalised world; changes that undoubtedly have an impact on the cultural, environmental, social, economic and behavioural factors that affect health. Participants will have the chance to analyse some of these changes and assess their implications for specific areas of work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. They will do this by working with case studies in diverse teams, reflecting on the application of relevant concepts and techniques in a given environment, and enhancing their skills in applying a systems approach to selected health topics.

This part-time and flexible study programme caters to the needs of working professionals. More than 75% of all learning takes place at a distance, giving students the opportunity to learn and progress at their own pace. All courses adopt a blended learning approach, offering the advantages of both self-directed and face-to-face phases. Participants benefit from a wide range of learning methods designed to achieve the best possible individual learning experience: lectures, seminars, case studies, group work, pre-recorded videos, self-directed learning with feedback from lecturers and/or the course coordinator as well as practical exercises.

During the preparation phase course materials are accessed via our Learning Management Platform at the participants’ own pace with guidance from course coordinators and facilitators.

The preparation phase is followed by a hybrid face-to-face week at the Swiss TPH headquarters. Active participation (online or in person) is expected from 9:00-17:00 CE(S)T. At least one facilitator is always on site and in-person teaching is prioritized whenever possible, although in exceptional circumstances facilitators may join online. Online spaces for participation is limited. These spaces are allocated based on student need (i.e. travel restrictions, etc.).

Learning outcomes are consolidated during the post phase with a final assignment that is introduced during the hybrid face-to-face week. This phase is self directed and guided via our Learning Management Platform. The post phase is finished when the final assignment has been handed in.

At the end of the course, participants will have gained an introduction to the complex interactions between international/global health issues and the role of management in influencing those interactions. They will have reflected on the concept of health systems thinking and will be able to critically consider strategies for working in collaborative and pragmatic ways to achieve international health goals within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Participants are assessed during both, the distance-based and on-campus phases of the courses, through individual and team assignments, professional presentations, quizzes or short tests, reflective papers and proposed projects.