From Zambia to Oxford: Navigating an intense but rewarding year

WHY I APPLIED TO THE MSC GHSE

During medical school, I developed a growing interest in public health, perhaps because the curriculum was heavily focused on clinical work. I often noticed how public health research shaped and informed clinical practice, sparking my curiosity about the field. To explore this further, I pursued a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in Zambia, which focused broadly on health policy and health systems improvement, while also offering an introduction to epidemiology and biostatistics.

This experience left me eager to delve deeper into core epidemiological research and to strengthen my skills in medical statistics and health data analysis. While researching postgraduate programmes at Oxford and other institutions, I became convinced that the MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology (GHSE) was the right fit. In addition to the strong core modules in epidemiology and statistics, I was particularly drawn to elective modules such as ‘Clinical Trials and Meta-analysis’ and ‘Genetic Epidemiology’ ─ both of which aligned with my specific interests.

WHAT I ENJOYED ABOUT THE COURSE

Interactive learning

The course offered numerous opportunities for interactive learning sessions with professors during lectures, catch-up and revision sessions, tutorials and group study sessions. I specifically found the weekly revision sessions that Jennifer Carter delivered particularly useful to consolidate recent teaching in the epidemiology and statistics modules. This was especially a standout for me in contrast to my undergraduate studies where teaching staff were limited and unfortunately not available for several hands-on revision and consolidation sessions.

Small class size

With a class of around 30 students, it was easy to form meaningful friendships and develop close working relationships throughout the intense academic year. Our cohort brought together people with diverse – but interrelated – backgrounds and allowed us to form valuable bonds, learn from each other, as well as tackle group academic projects effectively.

Departmental seminars and masterclasses

I really enjoyed the weekly Richard Doll Seminars, which allowed me to realise the direct application of the methods we learn in the classroom to real-life health challenges. Additionally, the masterclasses offered on the MSc gave us exposure to a wide variety of leading experts from different fields of epidemiology and an opportunity to share a conversation and learn from their experiences.

In fact, I first met my (at the time, to-be) DPhil supervisor when he was delivering a Richard Doll Seminar!

TRINITY TERM / SUMMER MSC PROJECT PLACEMENT

This was the first time I worked solely in an office doing research. It was an unusual time because I had to sort my own routine, regularly report to my two supervisors, and basically ‘do my own work’. I missed having a set routine like the rigorous class schedule on the MSc, which is what I was used to even as an undergraduate.

I had a drastic change in the placement project topic due to unavailability of data, and that made my start to the placement shaky. Nevertheless, it was a good learning period. I regularly asked Dr Stephanie Ross for help with the statistics related to my project and she was always available. The researchers from my unit also gave me their time and support, in addition to my supervisors. Overall, I enjoyed the placement because we had more flexibility during our time, but I must say that it was a different experience which took getting used to it.

I felt this period would have been smoother if I applied for a project that used the well-established datasets within the department, such as UK Biobank, China Kadoorie Biobank, or the Mexico City Prospective Study. Nevertheless, the initial struggle with my MSc project was an eye-opener which allowed me to learn methods which were not taught directly on the course modules but apply these skills anyway.

THOUGHTS FOR STUDENTS APPLYING

If you’re considering this course, I highly recommend it. It’s a rigorous but rewarding year, with exceptional academic and personal development. Take full advantage of the department’s support ─ staff are approachable, encouraging, and always willing to help. Define your research interests early, explore who’s working in those areas, and reach out. Even a short conversation can open up new directions or opportunities. Most importantly, talk to people, your classmates, lecturers, and visiting researchers. Everyone is welcoming, and these connections can make your experience even more enriching. If you like the department and research, consider applying for a DPhil (like I did) or the trainee fellowships which are wonderful opportunities to advance and apply the skills you learnt during the MSc.

Dhruv is currently undertaking his DPhil at the Infectious Diseases Data Observatory.