MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology
The MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology is a one year full-time course that provides intensive training in epidemiology and statistics to enable students to conduct and interpret research studies in important areas of population health.
The graduate admission cycle for 2022-23 is progressing as planned. The University’s dedicated coronavirus page provides a range of information and advice for applicants and offer holders.
why study in oxford?
This is an exciting time to study global health research in the Nuffield Department of Population Health (NDPH). We conduct large-scale epidemiological studies and clinical trials in China, Mexico, India, Russia, in addition to the UK and other developed countries. These studies provide reliable evidence on the burden and determinants of the major causes of premature death.
If current trends continue, it is estimated that >40 million people worldwide will die prematurely (before age 70 years) in 2030, and over half of those deaths will be due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. In late middle age (50-69 years), NCDs will account for 80% of all deaths. Due to population growth, about three-quarters of these deaths will occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The major causes of NCDs are smoking, blood pressure, alcohol and obesity, which have traditionally been viewed as problems associated with "industrialised" countries, but are now significant public health problems in LMICs. In response to this, an aim of the United Nations 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is “By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment”.
Who is the course FOR?
The Medical Sciences Division at the University of Oxford offers three full time taught degree courses on global/international health. Here are some of the differences in emphasis between them:
MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology
- has a greater focus on 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.
Read what three previous students are doing now