MPH in Public Health Research

The MPH in Public Health Research will provide students with a thorough understanding of the theoretical underpinning of public health research, with training in the skills required to undertake and implement the findings of public health research to achieve improved population health outcomes.

After completing the MPH in Public Health Research, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of and critically evaluate theories, concepts and principles relevant to interdisciplinary public health research
• Design and conduct research studies employing quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods and analyse and interpret their findings to characterise, evaluate and prioritise public health challenges and strategies for addressing these
• Identify, critically appraise and synthesise population health evidence through systematic and rapid approaches to inform improvements in population health
• Apply and adapt strategies for implementing evidence-based population health guidance
• Communicate, both orally and in writing, and disseminate ideas, research plans and outputs effectively, and engage diverse audiences
• Display and model ethical and collaborative practice in complex settings.

The MPH in Public Health Research is completed over three terms. It comprises eight compulsory taught modules, delivered throughout the first two terms, and a research placement.

The first term consists of foundational learning in public health and core public health research methods, approaches, knowledge and skills. During this term, modules cover topics such as epidemiology and demography, qualitative and mixed methods, statistics and foundational knowledge of public health.

During the second term this learning is consolidated and applied to core areas of public health research and practice, including, for example, evidence review and synthesis, economic evaluation, research methods and design, and trials for public health.

A public health research ethics theme running throughout the course provides an understanding of key ethical principles guiding public health and public health research.

The third term is when students undertake the supervised research placement. This placement takes place between April to September and leads to a dissertation in the form of a draft publication appropriate for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. The purpose of the placement is to deepen understanding of the concepts and skills learnt during the first two terms of the course, providing an opportunity for students to apply their learning to undertake a piece of empirical research related to public health. It is expected that the majority of students will complete their placements in the UK (usually within University of Oxford). A small number of placements may be available for partnerships between the University and public health organisations in the UK or abroad.

Teaching team

A core group of senior academics are committed to the delivery and oversight of the programme:

• Associate Professor Fiona Bragg, Course Director
• Dr Charli Colegate, Associate Course Director
• Professor Sarah Lewington, Director of (Taught) Graduate Studies

Teaching methods and contact time

Teaching is delivered during the first two terms (October to March). The course will be delivered through a range of methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, student presentations and self-directed learning. Each of the modules will be delivered in the form of a series of in-person lectures, with accompanying practical or tutorial sessions involving applying concepts and methods learned during the lectures. In addition to the core modules, a number of Masterclasses are organised throughout the course.

It is generally expected that students will spend on average 35-40 hours a week on study: each week will typically include 15-20 hours of contact time within the department and 20-25 hours of self-directed study. 

Teaching location

All teaching for the MPH in Public Health Research takes place on the Old Road Campus in Headington. This is approximately two miles from Oxford City Centre. Please consider this when looking for suitable accommodation and contact the Graduate Studies Office if you require further information.

Induction

The department provides a comprehensive induction for all new students in early October. This runs in parallel with induction events organised by colleges and the Medical Sciences Division. The programme of induction is designed to enable students to begin their studies with an understanding of the academic and social environment in which they will be working.

Supervision

All MPH students are allocated an academic supervisor at the beginning of the course. Supervisors provide support and guidance and monitor their students’ progress in relation to academic and practical skill development to fulfil the requirements of the MPH. Academic supervisors mainly act as a point of contact to discuss practical issues or questions regarding the programme, such as choice of research project, or as a first-line sympathetic ear for pastoral challenges. Students are expected to meet their supervisor at least once per term. 

During the research placement all students are allocated an additional placement supervisor who is their first point of contact throughout the placement. Placement supervisors provide advice to the students on the conduct of their research activities and how these might inform their dissertation, including but not limited to: advice on reading materials, methodology, approach and the structure of the dissertation.

Department pastoral support

In addition to pastoral support provided by individual university colleges, the department is committed to supporting graduate students throughout their studies. The academic supervisor is the first point of contact and the course director may also offer advice and support where there is a difference of opinion between two parties. The welfare contact can also help with signposting students towards suitable support and contacts.

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

There are eight summative assessments in total. These are designed to be authentic, and may include examinations, essays and group exercises. Following submission of all other summative assessments, students undertake a research placement. This forms the basis of a dissertation which is submitted in the Long Vacation and a subsequent dissertation viva. Summative assessment marks contribute to the final degree.

The Medical Sciences Division at the University of Oxford offers five full-time taught degree courses on related topic areas, including courses focused on global or international health, public health and health systems. Here are some of the differences in emphasis between them:

MPH Public Health Research

• Has a strong methodological focus on public health research, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods, epidemiology, evidence synthesis, health economics and trials
• Provides foundational understanding of public health and training in the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to design, undertake and implement research across diverse aspects of public health

MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology

• Has a strong focus on quantitative research methods and the application of epidemiology in population health to generate reliable evidence on the burden and determinants of the major causes of premature death
• Provides training to conduct appropriate statistical analysis in large-scale epidemiological research

MSc Modelling for Global Health

• Has a greater focus on mathematical modelling, scientific programming and global health financing
• Offers a range of techniques and tools for communication with key stakeholders from policy, implementation, commercial and research sectors

MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine

• Has a greater focus on examining major challenges to the health of populations in resource-limited contexts
• Provides training in analysis of global health problems, including quantitative and qualitative research methods, health policy, systems research and public health

MSc Health Service Improvement and Evaluation

• Has a greater focus on health systems approaches to service improvement and evaluation
• Provides knowledge and practical skills to understand complex systems, design, plan and implement improvements, and evaluate programmes to inform decision-making

2027 entry application deadline

Applications for entry in October 2027 open on Wednesday 16  September and close at noon on Tuesday 1 December 2026. All applications completed by the deadline will automatically be considered for various sources of University funding. Applications completed after the deadline unfortunately cannot be considered.

You should apply via the Graduate Admissions and Funding webpage.

This course is subject to final approval by the University of Oxford.

entry requirements for admission 

Full details of the entry requirements for admission to the MPH are available on the Graduate Admissions and Funding webpage for this course.

application tips

• We advise you to refer to the application guide before making an application.

• Make your statement of purpose specific and relevant to this MSc, and ensure you clearly follow the structure specified on the Graduate Admissions and Funding webpage

• You can read advice on writing a personal statement and an academic CV on the University's How to Guide.

What happens after I apply?

We anticipate receiving a high volume of applications for the MPH in Public Health Research.

All applications are carefully considered by an admissions panel comprised of at least two members of the academic team.

The University provides an outline of the process for the admissions decisions for your information.

COLLEGIATE UNIVERSITY

When you receive an offer from the department your application will be considered for a place at a college. You can state a college preference on your application form or, if you have no preference, you will assigned to a college. Details of the colleges that accept students on to the MPH in Public Health Research can be found on the colleges page of the Graduate Admission and Funding website.

The Oxford collegiate system enables leading academics and students across subjects and year groups, and from different cultures and countries, to come together to share ideas. Belonging to an Oxford college provides students with the chance to participate in a lively intellectual community and access a variety of social activities.

College social events include dinners, banquets and balls. Students have access to their college grounds, libraries, computer rooms and in some cases punts and bars. All colleges have a variety of sports clubs and societies and students can contribute to decision-making of the college by becoming a member of various committees.

disability

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments and addressing any individual support requirements for applicants with disabilities. You can find information about the facilities and support available to students from the Disability Advisory Service.