Epidemiology
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Epidemiology

Explore emerging epidemiological research and build your appreciation of modern biostatistical methods.

Explore emerging epidemiological research and build your appreciation of modern biostatistical methods

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

Carry out a four-month research project and develop your skills for further PhD study or a career in public health

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MSc

  • Duration

    1 year

  • Start date

    October 2023

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £14,050 Home

    • £40,800 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • St Mary's

Minimum entry standard 2023

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

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Acquire advanced skills in epidemiology and biostatistics on this Master's course.

You'll study the distribution and causes of diseases in populations and explore possible prevention and control strategies.

The course will build your core knowledge of research methods commonly applied in epidemiology and major disease studies. You'll apply these techniques to a variety of challenging epidemiological and biomedical problems.

You'll also examine emerging research and build expertise in core epidemiological and statistical concepts before embarking on an extended research project.

The four-month project allows you to explore an area of epidemiological research in further detail and is carried out under supervision at Imperial or with external research partners.

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.

You’ll take all of the core modules below.

Core modules

You’ll choose 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

  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Computing-based practicals
  • Research project
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • A group of people interacting
    Group work
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Seminars and practicals

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

  • Articles and case study reviews
  • Computer-based tests
  • Essays
  • Individual and group presentations
  • In-class quiz
    MCQs and online quizzes
  • Mini research project
  • Reports and paper reviews
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

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

2023 entry

£14,050

Overseas fee

2023 entry

£40,800

Your future 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