Module manager: Francis Poitier
Email: F.Poitier@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Same as programme
This module is not approved as an Elective
Health systems are an important element in improving a population's health. It encompasses all organisations, people and actions with a primary intent to promote, restore and maintain health. How health systems are organised and governed can impact accessible, equitable, affordable and high-quality care for all. In low-resource settings, especially those in low- and middle-income countries, understanding how health systems are organised, developed and function is important to ensure that they can meet the needs for communities. This module explores the makeup of health systems, analyses its different components and explores strategies for strengthening health systems in low- and middle-income countries. Using various case studies and examples from these contexts, students will engage in the discourse around health system composition and discuss various strategies and innovations for addressing some of the most critical challenges facing health systems in low- and middle-income countries.
This module aims to provide students with an overview of key aspects of health systems in low- and middle-income countries, equip them with the ability to analyse complex health challenges using a health systems approach, and develop their capacity to propose contextually appropriate and innovative solutions to address critical challenges facing health systems in low- and middle-income countries.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. appraise different health systems in low- and middle-income countries, their responses to complex health challenges, and their approaches to health systems strengthening and resilience
2. investigate the complex inter-relationships between the elements of health systems using evidence from global debates, theories and concepts regarding health system functioning
3. develop strategies to address challenges facing individual elements of health systems and the health system as a whole
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Apply the principles of health systems strengthening and evaluation to the context of a Low- and Middle-Income Country
2. Technical / Make evidence-based decisions based on diverse perspectives and academic literature
Sustainability:
3. Develop systems thinking, future thinking and strategic practice relevant to a professional working in international health to strengthen health systems
The module will broadly cover the following topics/issues consistent with the World Health Organization’s health system building blocks framework and current influences on the health system.
1. An overview of health systems: key concepts and approaches
2. Health Systems Governance, Regulation & Unofficial activity
3. Human Resources and the health workforce
4. Medicines and technology
5. Health information and management
6. Health system service delivery
7. Health Systems Financing
8. Case studies on health systems in Low- and Middle-Income Countries and other low-resource settings
9. Politics, rights, social justice and health systems
10. Health system preparedness, response, resilience and strengthening
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 12 | 2 | 24 |
| Private study hours | 116 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 34 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
During class time:
- Class discussions to unpack theories and concepts, and to clarify issues
- Group work that enables peer review and feedback
- Verbal feedback from peers and lecturers
Formative assessments:
- Online written, verbal and other contributions for peer and lecturer review and feedback
- Quizzes, including those that are self-assessed, pre-lecture, post-lecture, etc
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Editorial responding to a journal call, using appropriate references - 2000 words | 100 |
| Coursework | Formative coursework, including online writing, quizzes and other contributions | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
- Formative assessments: Students are required to engage in formative coursework to support their preparation for the final summative assessment. These formative assessments will include elements of peer review and feedback, self-assessment style quizzes (e.g. pre- and post-lecture test your knowledge question), online discussions with options for both written and verbal commentary and reflection, and feedback provided on outlines for the summative assessment. - Summative assessment: Through the formative coursework on the module, students would have begun writing and receiving feedback on their work before submission, both from peers and lecturers. Therefore, students will be expected to engage fully in their formative assessments. The final summative editorial piece will prepare students from a commentary-style publication piece that they could later decide to publish formally (e.g., through a journal, blog, etc).
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 19/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team