Epidemiology
Apply statistical and mathematical methods to investigate risk, control and prevention of infectious and chronic diseases.
Explore emerging epidemiological research and develop appreciation of modern biostatistical methods
Understand the application of statistical and mathematical methods to epidemiological investigation and practice, to inform public health 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 2026
Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£16,300 Home
£47,300 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
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Hammersmith
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White City
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Minimum entry standard
2:1 in mathematics, statistics, medicine (human and veterinary) or biological sciences
Course overview
On this Master’s course, you’ll acquire advanced skills in epidemiology and biostatistics and develop knowledge of quantitative and mixed research methods.
You'll examine emerging research to build expertise in core epidemiological and statistical concepts to understand the distribution and causes of infectious and chronic diseases in populations and explore possible prevention and control strategies.
You’ll learn how to use mathematical models to understand the transmission of neglected and novel infections and evaluate the potential impact of control programmes in reducing morbidity and mortality.
You’ll also develop an understanding of concepts and modelling techniques that apply to molecular, genetic and nutritional epidemiology, as well as to environmental exposures and health outcomes changing in space and time.
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 the School of Public Health and external research partners.
Epidemiology Accolades
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1st in the UK (Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care) Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, based on the proportion of world-leading research.
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4th in the world Clinical and Health Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
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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
Develop the knowledge and skills required to conduct and interpret statistical analyses of epidemiological and health data.
Learn about types of data, study designs, and statistical tools suitable for applied research and practice.
Explore core concepts of epidemiology and acquire the skills necessary to describe, analyse, interpret and appraise epidemiological studies.
Discover key theoretical concepts and techniques from fields such as philosophy, social sciences, epidemiology and statistics, discussed in the context of practical and ethical considerations to be made at each step of designing, planning, conducting and publishing quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research.
Learn how to mathematically model infectious diseases, simulate the model using a computer, and analyse it.
Develop a research question, design and program a model to address it, analyse the results from the model, and understand how models influence public health policy
You’ll choose up to six optional modules from the list below.
Optional modules
Learn about the main theoretical concepts of the Bayesian approach to probability and inference and how they inform statistical modelling and interpretation. Acquire practical skills to manipulate, effectively visualize and model spatially- and temporally-related data, and critically interpret and discuss the results from analyses.
Interpret key evidence generated by modern infectious disease modelling methods that appear in non-specialist journals.
Design, execute and interpret results from streamlined versions of those same models.
Select the best model to address a given public health question.
Learn techniques required to calibrate mathematical models and make the best use of evolving infectious disease outbreak data, and their relevance for real-time evidence-based public health decision-making.
Explore the ecological context of infectious disease emergence and transmission.
Become familiar with the principles of advanced regression for high-dimensional data and apply these techniques on real data problems.
Develop skills to appraise public health strategies, control programmes, and surveillance systems for both emerging and neglected tropical diseases.
Understand the theoretical concepts and the practical methodology used in the genetic epidemiology of infectious pathogens, using recent real-life infectious disease epidemiology case studies.
Learn why and when an environmental epidemiology study is necessary and useful, and how to evaluate effects of short- and long-term exposures.
Learn the fundamentals of eating behaviour and nutrition surveillance, and apply nutritional epidemiological methods that are commonly used to guide the development of public health interventions and public health policy.
Uncover the main types of study designs used in molecular and genetic epidemiologic investigations and identify potential sources of bias and the methods used to limit them.
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
This is a general guide to how teaching and learning are usually balanced across this course. The methods used may change based on the modules you take.
Key
- Lectures, tutorials, practicals and group work
- Independent study
- Research project
Terms 1 and 2
- 25% Title 1 goes here
- 75% Title 2 goes here
Term 3
- 0% Title 1 goes here
- 100% Title 3 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Virtual learning environment
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Tutorials
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Seminars
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Workshops
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Group work
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Office hours
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Quizzes
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Reading and pre-recorded materials
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Discussion forums
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Computing-based practicals
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Independent study
Balance of assessment
This is an example of how assessments are usually divided, based on a typical pathway through the course. The actual breakdown may vary depending on the modules you choose.
Key
- Coursework
- Practical or presentation
- Timed written exam
Term 1
- 30% Title 1 goes here
- 10% Title 2 goes here
- 60% Title 3 goes here
Term 2
- 50% Title 1 goes here
- 25% Title 2 goes here
- 25% Title 3 goes here
Term 3
- 70% Title 1 goes here
- 30% Title 2 goes here
Assessment methods
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Timed written examinations
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Coursework
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Mini research projects
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Individual and group presentations
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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.
There is no application fee for Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are applying for a Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
The application fees for postgraduate courses are:
- £90 for all Master's applications, excluding those to Imperial Business School
- £125 for MSc applications to Imperial Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to Imperial Business School
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Fees and funding
Home fee - Standard SPH courses (Epidem, Public Health MPH, Health Data)
2026 entry
£16,300
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- The loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start.
- If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Overseas fee - Standard SPH courses (Epidem, Public Health MPH, Health Data)
2026 entry
£47,300
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- The loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start.
- If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Scholarships
View all scholarshipsSchool of Public Health Master's Scholarships
Value per award
- Full tuition fee bursary for selected on-campus and online Master's programmes.
Who it's for
- Prospective students
The Lord Robert May Scholarship
Value per award
- Full tuition fees and a stipend of £22,041
Who it's for
- Prospective students
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Develop the skills required for an academic career in epidemiology, beginning with a PhD.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
This includes careers with public health organisations, pharmaceutical companies and non-governmental agencies.
Further links
Contact the department
Course Directors: Professor Marta Blangiardo
Course Organiser: Dr Sungano Chigogora
Visit the School of Public Health website.
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Register your interest
Stay up to date on news, events, scholarship opportunities and information related to this course.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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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.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications