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MSc Epidemiology
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Get ready to contribute to medical research and public health, developing the knowledge and epidemiological skills you need to understand global health problems. Learn to apply epidemiological methods to investigate the causes and distribution of disease and health outcomes, and evaluate treatment and prevention interventions.
Key features
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A mark of excellence
Benefit from a degree developed by world-leading academic staff at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), an institution at the forefront of global health for over 120 years from pioneering work on vaccines to making the first link between smoking and lung cancer.
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Your launchpad to success
Gain the conceptual knowledge and practical tools in epidemiology that you need to prepare for a career in medical research, public health practice, healthcare evaluation or disease control in governmental, NGOs or donor institutions. Or stand out from the crowd in a range of careers from medical journalism to industry.
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Study online anywhere in the world
Fit your studies around your commitments and pursue an internationally recognised degree without putting your life on hold. Continue to build your career momentum while gaining the knowledge and skills to unlock future opportunities. Benefit from comprehensive study materials written specifically for the programme by leading experts.
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Unlock a wealth of study resources
Access interactive computer sessions, study guides, readings from the online library and statistical software (Stata), past examination papers and more via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Receive personalised assignment feedback, tutorial support and discuss course material with other students through the online discussion forums.
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Join our global alumni community
Enjoy lifelong ties to the University of London and your peers and unlock wide-ranging benefits including global events and free online courses. As a University of London alumnus, you'll join a distinguished list of graduates in 190 countries from Nobel prize-winners to leaders in law, finance, humanities and other fields.
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An internationally recognised degree
Earn a degree that is highly valued across the globe and will help you pursue sought-after careers in health-related fields. The University of London has been a trusted provider of distance and flexible learning for over 160 years and is a reputable name to attach to your qualification.
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Course overview
The programme is available to be studied as a full master’s degree, a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).
You complete nine modules for the MSc:
Four compulsory core modules plus two additional compulsory modules, three elective modules, a project report, and a final additional examination paper.
You complete eight modules for the PGDip:
Four compulsory core modules, two additional compulsory modules and two elective modules.
You complete four modules for the PGCert:
Four compulsory core modules.
Modules can be studied individually on a stand-alone basis, subject to availability.
The Programme Specification and Programme Regulations contain information and rules regarding what modules you can choose and the order in which they must be studied.
MSc, PGDip and PGCert
(EPM101)
(EPM102)
(EPM103)
(EPM105)
MSc and PGDip only
(EPM201)
(EPM202)
MSc and PGDip only
Group EPM3
(EPM301)
(EPM302)
(EPM304)
(EPM307)
Group CTM2
(CTM202)
(CTM203)
(CTM204)
(CTM208)
(CTM209)
Group IDM2
(IDM201)
(IDM202)
(IDM203)
(IDM205)
(IDM213)
(IDM215)
Group IDM3
(IDM301)
Group IDM5
(IDM501)
(IDM502)
(IDM503)
Group PHM2
(PHM201)
(PHM203)
(PHM204)
(PHM205)
(PHM206)
(PHM207)
(PHM209)
(PHM211)
(PHM213)
(HHM102)
(PHM215)
(PHM216)
(PHM219)
MSc only - A Compulsory Project report, and a final examination paper.
(EPM500)
The degree is offered online and is fully supported by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You study at a time and pace that suits you (subject to certain deadlines), using the study materials provided and with support available from academic staff.
Study materials
Your study materials are primarily provided online and are in the form of interactive computer sessions, while two modules use a study guide.
Materials may also include readings and textbooks, additional computer software (e.g. Stata) and past examination papers.
Your study materials are available in October (for all EPM modules except EPM105 and EPM201).
The study materials for the modules EPM105and EPM201 are made available in January each year.
Online support
When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:
- The VLE. Here, you can access electronic copies of all printed study materials, resources including audio-visual and revision guides, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others.
- The Online Library. As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require.
- LSHTM also offers students a range of support and guidance. Further details can be found in the Programme Specification.
Senate House Library
If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources.
Student Support
We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a Recognised Teaching Centre.
You will have access to support through:
- The Enquiry Hub – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
- TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.
Time commitment
You should expect to study for 15–25 hours per week throughout the study year if you wish to complete your qualification in the minimum time allowed (one year for the Postgraduate Certificate, two years for the Postgraduate Diploma or MSc). Most students take between three and five years to complete the MSc.
Assessment
This varies from module to module but will include either an unseen written examination or written assignments, or a combination of the two. More details can be found on individual module pages.
Exams are held in June each year.
LSHTM has an international presence, and is renowned for its research, postgraduate studies and continuing education in public and global health. It was crowned University of the Year in 2016 by Times Higher Education for its extraordinary response to the Ebola crisis.
The Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health (EPH) houses the largest group of epidemiologists, statisticians and medical demographers in Europe. It also houses nutritionists, social scientists and public health practitioners, all working on the diseases of major health importance in both industrialised and developing nations.
Academic leaders
Dr Susana Scott Co-Programme Director, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology working on several international projects primarily aimed at improving maternal and child health in low-income countries. She has also spent over 20 years teaching on and organising courses for both distance learning and intensive master’s programmes.
Dr Laura Oakley, Co-Programme Director, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology. She is a perinatal epidemiologist with research interests in in-utero exposures and pregnancy outcomes, infertility, chronic disease in pregnancy, and infant feeding. She is an affiliated researcher at the Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Laura has been teaching on the LSHTM distance learning Epidemiology programme for many years.
Dr Sujit D Rathod, Programme Content Director, is an epidemiologist who joined the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 2012. His research work has encompassed a variety of areas, including depression, alcohol use, reproductive tract infections, intimate partner violence and HIV. His current research project concerns health care use by people who are homeless in London.
Free online courses
The School offers several free online courses on a wide range of health topics. These provide a great insight into the independent learning experience.
Open days
The School holds regular open days in London. You can come and meet staff and students and receive a tour of the School.
Key dates
| Applications open | |
|---|---|
| Applications close | |
| Registration deadline | |
| Programme starts | October 2024 |
Admissions
What qualifications do you need?
For entry to the programme, you will need either:
- the equivalent of a UK first or second-class honours degree in a relevant subject from an acceptable institution.
- or, an appropriate professional or technical qualification, plus three years' relevant experience.
Find equivalent qualifications where you live.
If you do not meet the above standard requirements, we can still consider your application on the basis of your qualifications and experience. In these instances, once you apply online, we will contact you with a request for two references to support your application before referring on for academic consideration.
English Language requirements
You need a high standard of English to study this programme. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved one of the following within the past three years:
- IELTS: 7.0 overall, with 6.5 in the written test and 5.5 in listening, reading and speaking.
- TOEFL iBT: 100 overall, with 24+ in writing, 23+ in speaking, 22+ in reading and 21+ in listening.
- Pearson Test (Academic): 68 overall, with 62+ in writing and 59+ in listening, reading and speaking.
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English: 185 overall, with 176+ in writing and 169+ in listening.
- Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 130.
Alternatively, you may satisfy the language requirements if you have at least 18 months of education or work experience conducted in English.
If you do not meet these requirements but believe you can meet the standard, we may also consider your application.
Computer requirements
We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly.
View the Programme specification to see the computer requirements for this programme.
Fees, funding and payment
The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2024-2025 session. On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase.
Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page.
Programme fees: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Programmes Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/MSc Clinical Trials, Demography and Health, Epidemiology, Global Health Policy, Health in Humanitarian Crises, Infectious Diseases, Public Health and Individual Modules
Full programme fee (payment in full)
| Master of Science | £17640 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | £13960 |
| Postgraduate Certificate | £10310 |
Payment by module
| Initial registration fee | £1610 |
| Fee for final project | £2740 |
| Assessment resit fee | £260 |
Fees applicable to Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/MSc Clinical Trials, Demography and Health, Epidemiology, Global Health Policy, Health in Humanitarian Crises, Infectious Diseases
| Fee per core modules (e.g. coded CTM1, DEM1, EPM1, GHM1, IDM1, HHM1) | £2150 |
| Fee per elective module (excluding those identified as core modules) | £890 |
| Integrating module (CTM210 only) | £1810 |
Individual modules (not part of formal awards) taken on a stand-alone basis
| Fee per module (with the exception of Public Health core modules (PH)) | £2620 |
| Fee per Public Health PH core module | £1790 |
BLENDED LEARNING FEES (DL STUDENTS ATTENDING IN LONDON – fees payable directly to LSHTM, not to the University of London, once approved for attendance at LSHTM)
| Fee per LSHTM module, in addition to whole of DL MSc fee paid in full | £1110 |
| Fee per LSHTM module, if DL course is paid via annual instalments | £2150 |
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*The indicative totals include the application fee, all module and continuation fees payable to the University of London for the duration of your study, as well as online tutor support. This fee does not include applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, local exam centre fees and fees payable to University of London Recognised Teaching Centres.
Sales Tax
Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
Further information on Sales Tax
Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).
Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.
Can I get sponsored?
If you're employed, your employer may be willing to cover part/all of the programme fee if you can make a compelling case as to how this programme will boost your contribution to the workplace.
Our courses are ideal for employers because they get to retain you as an employee and benefit from your learning from the moment you begin.
You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.
Career opportunities
This degree is relevant for anyone planning a career in epidemiological research, public health and community medicine, epidemiological field studies, disease surveillance units, drug/vaccine manufacturers, or disease control in governmental, NGOs or donor institutions.
It should also interest anyone who requires an understanding of epidemiology, such as medical journalists or scientific officers in government and industry.
"During the five years of distance learning, I have moved country three times for my work. I enjoyed studying with students of different background from all over the world through the online portal, group work and study teams."
Rinko Kinoshita, Japan
What do employers think of our graduates?
In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching institution.
You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.
Anne
Finland
Apply now
Thank you for your interest in studying with us. Applications are currently closed for this course. Check the key dates section when applications open or register your interest.
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