About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Free University of Leeds Online Course 2026: Learn Global Health Systems and Policy in Just 2 Weeks – Certificate Available
Are you interested in public health, healthcare policy, or international development? The University of Leeds in the United Kingdom is offering a free online course designed to help learners understand global health systems, healthcare access, and policy responses to public health challenges.
Titled Strengthening Global Health Systems: Policy and Practice, the course is delivered through FutureLearn and provides an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge about healthcare systems and the global pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The programme takes just two weeks to complete, requires approximately three hours of study per week, and is entirely online.
About the University of Leeds Global Health Course
The course introduces learners to how health systems operate, the challenges affecting healthcare delivery, and the policies governments and international organisations use to improve access to health services.
It is designed for students, graduates, healthcare professionals, development practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding global health issues.
No prior specialist knowledge is required.
What Will You Learn?
Participants will explore four key areas:
1. Global Health Systems and Policy Responses
Understand how global and national health systems operate, the challenges affecting healthcare delivery, and how policymakers respond through reforms and coordinated strategies.
2. Access to Healthcare and Universal Health Coverage
Explore barriers preventing people from accessing healthcare and examine approaches to improving equity, efficiency, and sustainability in health systems.
3. Health Systems Thinking and Case Studies
Learn how different components of health systems interact and examine real-world case studies involving the implementation of Universal Health Coverage.
4. Preparation for Further Study in Global Health
Build foundational knowledge that may support further studies or career development in public health, healthcare management, international development, and health policy.
Course Structure
The programme is organised into two weeks:
Week 1: Introduction to Global Health Systems – Explore global health systems, major challenges, and the policies shaping healthcare delivery.
Week 2: Access to Health Services – Understand healthcare inequalities, barriers to access, and strategies for strengthening health coverage.
Learning activities include videos, articles, discussions, peer interactions, and assessments.
Who Can Apply?
The course is open to learners interested in global health, including:
University students and graduates.
Healthcare professionals.
Public health practitioners.
International development professionals.
Individuals interested in health policy and healthcare management.
Anyone seeking foundational knowledge of global health systems.
There are no specialist academic prerequisites or prior knowledge requirements.
Who Developed and Teaches the Course?
The programme was developed by the University of Leeds, a research-intensive university in the United Kingdom and a member of the Russell Group.
The listed educator is Ricky Kalliecharan, an Associate Professor with expertise in health policy, planning and management, health sector financing, and capacity development for public health training institutions.
Is the Course Really Free?
According to the supplied FutureLearn course information, participants can access a free digital upgrade.
The advertised benefits include:
Unlimited access to course materials.
Access to articles, videos, peer reviews, and quizzes.
A PDF Certificate of Achievement for eligible learners.
To qualify for the certificate, participants must complete at least 90% of the course steps and all assessments.
Learners should confirm the current free-access and certificate conditions on the official course page before enrolling.
Course Details at a Glance
Course: Strengthening Global Health Systems: Policy and Practice
University: University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Learning Platform: FutureLearn
Duration: 2 weeks
Study Commitment: Approximately 3 hours per week
Learning Format: Online and self-paced
Course Fee: FREE
Certificate: PDF Certificate of Achievement available to eligible learners
Start Date: Available now
Application Deadline: No fixed deadline stated
How to Enrol
Interested learners can follow these steps:
Visit the official FutureLearn course page.
Review the course description and learning requirements.
Create a FutureLearn account or sign in.
Select the available free enrolment option.
Begin learning online and complete the required activities and assessments.
Enrol here: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/strengthening-global-health-systems-policy-and-practice
Why Should You Consider This Course?
Understanding healthcare systems is essential for addressing public health challenges and improving access to quality healthcare.
Whether you are a student exploring future career opportunities, a graduate seeking additional knowledge, or a professional working in healthcare and development, this short course offers an opportunity to strengthen your understanding of global health policy and practice.
Invest two weeks in knowledge that can contribute to a healthier world. Enrol for free and take the next step in your learning journey!
How to apply