Pandemics. Climate change. Population ageing. Migration. Health inequalities. Misinformation. Digital transformation.
The world is changing rapidly, and so are the challenges that shape people’s health and wellbeing.
Meeting these challenges requires a new generation of professionals—people who can think beyond hospitals, work across cultures and disciplines, and design solutions that improve the lives of individuals and communities around the world.
The Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health at NOVA National School of Public Health was created for exactly that purpose.
Over three years, you will build a strong scientific foundation, develop practical skills and work on realworld challenges. More than gaining knowledge, you will learn how to analyse complex problems, make informed decisions and create meaningful impact.
If you are looking for an international, innovative and future-focused degree, this is where your journey begins.
Health today is about much more than treating disease.
It is about preventing future pandemics. Responding to climate change. Reducing health inequalities.
Promoting healthier lifestyles. Using data and technology to improve decision-making. Building stronger and more resilient health systems.
Today’s health challenges are global.
That is why the world needs professionals who can understand complexity, connect different disciplines and develop solutions that improve people’s lives.
At NOVA National School of Public Health, you will gain a multidisciplinary perspective that combines public health, social sciences, health policy, environmental sciences, digital health, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Because improving population health starts with understanding the world we live in.
An international learning experience
The programme is taught entirely in English and prepares you to study, work and collaborate in multicultural environments across the world.
Learning by doing
From your first year, you will work on real-life challenges through projects, case studies, seminars and close interaction with professionals and organisations working in public health.
Beyond the classroom
Your learning experience extends far beyond lectures. Applied projects, internships and professional engagement will allow you to develop practical experience while building your professional network.
Skills for tomorrow
Alongside scientific knowledge, you will strengthen your critical thinking, communication, teamwork, intercultural awareness, leadership and problem-solving skills—qualities increasingly valued by employers worldwide.
Learn from leading institutions
This programme is offered by NOVA National School of Public Health in partnership with NOVA Medical School, the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and having Aga Khan University as International Academic Collaborator, bringing together internationally recognised expertise in education, research and global health.
The curriculum has been designed to prepare you for today’s and tomorrow’s public health challenges.
Throughout the programme, you will explore areas such as:
Your learning combines scientific knowledge with practical experience, equipping you with the technical, analytical and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Global Public Health graduates are prepared for careers in a wide range of organisations, both nationally
and internationally.
Career opportunities include:
You may also choose to continue your academic journey through postgraduate and master’s programmes.
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most vibrant and welcoming cities.
Here, history meets innovation, and quality of life goes hand in hand with academic excellence.
As Portugal’s capital, Lisbon brings together leading universities, research centres, healthcare institutions, international companies and a growing innovation ecosystem.
It is a city where you can learn, build connections, discover new cultures and enjoy an outstanding lifestyle, with sunshine, beaches, culture, excellent public transport and a truly international community.
Because university life is about much more than what happens inside the classroom.
This programme is designed for curious, ambitious and socially engaged students who want to make a real difference.
You will feel at home here if you:
If this sounds like you, we’d love to meet you.
The Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health is offered by NOVA National School of Public Health in partnership with NOVA Medical School, the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and having Aga Khan University as International Academic Collaborator.
Together, these institutions bring outstanding academic expertise, international perspectives and strong connections to professional practice.
Throughout your studies, you will learn from academics, researchers and practitioners with diverse backgrounds and experience, preparing you to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
Your future starts here.
The world’s health challenges will continue to grow.
So will the opportunities for those ready to solve them.
The question is simple:
Will you watch the future happen or help shape it?


1st Semester
Introduction to Public Health
6
Basic Epidemiology
8
Introduction to Health Statistics
8
Genetics for Public Health
4
Social and Behavioral Sciences in Global Public Health
4
2nd Semester
Introduction to Health Promotion
6
Introduction to Occupational and Environmental Health
6
Introduction to Economics for Health
6
Microbiology and Parasitology for Public Health
6
Demography and Health
6
During the programme you will meet national and international top teachers, scientists and researchers in public health and allied sciences and will have the opportunity to collaborate in projects from research to impactful interventions in public health.
Students can choose from a variety of courses offered either by NOVA NSPH, NMS and IHMT as well as other faculties within NOVA University. Students can also choose to do their elective courses in other European Universities.
Elective courses offered at NOVA NSPH cover:
During the bachelor degree students gain real-world experience through two hands-on internships designed to immerse them in diverse global public health settings and prepare them for impactful careers.
Applications must be submitted exclusively online by completing the application form available on the Application Portal.
For suggestions on how to present your application effectively, please refer to the Application Guide.
For more information, please contact Academic Services: academicos@ensp.unl.pt.
The selection process follows the same rules of nationals. Applications are submitted through the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (DGES), between July and August, and subject to national competition. Students are chosen based on an application grade that results from:
50% final grade of the High Education Diploma
50% of National exams or equivalent
25% Biology and Geology (02) and 25% Portuguese (18)
25% Biology and Geology (02) and 25% Mathematics Applied to Social Sciences (18) or Mathematics A (19)
25% Biology and Geology (02) and 25% Geography (09)
25% Biology and Geology (02) and 25% Physics and Chemistry A (07)
25% Portuguese (18) and Mathematics Applied to Social Sciences (18) or 25% Mathematics A (19)
25% Portuguese (18) and 25% Economics (04)
For further information visit: https://www.dges.gov.pt/en
The selection process is made trough a separate competition. The number of vacancies is publicized yearly as well as the admission and rating criteria.
Students are chosen based on an application grade that results from:
50% certificate of High School completion or legal equivalent
50% National exams or equivalent
Online interview, if needed
International Student: do not have Portuguese or European Union citizenship; are not a family member (child, spouse or partner) of Portuguese nationals or citizens of an European Union country; have not been legally residing in Portugal for more than two years, on January 1st of the year of application, without interruption, nor are you the child, spouse or partner of a person in this situation; are not a beneficiary, on January 1st of the year of application, of the equal rights and duties status, granted under international treaty signed between the Portuguese State and the State of which you are a national.
Application to the Bachelor’s in Global Public Health may also happen via application to the SuperNOVA Foundation Programme.
Know all about it at: https://supernova.unl.pt/foundation-programme/
Contact us for more information