How you'll learn
Each semester includes an intensive teaching block at ILRI in Nairobi, where you’ll take part in lectures, workshops, group projects, and problem-based learning. These sessions provide face-to-face interaction, practical application, and collaboration with peers and experts.
Alongside this, you’ll study online through the Virtual Learning Environment with recorded lectures, interactive case studies, discussion forums, and live online sessions with University lecturers and guest specialists.
You can expect around one week of face-to-face teaching per semester, plus regular online sessions. In addition, students are expected to spend around 8-10 hours per week on independent study, engaging with readings, preparing assessments, and reflecting through the Professional Development Journal.
How you're assessed
Assessment is designed to be authentic and practice-focused, with no traditional exams. Instead, you’ll complete coursework such as policy briefs, case study analyses, programme evaluations, economic reviews, and research proposals. Each module includes two summative assignments, supported by formative activities like quizzes and reflective journals.
A key element is the Professional Development Journal, where you reflect on your learning after each module. These entries build into a Professional Development Portfolio, submitted in your final year alongside the Independent Research Project (Dissertation). The dissertation is a 60 credit module completed by the end of Year Two. You’ll be supported in preparing for your dissertation in Year One by developing your research proposal and ethics application, giving you several months to design, conduct, and write up a project focused on a real-world public health challenge in Year Two.
This approach ensures you graduate with applied skills, critical reflection, and evidence of professional growth.
Liverpool Learning Framework
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching - learning informed by the latest ideas and discoveries
- Active learning - taking part, applying knowledge and learning by doing
- Authentic assessment - assessments designed around real-world tasks and challenges
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.