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Department of Global Health & Social Medicine
School of Global Affairs

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Who we are

The Department of Global Health & Social Medicine is a unique interdisciplinary community of students, teachers and researchers. Together, we explore the complex social determinants of health, illness and ageing.

Founded in 2012 (and formerly known as the Department of Social Science, Health & Medicine), we are now ranked within the top 10 sociology departments in the UK. Our internationally-recognised expertise, consultancy work and contributions to policy development are utilised by a myriad of organisations and networks.

By connecting social scientists, biomedical researchers and clinicians, we deliver research-led teaching that investigates the ways in which advances in biomedicine and biotechnology are changing expectations on life and health, as well as the nature of medical practice.

Studying Global Health & Social Medicine at King's equips you with the knowledge and skills required to shape policies and delivery systems in health organisations, governments and commerical medical sectors around the world. We offer BA, BSc and iBSc courses, as well as MA and MSc courses and PhD research opportunities.

As part of our impact-building, we work with partners around the world to deliver research and empower our students. This includes linking our master's students with world-leading organisations, enabling our students to gain valuable practical experience in the field and our partners to work with our dynamic students.

Why partner with us?

We work with organisations to understand and meet the global health challenges we face. Our researchers can support intergovernmental organisations, charities and governments to better meet and shape health outcomes in society.

We invite organisations to host our students as part of our internship programme. We also encourage our partners to join us for public lectures, joint roundtables and careers talks. Email sgacomms@kcl.ac.uk and we can put you in touch with the right person. Alternatively, reach out directly to our experts via our people directory.

What is Global Health & Social Medicine?

We understand that health is more than a medical matter. Our experts look at infectious diseases, ageing populations, mental health, reproduction and more. Our interdisciplinary community offers a unique global perspective when it comes to addressing the complex social determinants of health, illness and ageing.

Discover the Department of Global Health & Social Medicine

News and events from the Department of Global Health & Social Medicine

In line with the university’s wider equality, diversity and inclusion statement, the Department is committed to the provision of equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity for all of our students, staff and visitors.

We aim to nurture a collegial, mutually supportive and committed culture among staff, students and visitors. We are committed to providing and promoting an environment in which all people can learn, work and interact freely without fear of discrimination, prejudice or harassment.

We are committed to creating and sustaining a diverse work and learning environment. All students and staff are treated equitably and are not accorded less favourable treatment because of age, marital/civil partnership status, sex, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, family circumstances, religious or political beliefs and transgender status.

The Department is also committed to enhancing the work-life balance of all staff in relation to caring responsibilities and other issues affecting well-being.