Medical student research projects

Key research areas include the study of chronic diseases, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and infectious diseases, as well as the impact of environmental, behavioural, and genetic factors on health outcomes. We use large-scale cohort studies, big data analysis, and innovative methodologies to better understand population health and inform policy decisions. Find out more about our research.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS  

By choosing a Final Honours School (FHS) or Academic Special Interest Project (ASIP) in Oxford Population Health, medical students can engage in innovative and impactful research addressing critical public health challenges. We support both standard-entry and graduate-entry medical students and offer a rich environment to develop research skills with the support of experienced investigators.  

Final honours school (FHS) research projects 

All undergraduate medical and biomedical science students participate in the FHS. This includes a research project on a topic of their interest. Students are responsible for identifying a supervisor and agreeing a topic for research. Project topics must be submitted to the medical school by week 8 of Hilary term for approval. 

• Research can be carried out individually or in collaboration with others.  
• Data collection or analysis is expected to take eight weeks full-time or 16 weeks part-time.  
• Students should arrange the timings of the research with their supervisor.  
• Research projects usually start between Trinity term in the second year and Michaelmas term in the third year. 
• A project report must be submitted at the end of Hilary term (Year 3) and is assessed through a 4,500-word research report and viva voce examination.  

During the first and second year of the graduate entry medical degree, all students pursue their own choice of academic interest. Academic Special Interest Projects involve a literature review in Year 1 and related research project in Year 2. Students have protected time to work on their academic special interest during Hilary term of Year 1 and towards the end of Year 2. Students are responsible for identifying a supervisor and agreeing a topic for research. Project topics must be approved by the medical school during Hilary term.

• The literature review should address a specific title and be a concise review of relevant primary research. The word limit is 3,000 words, excluding the cover page, abstract, tables and figure legends. It should be submitted by Trinity term of the first year.  
• The research project is assessed by a 400-word abstract and 20-minute oral presentation to peers and examiners. The research project assessment deadline is in Trinity term of the second year.