Teaching Approach
Teaching at the Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD)
At IGHD, our teaching is both values-led and research-informed. We are guided by Queen Margaret University (QMU)’s core commitments - valuing the individual, promoting social justice, fostering intellectual curiosity, pursuing excellence, advancing environmental sustainability, and supporting ambition - and bring these to life through ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ-centred, critically engaged learning. Drawing on our interdisciplinary research and strong links with policy and practice, we enable ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵs to engage with real-world global health and development challenges, develop independent and reflexive thinking, and build the skills needed to make meaningful contributions in diverse professional contexts.
A holistic ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ experience
Guided by the QMU Student Experience Strategy, we adopt a holistic approach that supports each ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ’s unique journey, enhances employability, and promotes health and wellbeing. Our curriculum is built on three pillars:
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Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Celebrating the global backgrounds of our ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ body.
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Students as Partners: Engaging ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵs in the evolution of their own learning.
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Sustainability and Social Justice: Embedding ethical responsibility across all programmes.
Interactive and research-led learning
We offer both on-campus and online programmes. While our on-campus classes have a typical cohort of 25 ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵs and thrive on real-time dialogue, our asynchronous online programs utilise innovative teaching methodologies, including recorded insights and interactive discussions to ensure the same high level of engagement and academic rigor for both full- and part-time learners. Whether delivered on-campus or online, our programmes are characterised by a commitment to an interactive, research-led teaching approach where the open exchange of ideas is prioritised. We bridge the gap between theory and practice through a consistent pedagogical approach that includes:
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Case-Based Learning: We use contemporary, real-world examples to bring complex concepts to life.
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Research-Informed Teaching: Leveraging our staff’s active engagement in applied global research to provide ‘live’ insights.
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Diverse Assessment: Assignments are designed to foster critical thinking, practical application, and alignment with your specific professional goals.
Beyond the classroom
We place the ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ experience at the heart of our work. Recognising that academic success is inextricably linked to physical, mental and psychosocial health, we emphasise holistic wellbeing for ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵs both on and off campus. Our goal is to ensure you thrive personally and professionally, leaving IGHD fully prepared for an ambitious career, further study, and global impact.
