International Health Management (MBA IHM)
Unleash the full potential of your management and leadership skills in global health, catalyse impactful transformations in health systems and shape the future landscape of health. Join our vibrant MBA community and grow together!
Our MBA programme in International Health Management is designed for professionals like you, who are passionate about global and public health and wish to develop strong management and leadership skills. Our global and diverse student body comes from a wide range of backgrounds, fostering international and interdisciplinary collaboration.
For maximum flexibility, our MBA is delivered in blended and hybrid learning formats, allowing you to study at our bustling campus on the outskirts of Basel and online - from anywhere in the world.
The Curriculum for Our Master’s Programme in International Health Management
To graduate with a Master of Business Administration in International Health Management from Swiss TPH, you must complete 12 management courses and your master’s thesis.
The courses cover a range of management disciplines, including leadership, organisational transformation, health systems and systems thinking, finance and supply chain management, as well as digital health management, to give you the edge you need.
Upon successful completion of all management courses and your thesis, you will be awarded 90 ECTS and the title of MBA in International Health Management from the University of Basel.
Gain practical insights into social marketing approaches and effective health communication strategies across traditional and digital media platforms. Equip yourself with the skills to develop compelling communication strategies that engage local communities, professionals, and key decision makers to promote behaviour change and policy adoption in support of health goals.
6 ECTS, tropEd accredited
Location Hybrid: Allschwil, Switzerland and online | Duration 1 hybrid face-to-face week and 10 weeks for assignments | More information |
Learn how to navigate the dynamic realm of healthcare technology and digital solutions, including AI. Gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities, and acquire knowledge in selective management approaches and practices for planning and implementing information systems.
6 ECTS, tropEd accredited
Location Hybrid: Allschwil, Switzerland and online | Duration 1 hybrid face-to-face week and 10 weeks for assignments | More information |
Gain the knowledge and skills to conduct economic evaluations in resource-limited health settings, guiding decision-making and resource allocation for maximum impact and value in the healthcare sector.
6 ECTS
Location Hybrid: Allschwil, Switzerland and online | Duration 1 hybrid face-to-face week and 10 weeks for assignments | More information |
Learn how to incorporate evidence into your decision-making processes through the use of fundamental analytical skills, which involve science-informed information retrieval, analysis, and the creation and execution of small-scale, practical empirical research projects centred on particular, contextualised research queries.
4 ECTS, tropEd accredited
Location Hybrid: Allschwil, Switzerland and online | Duration 1 hybrid face-to-face week and 10 weeks for assignments | More information |
Improve your financial management skills with our comprehensive course covering budgeting, financial accounting, reporting, internal controlling and auditing.
6 ECTS, tropEd accredited
Location Hybrid: Allschwil, Switzerland and online | Duration 1 hybrid face-to-face week and 10 weeks for assignments | More information |
Gain a comprehensive understanding of international health and its management challenges in a globalised world.
6 ECTS
Location Hybrid: Allschwil, Switzerland and online | Duration 1 hybrid face-to-face week and 10 weeks for assignments | More information |
Explore key concepts of health economics and financing systems, including public goods, supply and demand, and health system performance evaluation, to critically discuss health financing and payment reforms at local, national, and global levels.
6 ECTS, tropEd accredited
Location Hybrid: Allschwil, Switzerland and online | Duration 1 hybrid face-to-face week and 10 weeks for assignments | More information |
Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between global health strategies, national and local health policies and health systems development.
6 ECTS, tropEd accredited
Location Hybrid: Allschwil, Switzerland and online | Duration 1 hybrid face-to-face week and 10 weeks for assignments | More information |
Gain an in-depth understanding of leadership in an international health context and learn what it takes to lead an organisation or work group through a change that others want to be part of.
6 ECTS, tropEd accredited
Location Allschwil, Switzerland | Duration 1 face-to-face week and 10 weeks for assignments | More information |
Get ready to manage transformational processes in different health management settings, taking into account multicultural and diverse work contexts.
6 ECTS, tropEd accredited
Location Allschwil, Switzerland | Duration 1 face-to-face week and 10 weeks for assignments | More information |
Learn how to assess the health situation in low-resource settings in order to prioritise interventions that are consistent with existing national health policies.
6 ECTS, tropEd accredited
Location Allschwil, Switzerland | Duration 1 face-to-face week and 10 weeks for assignments | More information |
Gain essential knowledge and skills in supply chain management for global health, enabling you to strengthen the supply of medical resources, address management challenges and ensure the responsible use of health commodities.
6 ECTS, tropEd accredited
Location Hybrid: Allschwil, Switzerland and online | Duration 1 hybrid face-to-face week and 10 weeks for assignments | More information |
Why Studying International Health Management at Swiss TPH?
Individualised, Innovative and Interactive Learning
Following our principle of mutual learning for change, we build on your individual experience and connect it with cases, concepts, theories and the personal expertise of our teaching faculty and students.
Combining asynchronous and synchronous learning phases, we use a wide range of state-of-the-art teaching methods to ensure the best possible learning experience: real-world case studies, videos, conceptual and project work, group and self-paced learning, and mentoring and coaching, including peer feedback.
Flexible Programme for Busy Professionals
We have designed this part-time and flexible MBA programme to meet the needs of busy, career-oriented professionals. Self-paced distance learning is combined with online or on-site synchronous phases where you will benefit from real-time interaction and learning with your peers.
Flexibility is key: you can start at any time, progress at your own pace and as part of our hybrid-teaching format choose between on-site and online participation. Pay as you go and join us online from anywhere in the world or at our campus in Allschwil, Switzerland.
The MBA in International Health Management can take between 1.5 and five years to complete, depending on how you choose to study. You can apply and start the MBA throughout the year.
We believe that personal, real-time contact is essential for mutual learning and growth. To maximise the networking potential of our learning community, we ask that you to attend a minimum of six hybrid face-to-face weeks (6 courses) at our campus in Allschwil, Switzerland.
Course Structure for the MBA in International Health Management
Each course consists of 3 phases, offering the benefits of both self-paced learning and synchronous real-time interaction.
Phase 1: Preparation
During the preparation phase, participants familiarise themselves with the course topic by studying materials and completing assignments under the guidance of the facilitators.
→ Self-paced distance learning and an introductory online session
→ 4 weeks part-time
→ Approx. 40 hours of student investment
Phase 2: Hybrid Face-to-Face Week
During the hybrid face-to-face week, participants engage in five days of intensive discussions, reflection exercises, case studies, group work, quizzes and presentations, either on-site at the Swiss TPH headquarters in Allschwil, Switzerland, or online. Active participation (online or on-site) is expected throughout the week.
→ On-site in Allschwil or online
→ 5 days full-time
→ Approx. 40-45 hours of student investment
Typically, there are two hybrid/face-to-face weeks with two courses back-to-back to allow participants from abroad to attend two courses on one flight. Please note that some face-to-face weeks are on-site only due to the high level of social interaction in these courses.
Phase 3: Final Assignment
In the post phase, participants consolidate their learning through the development of a final assignment, such as essays, project outlines, presentations or online quizzes, supported by the course facilitators.
→ Distance-based and mostly self-paced
→ 6 weeks part-time
→ Approx. 95-100 hours of student investment
What Our Graduates Say about Our MBA in International Health Management
“Studying the MBA in International Health Management at Swiss TPH was one of my most enjoyable educational experiences so far. I thoroughly enjoyed the rich interactions, diversity in experience and understanding we had on the course, coupled with a stimulating environment created by the lecturers who were always available to give guidance. I am glad for the broad multifaceted global view to health management and leadership that I have gained.”
Susie Amadasun
Senior Project Manager / Coach at F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
“Thanks to the Master of Business Administration in International Health Management at Swiss TPH, I have learned a lot about global health, management and about myself. Whatever comes next, I feel ready and confident to take on the challenges ahead in my new role as the Head Branch Manager at the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania.”
Frederick Masanja
Branch Leader, Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania
“I strongly endorse this MBA programme based on my first-hand experience. It has provided me with valuable practical exposure for effectively overseeing healthcare innovations. As an executive, so far I have gained best practices and skills on health interventions that extended beyond enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring financial sustainability, and shaping healthcare investment and policies!”
Masoud Mnonji
MBA Student and Director of the Ifakara Innovation Hub, Tanzania
Who Should Apply for this Programme?
The MBA in International Health Management is designed for those working or wishing to work in the field of international public health cooperation at all levels. It is of particular interest to (future) leaders and managers who need to combine strong business skills with a sound education in public health.
Our diverse student body includes individuals from various sectors such as UN agencies, corporations (particularly the pharmaceutical industry), international organisations, ministries of health, hospitals and NGOs, reflecting a broad international and interdisciplinary perspective.
Application Process and Entry Requirements
To enrol in our MBA in International Health Management, you need an undergraduate professional qualification (i.e. bachelor’s degree) with a focus on international health, public health, health economics, management or business administration, or an equivalent qualification.
You will also need to have at least two years of work experience in a related field. In addition, you should be able to demonstrate an adequate level of English, both written and spoken.
- First professional qualification (e.g. bachelor's degree)
- Minimum of 2 years of professional experience
- Good oral and written English language skills
To process your application for our MBA programme in International Health Management, you must both complete the online application form and pay an application fee of CHF 100 (by credit card) via this link. The application fee is non-refundable.
Course Fees for the MBA Programme
You pay as you go, on a course by course basis. Most courses cost CHF 2,950 each, with a few exceptions, for a total of CHF 37,000 for the MBA. (This may be subject to change; please refer to the individual course sections for details).
For each course, course fees must be paid one week before the start of the preparation phase. Tuition fees do not cover insurance, travel or personal living expenses during your stay in Switzerland, or any other costs related to your online participation.
Please note that cancellations for any reason after the start of the preparation phase (Phase 1) are subject to a cancellation fee of CHF 500. Cancellations received less than two days prior to the start of the hybrid face-to-face week (Phase 2) will be charged the full course fee. No refunds will be given for non-attendance.
Scholarships are not offered by Swiss TPH or the University of Basel.
Frequently Asked Questions about the MBA in International Health Management
Yes, it is possible to complete our MBA programme while working. At Swiss TPH, we understand the needs of working professionals and offer diverse options, including part-time and self-study arrangements. The MBA program offers self-guided distance learning, coupled with intensive synchronous phases that you can attend either onsite or online. Moreover, you can start anytime and progress at your own pace.
There are no scholarships available for our MBA programme. However, our team is committed to helping you with questions about the visa application process, travel and affordable accommodation near the institute.
Our MBA is non-consecutive: our participants come not only from management studies, but also from a range of health-related disciplines. The programme is designed for practitioners. It does not qualify you for a PhD programme.
Upon completion of their studies, graduates work in governmental or non-governmental organisations such as the Global Fund, Gavi or the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), contributing to global health initiatives, humanitarian efforts and public health policy development. Others may pursue careers in companies such as Roche, Novartis and Johnson & Johnson in a variety of roles such as research scientist, clinical trial manager or regulatory affairs specialist.