Core Course in Public Health and Health Equity (CCPH-HE)

The Core Course in Public Health and Health Equity is aimed at health professionals, such as doctors, nurses and midwives, as well as social scientists, (health) economists, and other professionals, who already work in public health in low- and middle-income settings and/or with marginalised communities and are seeking a deeper understanding through training in public health. It is also directed at professionals working mostly in health service delivery who are considering a career switch to public health.

In addition, this course would prepare you to work with refugees or disadvantaged populations in a high-income country. You may aim to work at a national or decentralised level (region, district, local authority) with the government or for healthcare programmes with (inter)national NGOs.

The Core Course in Public Health and Health Equity is organised by KIT Royal Tropical Institute in collaboration with the Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre (VU) in Amsterdam and the University Hospital of the University of Amsterdam (UvA). It is NVAO and tropEd accredited, as part of the Master in Public Health and Health Equity.

In the Netherlands, the Core Course in Public Health and Health Equity (*) forms part of a post-graduate training programme for physicians, leading to a diploma as MD Global Health and Tropical Medicine (AIGT). For more information, please visit: www.oigt.nl.

(* formerly known as NTC, Netherlands Course on Global Health and Tropical Medicine)

Admission criteria

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent academic training in either medicine or another field related to health care, such as health sciences, health economics, social sciences, or nursing.
• A minimum of three years of health-related work experience in health systems not limited to (organisation of) individual patient care but including involvement with public/global health, in resource-constrained settings and/or with marginalised communities and proven interest in these areas.
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Computer literacy is essential: we use a virtual learning platform and digital tools in our education and assignments, and the exams are conducted online.

While health improves globally, many are still being left behind by inequality. At KIT Health, we are committed to help narrow this gap. With a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, educators and advisors we are an innovative player in international and public health. KIT (Royal Tropical Institute) equips health professionals to address public health challenges around the world. We offer master programs and advanced courses at our training facilities in Amsterdam and through e-learning. In addition, we conduct regional, tailor-made training programs in countries around the world. By bringing together people from different countries and regions, KIT’s international courses create a forum for linking and exchanging experiences among a broad range of development practitioners.

Impact: Leaders in global health

Our training programs respond to current global developments in the health field. KIT’s courses are known for their practical applicability, the multidisciplinary approach, and the interactive, participatory training methods. Our training programs are aimed at developing effective leaders that that create impact in their home countries. Alumni of KIT obtain higher positions after graduating and contribute to health policy at district, regional and national level. They also pass on their knowledge to colleagues and local health professionals, and by teaching at universities and training institutes. As such we have a broad-based impact. In the past fifty years, over 3000 health professionals have studied at KIT. We are proud to be part of their professional journey in becoming leaders in health around the globe. Accreditation KIT’s Master's courses are given in cooperation with the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and are accredited the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO www.nvao.com). In addition, advanced courses are all accredited by tropEd, an international network of institutions for higher education in international health.

Why study at KIT?

• Up-to-date approach to complex public health issues
• Practice-oriented
• Exchange between disciplines
• Interactive education
• Development of personal and professional competencies
• Network building
• Personal tutoring
• Participants from diverse backgrounds and countries
• Teaching by highly qualified specialists
• Positively reviewed by tropEd
• KIT: international center of excellence in international health and development
• Accredited by NVAO