International Health and Tropical Medicine

The course aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the major global health problems in resource-limited settings and their potential solutions; knowledge and skills in research techniques applied in the analysis of global health problems, including quantitative and qualitative research methods, with opportunities for training in additional specialist fields; capacity to critically appraise evidence in global health; skills and practical experience in researching specific health problems in resource-limited contexts.

The first term will consist of core topics on research methods, an overview of some major global health challenges, and topics related to the research and practice of global health. Core modules include:

• Paradigms and Tools for Global Health (including epidemiology, statistics, health economics and social sciences for health)
• Challenges and Change in International Health
• Global Health Research and Practice

Core material will be assessed by two unseen papers in Week 0 of Trinity term.

During the second term, in addition to some continued core content, students select two of the following six module options for further study:

• Vaccinology
• Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health
• Case Studies in Field Epidemiology
• International Development and Health
• Development, Environment and Health
• Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases

All options, except Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, will be assessed by a 3,000 to 4,000 word essay in early April.

Assessment for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases module will require submission of a computer program or a piece of mathematical analysis (both of which are the equivalent of 1,000 words) accompanied by a short report of 2,000 to 3,000 words.

The third term will involve a funded eight-week placement with a global health project in a resource limited setting. Projects represent the range of subjects covered in the course. The department will have a series of projects to choose from each year, hosted by partners in various geographic regions. The research project will form the basis of a 10,000-word dissertation to be submitted eight weeks after return from placement.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Nuffield Department of Medicine 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 Medicine.

MSc students are expected to eventually assume leadership roles in global health - be that in governments, non-governmental organisations and/or academic institutions. A series of career events will be made available throughout the year and skills-building activities integrated in the curriculum to support various trajectories.

An alumni network and virtual learning environment will continue support of MSc graduates beyond their time in Oxford.

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

Clinical Medicine DPhil

All graduate courses offered by the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine

Biomedical Sciences (NIH OxCam) DPhil

Clinical Medicine DPhil

International Health and Tropical Medicine MSc

Oxford 1+1 MBA programme

This course can be studied as a part of the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme. The Oxford 1+1 MBA programme is a unique, two-year graduate experience that combines the depth of a specialised, one-year master’s degree with the breadth of a top-ranking, one-year MBA.

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Entry requirements