MSc in Epidemiology

At a glance...

Course code: A3BF

Duration: 1 year full-time 

Start date: October

Entry requirements: Upper second class Honours degree or overseas equivalent. Suitable candidates will have a background in mathematics or statistics, medicine (human and veterinary) or biological sciences. English language requirement IELTS overall score 7 or equivalent.

Location: St Mary’s Hospital campus

Course Fees: Home and European Union students: £9,000.00, Overseas students: £28,500.00

Organising Division: School of Public Health

Organising departments: Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Primary Care and Public Health

Course director: Professor Elio Riboli (e.riboli@imperial.ac.uk)

Course enquiries: Miss Jo Chaffin (j.chaffin@imperial.ac.uk)

Note: students will register for the degree under the umbrella title of MSc in Epidemiology.

How to apply

• Apply online or email pgmedreg@imperial.ac.uk

We offer a thorough grounding in epidemiological research. You gain a unique insight into the theory and methods developed for the epidemiological study and control of both chronic and infectious disease.  The course will provide you with opportunities to apply research techniques to a variety of challenging epidemiological and biomedical problems.

Students taking the MSc in Epidemiology will follow a common core pathway in Term 1 that covers epidemiological study design; biostatistical methods in epidemiology, genetic epidemiology and the epidemiology, evolution and control of infectious disease.  Some core modules studied in the first term are shared with the Master of Public Health (MPH)  programme

You may elect to study for the broader title of MSc in Epidemiology or take the opportunity to specialise by choosing to follow one of three pathways during Term 2:

Statistics (led by Professor Nicky Best)

• Develop expertise in regression techniques, multilevel modelling, Bayesian statistical modelling and spatial analysis.
• Learn about a range of biostatics topics and develop skills in analysing data using R or Winbugs.
• Opt for the title of MSc in Epidemiology (Statistics).

Environmental and Chronic Disease Epidemiology (led by Professor Paul Elliott)

• Develop expertise relevant to studies that use modern, multidisciplinary approaches to measure environmental factors, diet and lifestyle.  
• Learn how novel approaches such as lifecourse, molecular and genetic epidemiology may improve our understanding of health and chronic disease, and how that relates to risk assessment and health policies globally and nationally. 
• Opt for the title of MSc in Epidemiology (Environmental and Chronic Disease).

Infectious Disease Epidemiology (led by Professor Nicholas Grassly)

• Develop expertise in infectious disease epidemiology with a particular focus on mathematical modelling and statistical analysis of data.
• Choose from modules on vector-borne diseases, evolution and genetics on infections, the dynamics of childhood infections and immunisation and outbreak investigation.
• Opt for the title of MSc in Epidemiology (Infectious Disease).

In Term 2 various module options are offered.  Please note;  if the number of students choosing to study a given module is insufficient then the module may not run or it may be offered in a different format.

Objectives

This programme aims to:

• provide graduate students from a range of backgrounds with the quantitative skills required for research in modern epidemiology;
• broaden the knowledge base of existing clinicians and scientists in related disciplines who wish to acquire and “update” their skills in the application of research methods to epidemiology and biostatistics;
• provide students with the knowledge and skills to design and conduct epidemiological studies, and to interpret, analyse and present resulting data.
• promote scientific debate and critical appraisal skills;
• promote the use of an interdisciplinary (mathematical, biological, medical and statistical) approach to the problems of communicable and non-communicable disease control;
• develop expertise in the acquisition of knowledge about biological, economic, and social factors which influence health and exposure to disease;
• offer the opportunity to develop specific interest and expertise in one of the following specialist areas: biostatistics or environmental and chronic disease epidemiology or infectious disease epidemiology.

 Links with employers 

Imperial College works closely with employers and industry, including Industrial Advisory Panels to design Master’s courses which provide graduates with technical knowledge, expertise and transferable skills and to encourage students to take internships and placements. All Master’s courses are designed with employer needs in mind with some Master’s courses accredited by Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies. Most Master’s courses offer an opportunity to carry out research projects in industry.