MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology

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.

The MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology is hosted by the Nuffield Department of Population Health. Teaching takes place in the Richard Doll Building at the Old Road Campus in Headington.

Teaching is delivered during the whole of the first two terms. Teaching is delivered through a range of methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, student presentations, self- directed learning and study. You 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.

You will also have access to the weekly seminar held on the Old Road Campus and will be made aware of any other seminars taking place across the Medical Sciences Division. You will be welcome to attend the Medical Sciences Skills Training programmes if you wish.

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

Option modules

During the second term and up to two weeks in the third term, in addition to some continued content of the compulsory modules, you 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 you will also have the option to propose your 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 'master-classes' are 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.

Attendance

Resources to support your study

You will have access to the department's IT support services and the University’s library services, such as the Radcliffe Science Library, the Cairns Library at the John Radcliffe Hospital and the Knowledge Centre based in the Old Road Campus Research Building.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Nuffield Department of Population Health and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Nuffield Department of Population Health.

You will be assigned an academic supervisor who will support you through the duration of the course. You will also have a placement supervisor related to your chosen placement who you will have the opportunity to meet with individually during your placement.

Assessment

During the first two terms there are a series of formative assessments designed to enable teaching staff to monitor student progress. These assessments are compulsory but the marks do not contribute to the final degree. You will be provided with detailed feedback that will improve your learning by helping to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

There are eight summative assessments in total. During the second term a data analysis and report (10%) is submitted. Four global health reports (7.5% each) are submitted by the beginning of the third term.  At the beginning of the third term, there are two written examinations – one on the Principles of Epidemiology and the other on the Principles of Statistics (10% each), comprising multi-component questions. Following submission of all other summative assessments, students will undertake a research placement, leading to a dissertation (40%) to be submitted in August.

Graduate destinations

The MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology prepares students to establish careers in academia (by pursuing doctoral studies), major national and international health organisations, government agencies, or in industry.

College preference

The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology: