The course of study for the MPhil consists of an intensive programme of eleven taught modules and a dissertation. All students take five core modules, attending up to 24 hours of class over 4 days each week in term 1. Candidates then follow a pathway of six additional modules in pursuit of one of the named specialisation themes (Epidemiology, Global Health, Health Data Science, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, Primary Care Research), or select freely from the full list of additional modules (although their choice may be constrained by dependencies, pre-requisites and timetabling). Student-selected modules typically involve 24 hours of class time on 4 days spread over 2 to 4 weeks. Students also begin work on their dissertations during term 2, increasing focus on the dissertations in term 3.

The following sections include details of likely modules, but please be aware that the list of core and additional modules is not announced by the Degree Committee until nearer the start of the course. Not all of the modules below will necessarily be offered in any one year, although this list is indicative of what students can expect. Detailed outlines of all modules offered each year will be published in the course handbook. Any module selected by three or fewer students in any particular cohort may be withdrawn for that year. 

Core Modules

Candidates choose either Principles of Biostatistics or Statistics for Health Data Science, and also take Principles of Epidemiology, Conducting Research using R, Principles of Public Health, and Research Skills. These core modules provide an essential foundation for the study of population health sciences. 

Specialisation Themes

In addition to five core modules, each candidate pursues a pathway of at least six student-selected modules in pursuit of one of the named themes, or selects freely from the full list of modules (although choices may be constrained by dependencies, pre-requisites and timetabling). Each theme has its own aims and learning outcomes, in addition to the overall course objectives, and offers a selection of specialised modules relevant to advanced practice in that discipline.