Global Health Science and Epidemiology at University of Oxford - UCAS

University of Oxford

Degree level: Postgraduate

Global Health Science and Epidemiology (Taught)

Course summary

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (October/November 2022). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas. The MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology is a one-year, full-time course that provides intensive training in epidemiology and statistics to enable students to conduct and interpret research studies in important areas of population health. This course is taking part in a continuing pilot programme to improve the selection procedure for graduate applications, in order to ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly. For this course, the socio-economic data you provide in the application form will be used to contextualise the shortlisting and decision-making processes. The MSc is designed for students who would like to develop knowledge and skills to understand the global burden and major determinants of disease through the application of epidemiology and quantitative research methods. It provides opportunities for students to develop and enhance their critical appraisal and epidemiological research skills and prepares students for a major piece of population health research in a world-class environment. The course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to:

  • understand the global burden and major determinants of disease;
  • describe and discuss the role and contribution of epidemiology to health;
  • critically appraise, analyse and interpret epidemiological studies;
  • select, devise and develop appropriate study designs for epidemiological research; and
  • conduct appropriate statistical analyses of epidemiological and health-related data.
Teaching is delivered during the whole of the first two terms and for up to two weeks in the third term. Teaching is delivered through a range of methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, student presentations, self- directed learning and study. Students will receive 15-20 hours of supported learning per week, and will be expected to undertake 20-25 hours of self-directed learning per week. Course Structure Core Modules The first term will consist of an overview of the global burden of disease and the fundamental concepts and considerations in research methods and practice related to population health:
  • Introduction to Global Health Science
  • Principles of Epidemiology
  • Principles of Statistics
  • International Research Ethics
Options During the second term and up to two weeks in the third term, in addition to some continued content of the compulsory modules, students will select four of the following eight module options for further study:
  • Clinical Trials and Meta-analysis
  • Communicable Disease Epidemiology
  • Genetic Epidemiology
  • Health Economics
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Non-communicable Diseases
  • Nutritional Epidemiology
  • Principles and Applications of Data Science
Placement Project and Dissertation The third term will involve a 12-week research placement with a project representing the range of subjects covered in the course. The department will have a series of projects to choose from each year, hosted by academics within and outside the department but students can also propose their own project. The research project will form the basis of a 10,000-word dissertation to be submitted in mid-August. Masterclasses A series of regular 'master-classes' is scheduled in which internationally-recognised senior scientists in population health from Oxford, and elsewhere, will give seminars on selected topics. These sessions will be outside of the structure of the core modules, and are intended to provide the students with stimulating materials to integrate population health thinking and perspectives.


Entry requirements

For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please see the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

For complete and up-to-date information about fees and funding for this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
Global Health Science and Epidemiology at University of Oxford - UCAS