Shape the future of population health with our programmes
Oxford Population Health (the Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford) is a global pioneer and leader in population health science. We lead human health forward by identifying the most important questions, developing innovative ways to answer them, and making sure that the answers improve lives. Our programmes equip students with the knowledge and skills to tackle complex health challenges and improve health outcomes worldwide.
Our MSc courses include dedicated modules showing how epidemiological research can be applied across non-communicable diseases, communicable diseases, and maternal and child health, providing a strong foundation for doctoral studies in population health. Our DPhil offers students the opportunity to work closely with world-leading researchers, developing in-depth knowledge of their chosen population health project in preparation for a research career.
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds, including medical practice, epidemiology, statistics, health services research, public health, economics, and ethics. This breadth of perspective is what defines population health science.
MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology
A one-year, full-time taught programme that equips students to design, analyse and interpret research studies to improve population health worldwide.
Applications for entry in October 2027 opened on 16 September and close at noon on 1 December 2026.
MPH in Public Health Research
A one‑year, full‑time in‑person programme providing intensive training to design, conduct and apply robust public health research to improve population health.
Applications for entry in October 2027 opened on 16 September and close at noon on 1 December 2026.
MSc in Clinical Trials
A two-year, part-time distance-learning master’s course designed to train professionals in the design, conduct and analysis of large-scale clinical trials.
Applications for entry in October 2027 opened on 16 September and close at noon on 6 January 2027.
DPhil in Population Health
A three-year (full-time) or six-year (part-time) research degree in close collaboration with world-leading researchers to advance population health.
Applications for entry in October 2027 opened on 16 September and close at noon on 1 December 2026.
BHF four-year studentships in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
A four‑year programme co‑led by the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh, and Imperial College London, as part of a British Heart Foundation doctoral training initiative using data‑driven approaches to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Applications for entry in October 2027 opened on 16 September and close at noon on 1 December 2026.
Hear from our leaders and students
Inside the DPhil: A leadership perspective
Why Oxford Population Health? Data and mentorship
Why return to Oxford Population Health?
Short courses
We offer short courses to build practical skills in epidemiology, statistics, health economics, and research methods for real-world impact:
Practical Statistics for Epidemiology using R
Medical student research projects
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
FHS projects provide Oxford medical and biomedical science students the opportunity to undertake supervised public health research, developing analytical and methodological skills under the guidance of experienced investigators. Students are encouraged to select projects that reflect their academic and research interests.
ACADEMIC SPECIAL INTEREST PROJECTS (ASIP)
ASIP provide graduate‑entry medical students the opportunity to explore their academic interests through a Year 1 literature review and a related Year 2 research project, undertaken under close supervisor guidance during Hilary term.
PUBLIC HEALTH: SPECIAL STUDY MODULE (SSM)
SSM placements provide senior medical students opportunities to gain practical experience in public health through short‑term projects. Opportunities include working with Oxfordshire County Council’s public health team to explore policy, research, and community health initiatives.