Master of Science – HPE – Mastercard Foundation Scholars
October 21, 2025 2025-10-22 13:06Master of Science – HPE – Mastercard Foundation Scholars
Master of Science in Health Professions Education Program (MSc-HPE)
Direct Entry Track (for new MSc applicants under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program)
Duration: 18 months (3 semesters)
Credits: 180 credits
Delivery Mode: Blended (Online + in-person)
Overview of the Program
The Master of Science in Health Professions Education (MSc in HPE) is a program that prepares health educators and leaders to design, deliver, and evaluate high-quality, innovative, and equitable health professions programs across Africa. This program description pertains specifically to the pathway fully funded by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the application process on this page is intended for prospective candidates seeking this scholarship.
The program is designed for experienced educators and academic leaders who aim to shape national HPE policy, lead institutions, or contribute to the global education evidence base. This program aims to produce professionals who can navigate the complexities of modern HPE, lead educational programs with confidence, and innovate to improve the quality of education and healthcare outcomes. Graduates of this program are experts in HPE, equipped to lead and innovate in educational settings, contribute to the academic literature, and influence policy and practice at institutional, national, and international levels. They will be equipped with skills to effectively train the next generation of medical professionals and to address the most pressing healthcare challenges.
The program uses a blended model that combines online learning with intensive in-person sessions for hands-on practice, mentorship, and networking. Rooted in equity, excellence, and relevance, the program prepares healthcare professionals to become educators, curriculum leaders, faculty developers, quality assurance champions, and educational researchers. It emphasizes workplace integration, policy engagement, and leadership development, positioning graduates to lead reforms at institutional, national, and regional levels.
Why Study HPE at UGHE?
- Africa’s First Full HPE Pathway: UGHE is the first university in Rwanda and its neighbouring countries to offer a full HPE curriculum.
- Career Advancement: Prepare roles as educators, program directors, deans, clinical faculty, quality assurance experts, and institutional leaders.
- Community of Practice: Join a growing network of educators across the continent working to transform medical and health professions education.
- Designed for Working Professionals: Flexible online learning combined with immersive in-person intensive sessions at UGHE’s campus.
- Expert Faculty & Global Networks: Learn from leading educators at UGHE, and our expert partners from known international institutions.
- Real-World Impact: Blends academic theory with practical change leadership, QA practice, and institutional reform.
- Peer Mentorship and Career Growth: Connect with fellow educators, build regional mentorship networks, and gain access to new leadership pathways.
- Equity and Innovation Embedded: Every module weaves in global health equity, inclusive education, and digital innovation.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: Eligible professionals may qualify for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Link).
Applying directly to the full MSc-HPE track through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:
- You are expected to commit to the entire 18-months program and and are not eligible to exit at postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma levels.
- The only available exit award is the MSc in HPE upon successful program completion.
During the course of this program, students will complete the modules below.
Module Code | Module name | Credits |
HPE9111 | Principles of Curriculum and Course Design | 10 |
HPE9121 | Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods | 10 |
HPE9131 | Assessment in HPE | 20 |
HPE9141 | Clinical teaching | 10 |
HPE9151 | Principles of Global Health Equity | 10 |
HPE9162 | Program Evaluation and Faculty Appraisal | 10 |
HPE9172 | Quality Assurance and Accreditation in HPE | 10 |
HPE9182 | Educational Leadership and Management | 10 |
HPE9192 | Educational Leadership Practicum | 30 |
HPE9211 | Theories of Teaching and Learning | 10 |
HPE9221 | Educational Research and Scholarship | 20 |
HPE9231
HPE9241 | Practicum in HPE OR Thesis in HPE |
30
|
Total Credits | 180 | |
Admissions Information
Applications for the MSc-HPE program are now open. Take note of the Important Dates below for the Admissions Process.
| Date |
Application Opens | 22 October 2025 |
Application Closes | 30 November 2025 @ 11:59 PM CAT |
Admissions Interviews | December 2025 |
Final Decision | January 2025 |
Eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must be 35 or under the year at the time of application (exceptions apply to applicants with disabilities).
- Applicants must be residents and citizens or hold refugee status in an African country.
- Applicants should have matriculated and successfully graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field. Official academic transcript/s and degree certificate should be attached as proof of completion.
- Experience: Professional experience in teaching, supervision, or educational leadership within health-related higher education institutions (or clear evidence of teaching potential for early-career applicants) is preferable.
- Institutional endorsement: A signed and stamped recommendation letter confirming institutional support and dedicated time to attend online and in-person sessions is required from any applicant who is currently employed.
- A candidate who already holds a master’s degree is not eligible to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
How to Apply
- Fill in the online application, which includes an application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, entering the required personal, academic, demographic information and the required information for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
- Upload all supporting documents (Passport, National ID or Refugee ID, academic transcript/s, and degree certificate, employer recommendation letter – if applicable).
Applicants should submit a single, fully completed application. Incomplete submissions or multiple applications will not be considered.
Who We Are Looking For
We seek talented and committed young Africans who are eager to make a lasting impact, particularly:
- Young women
- Refugees and displaced persons
- Persons with disabilities
Disclaimer
The University of Global Health Equity and the Mastercard Foundation do not charge fees to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The public is cautioned to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities to local law enforcement. Please notify the University of Global Health Equity of fraudulent activity by contacting us at mfsp@ughe.org.
Contacts
For any application process-related challenges, please send your inquiries to mfsp@ughe.org and admissions@ughe.org.
To learn more about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, visit this link.
