Why I chose the MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology and what I enjoyed about it

Hello prospective Master’s in Global Health Science and Epidemiology (MSc GHSE) applicants and students! I was asked to summarise my experience on the course as an alumna without a biomedical background.

My Background

I hold a BA in mathematics with a focus in statistics and a minor in public health from Boston University. During my undergraduate studies, I conducted sleep medicine research and after graduating, spent five years working in local government healthcare in the US, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. I always knew I wanted to train as an epidemiologist, so I applied to several American universities and Oxford in 2021.

Motivation for Applying

I sought a programme that would provide a thorough education in epidemiological methods and biostatistics and enhance my research skills. I wanted to learn emerging standards in the field, along with new technologies and research methods. Here are some things that made the MSc GHSE at Oxford stand out to me:

Smaller, International Class

Oxford offered a smaller class size (20 – 30 students), and previous cohorts demonstrated a diversity of nationalities, professions, and career aspirations. This global perspective, combined with smaller class sizes, was something I knew from experience would contribute to a rich educational environment. Having attended a large undergraduate institution, I knew I wanted a more intimate learning environment where I could easily build relationships with peers and professors.

Comprehensive Modules

Subjects like data science, clinical trials, and meta-analysis were not well-covered in my undergraduate degree, so I was excited to see them offered by this course.

State-of-the-Art Resources and Faculty Support

The programme provides access to a wealth of resources including renowned data sources such as the UK Biobank, China Kadoorie Biobank, Million Women Study, and the Mexico City Prospective Study. Oxford’s faculty are experts in leveraging these resources for cutting-edge epidemiological research, and I was eager to learn from them. Oxford, both as a university and a city, fosters a highly academic environment. With its numerous libraries and almost equally numerous coffee shops, it’s a place designed for focused study, research, and community.

Intensive One-Year Programme

Coming from a fast-paced work environment, I wanted an efficient and rigorous programme. Oxford’s one-year structure forces students to develop excellent time-management skills, prioritise interests, and stay on top of work, which was an attractive challenge for me.

Trinity Term Research Placement

Finally, the programme had a research placement during the final term of the year. I was eager to apply my skills learned on the course through meaningful, publishable research, supervised by leading professionals in the field.

Experience on the Course

I won’t describe course structure here, as the website offers a clear overview of what to expect, but it’s worth noting that the course is incredibly well thought-out and consistent with what is posted. The website also does a great job distinguishing between the MSc programmes offered by the Medical Sciences Division. I highly recommend using this resource when you are applying, since it clearly outlines what the admissions committee look for in a student.

When I visited Oxford after receiving an offer but before accepting my place, the course director personally gave me a tour of the department and patiently answered my questions over tea and cake. This individual attention continued throughout my time in the programme, and it was clear that the faculty truly love what they do and are passionate about sharing their expertise.

The programme was indeed quantitative-heavy and fast-paced, with little time off and overlapping deadlines, requiring strong time management skills. However, it was clear that the lecturers and advisors were genuinely invested in each student’s success. Faculty encourage questions and provide numerous opportunities to ask them ─ during lectures, consolidation sessions (interactive review sessions held every few weeks), tutorials (smaller group sessions with about five students and two to three lecturers), and via email outside class.

The 2022/23 class consisted of around 30 students from 16 different countries, each at varying stages of their careers. The intimate class size encouraged small group learning and deep discussions, which I found invaluable. When analysing or critiquing epidemiological methods, the diverse set of perspectives enhanced the discussions and reinforced the need for international collaboration in global health research.

As a foreign student without a biomedical background, the steepest learning curves were in understanding disease pathology, medical terminology, and clinical data interpretation. Thankfully, courses in epidemiology and biostatistics during my undergraduate years, work experience with electronic health records, and the support of patient course mates helped me manage these challenges.

On the other hand, my background in statistics, coding, and experience with US healthcare systems provided an advantage during the statistics, epidemiology, data science, and health economics courses. This allowed me time to focus on expanding my independent research skills and medical science knowledge. Additionally, the marking was fair, and I never felt penalised for not having a medical background.

Adjusting to the Evolving Academic Environment

Having taken a few years off from academia between undergraduate and graduate studies, I had to adjust to the rapidly evolving study and research tools. For example, when I left undergrad, there were no online lecture recordings, notes were taken almost exclusively on paper, and ChatGPT did not exist. With the shift to digital, I had to update my study habits, learning from peers who had never left academia. While this was a challenge, it shouldn’t deter others from pursuing this degree after a break from academia.

One aspect I appreciated was the programme’s commitment to staying current. The course is continually tweaked to accommodate evolving methods and technology, which is essential for a growing discipline like epidemiology.

Beyond the Course

For students unfamiliar with Oxford’s college system, you can apply or be assigned to a college during the application process. Each college has its own character and history. They offer a dining hall, a 24-hour library, accommodation, extra-curricular clubs and teams, a common room, and a college bar. It’s a great place to meet Oxford students studying other disciplines.

Researching each college that accepts the MSc GHSE course can help when making an informed choice during your application. Key criteria to consider may include scholarship funding, college size, the graduate to undergraduate ratio, food service offerings, location, graduate clubs, and accommodation quality and pricing.

Don’t over extend yourself, but do engage with what Oxford, the department, and your college have to offer. These can provide structure to your day, improve your social life, and create lasting friendships. Taking time for extracurriculars will allow you to step away from studies when needed, so you can return with a fresh perspective.

If you have any concerns ─ whether about visa requirements, college selection, or daily life ─ you may be able to reach out to the department to connect with alumni who share a similar background with you.

Final Thoughts

Be a sponge, ask lots of questions, and enjoy all Oxford has to offer. This programme is short, intense, and requires resilience and stamina. Time management is key, as you’ll need to stay on top of your work and prioritise your interests. However, the rewards are immense, and the experience is both challenging and deeply enriching.

Good luck!