MSc Epidemiology

Studying our MSc in Epidemiology, you’ll be equipped with a toolbox to help you investigate both infectious and non-communicable diseases. You’ll learn how to design studies, apply statistical analysis methods, and interpret results. By the end of the course, you will be able to make valuable contributions to medical research and public health worldwide.

What you will learn

• Understand the role of epidemiology and its contribution to other health-related disciplines
• Learn how to choose appropriate designs and develop detailed protocols for epidemiological studies
• Discover how to manage clinical health data, carry out appropriate statistical analysis, and rigorously assess results of studies
• Investigate the causes of specific health conditions and predict future disease patterns
• How to interpret and understand research findings in a broader policy context

The aims and learning outcomes are detailed in the programme specification.

You’ll be taught by research-active staff with a very broad range of expertise – from infectious disease outbreaks to cancer survival. Not only will you interact with closely and learn from practising epidemiologists, you’ll also benefit from our links with industry and organisations such as the World Health Organization and UK Health Security Agency.

You will experience lectures followed by Q&A and practical sessions – giving you the opportunity to immediately put theory into practice.

To support your growth in the areas that interest you, you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules. You’ll also complete a research project on a relevant topic of your choice – which could involve analysing data, conducting a systematic review, or developing a study protocol. There are research prizes available too!

Who is it for?

Students come from a diverse range of backgrounds, both geographically and experientially. You could be a medic, a graduate of life sciences or mathematics, or from a completely different background – with relevant work experience – looking for a change in career.

The course is ideal if you have a genuine passion for studying the causes of diseases, adverse health effects or the effectiveness of health interventions. You’ll need an interest in studying alongside others with a broad range of global experiences, and a good level of mathematical competence at A Level standard or above.

You could progress onto medical research, academic medicine, public health, epidemiological field work, or drug development. Based in government, industry, universities or NGOs. The choice is yours.

Duration

One year full time; part-time or split-study over two years.