Epidemiology MSc

MSc Epidemiology student in the lab looking at the petri dish, wearing white lab coat
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Epidemiology

Apply statistical and mathematical methods to epidemiological investigations, to inform public health practice.

Explore emerging epidemiological research and develop appreciation of modern biostatistical methods

Understand the application of statistical and mathematical methods to epidemiological investigation and practice

Conduct a four-month research project, supervised by experienced SPH academics, and develop skills for further PhD study or a career in epidemiology

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MSc

  • Duration

    1 year

  • Start date

    September 2025

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £15,500 Home

    • £45,000 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • Hammersmith

    • South Kensington

    • White City

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in mathematics, statistics, medicine (human and veterinary) or biological sciences

View full entry requirements

Course overview

On this Master’s course, you’ll acquire advanced skills in epidemiology and biostatistics and develop knowledge of research methods commonly applied in epidemiology and public health.

You'll examine emerging research to build expertise in core epidemiological and statistical concepts to understand the distribution and causes of diseases in populations and explore possible prevention and control strategies.

You’ll also learn how to use mathematical models to understand the transmission of infections and to evaluate the potential impact of control programmes in reducing morbidity and mortality.

Using these skills, you’ll embark on an extended four-month research project, exploring an area of epidemiological research in further detail, under supervision of academics at Imperial and external research partners.

Epidemiology Accolades

COVID-19 Particle
  • 1st in the UK (Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care) Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, based on the proportion of world-leading research.
  • 3rd in the world Medicine and Dentistry, Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2022.
  • World-class study experience Benefit from close connections with healthcare partners and cross-departmental collaborations.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll take all of the compulsory modules below.

Compulsory modules

You’ll choose up to six optional modules from the list below.

Optional modules

You'll carry out a four-month individual research project under supervision. 

You'll articulate a research question relevant to the fields of epidemiology/ public health and employ a range of data collection and analytical methods to satisfy this question.  

Your work will culminate with a written dissertation and oral examination.

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, tutorials, practicals and group work
  • Independent study
  • Research project

Terms 1 and 2

  • 25% Lectures, tutorials, practicals and group work
  • 75% Independent study
  • 0% Research project

Term 3

  • 0% Lectures, tutorials, practicals and group work
  • 0% Independent study
  • 100% Research project

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • A group of people interacting
    Group work
  • Person completing coursework
    Office hours
  • In-class quiz
    Quizzes
  • Reading and pre-recorded materials
  • Discussion forums
  • Computing-based practicals
  • Independent study

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Practical or presentation
  • Timed written exam

Term 1

  • 60% Coursework
  • 10% Practical or presentation
  • 30% Timed written exam

Term 2

  • 50% Coursework
  • 25% Practical or presentation
  • 25% Timed written exam

Term 3

  • 70% Coursework
  • 30% Practical or presentation
  • 0% Timed written exam

Assessment methods

  • A person completing a written exam
    Timed written examinations
  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Mini research projects
  • Individual and group presentations
  • Video blogs

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Tuition fees

Home fee

£15,500

Overseas fee

£45,000

Scholarships

SPH Masters Scholarship

Who it's for

  • All students who make an application to the School of Public Health.
Find out more

The Dean’s Master’s Scholarships

Value per award

  • £10,000

Who it's for

  • All students applying to study a Faculty of Medicine Master’s programme
Find out more

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Medicine logo in circle

Develop the skills required for an academic career in epidemiology, beginning with a PhD.

Lightbulb above a book

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

This includes careers with public health organisations, pharmaceutical companies and non-governmental agencies.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications