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. Students typically follow a set of four or five modules from within their own theme, and then select one or two further modules.
Note that the list of modules and their outlines within each theme are indicative and subject to change; detailed outlines of all modules offered each year will be published on the course virtual learning environment during the first term of the course to assist with selection of modules.
Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and the application of this study to the control of diseases and other health problems. The Epidemiology theme aims to provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of epidemiological principles and procedures, and their application to health and human population-based research, including training in critical appraisal, study design, protocol development and statistical analysis of epidemiological data.
Global Health
Global health is characterised by placing health as an intrinsic social goal, and by aiming to justly and equitably generate health within and across populations. It consists of the international, transdisciplinary, and inter-sectoral research, knowledge, and policies for understanding health determinants and improving population health from a local to a planetary scale. It is an endeavour that requires the fostering of cross-country learning networks and communities of practice, including through building supportive institutions. The Global Health theme will provide students with the knowledge and analytical skills to understand global drivers of ill-health and inequity, and will enable them to contribute to sustainably improving health and reducing inequality worldwide. Students will be equipped to participate actively in the development of global health itself, while encouraging boundary-spanning practices.
Health Data Science
Health Data Science (HDS) is a discipline that combines mathematics, statistics and computing to answer questions in the biomedical sciences by the analysis of data. The Health Data Science theme aims to provide training in biostatistics, epidemiology, machine learning and health informatics, to equip students with the quantitative knowledge and skills for a career in health data science. The course offers a strong academic grounding in current and emerging knowledge and methods, and practical experience of analysing biomedical datasets.
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases are essential to a full understanding of population health. The Infectious Disease theme aims to explore infectious disease epidemiology, infectious disease dynamics, models to approximate these dynamics, the use of genomic sequencing to investigate outbreaks and trends in both local and global diseases, and the use of appropriate tools to design and evaluate key control interventions. Through practical examples of endemic and epidemic infections, students will gain the knowledge and skills to understand how and why microbes might spread, and how best to control them, and will thus be prepared for a wide variety of careers in communicable disease control and prevention.
Primary Care Research
Primary Care Research is a discipline that provides evidence to support the essential components of primary care services, which provide the first point of contact in the healthcare system. The Primary Care Research theme aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge and skills as well as practical research experience to launch an academic career in primary care research.
Public Health
Public Health is the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts of society. The Public Health theme aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and applied skills to launch a career in public health service, research, policy or advocacy.