Global Health Science and Epidemiology

At the end of the course, students should have the knowledge and skills required 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. The curriculum comprises thirteen compulsory modules of varying length and intensity across three terms:

• Introduction to Global Health Science
• Principles of Epidemiology
• Principles of Statistics
• Non-communicable Diseases
• Communicable Diseases
• Maternal and Child Health
• Health Economics
• Clinical Trials and Meta-analysis
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Implementation Strategies
• Genetic Epidemiology
• Record Linkage and Bioinformatics
• International Research Ethics

In addition, 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.

Skills training sessions including presentation and academic writing skills and journal clubs will be provided to supplement the core curriculum.

The teaching is delivered through a range of methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, student presentations, self-directed learning and study.

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. All students are provided with detailed feedback that will enable them to improve their learning by helping them identify their strengths and weaknesses.

There are five summative assessments in total. At the end of the Easter break a data set analysis and report (10%), and an extended essay (10%) are submitted. At the beginning of the third term, there are two examinations involving two written papers comprising multi-component questions (20% each). Following the written examinations students will undertake a research placement, leading to a dissertation (40%).

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.

A large proportion of MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology graduates progress to DPhil studies.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the Medical Sciences Graduate School website to help them identify the most suitable course and supervisors.

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

Courses suggested by the department

Population Health DPhil
International Health and Tropical Medicine MSc
Evidence-Based Health Care MSc
Health Data Science (EPSRC CDT)

All graduate courses offered by the Nuffield Department of Population Health

Clinical Trials MSc

Global Health Science and Epidemiology MSc

Population Health DPhil

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Entry requirements