Program Highlights
Program Dates
June 19 – July 17, 2027
Faculty Director
Liz Chen, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor, Department of Health Behavior UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
Program Highlights
Required BSPH Course in an Honors, Small-Group Setting: This program fulfills a required course for BSPH students at UNC Gillings, offering the opportunity to complete it in a small, discussion-based environment with close faculty mentorship—an experience not typically possible during the regular academic year.
Hands-On Learning Through Design & Systems Thinking: Students will learn how to analyze complex public health systems and prioritize potential solutions.
Immersive London Context: London serves as a powerful case study for public health systems, from the structure of the NHS to the role of local governments, community organizations, and policy institutions. Site visits, guest lectures, and field trips are integrated throughout the program.
Collaborative, Project-Based Experience: Students will work in small project teams (3-4 students per group) to explore a public health challenge, engage with real-world contexts, and develop solutions grounded in evidence and stakeholder perspectives.
Balanced Schedule for Exploration: The course meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (approximately 12 contact hours per week), plus one half-day weekend field trip, leaving Fridays through Mondays free to explore London and nearby destinations.
Focused Cohort Experience: Enrollment is capped at 20 students, creating a tight-knit cohort and enabling meaningful discussion, feedback, and mentorship.
Especially well-suited for students interested in:
- Public health systems and policy
- Equity and social determinants of health
- Human-centered design and innovation
- Applied problem-solving in real-world contexts
No prior international experience or design background is required!
Why London?
London offers a unique vantage point for studying public health systems. From the National Health Service to local councils and community organizations, students will see how public health is organized, funded, and delivered within a centralized system—providing a valuable contrast to the U.S. context. The city’s history, diversity, and global influence make it an ideal setting for examining how systems shape population health.
