PG Diploma and MSc in Epidemiology

This course aims: to provide epidemiological training by distance learning for professionals in academic departments, research units, or in the health services. Epidemiology is a key discipline for understanding and improving global health. The core component deals with the methodology and basic concepts including measures of disease occurrence and association; study design; the role of bias and confounding in epidemiological studies; data-handling skills, statistical analysis of data-sets and application of these by computer; research planning and implementation, and essential skills for writing research applications and scientific papers. Students proceeding to MSc studies choose from a number of advanced modules which explore more specific applications of epidemiological theory and practice, enabling them to tailor the course to suit their own experience, interests and training requirements. The course spans communicable and non-communicable diseases in developed and developing countries, and is computer-based, with students using interactive methods within the teaching and learning materials. There is e-mail tutorial support, and group discussions through web-based and e-mail conferencing facilities. The use of statistical software is an essential skill for the practising epidemiologist and comprehensive training is provided.

The course is suitable for those aiming for careers in epidemiological research, academics in other health areas and other health professionals. The course is also of interest to those who require an understanding of epidemiology, such as medical journalists and scientific officers in government and industry.

Objectives

To provide a comprehensive understanding of basic concepts and methods in epidemiology together with advanced skills in specific applications of epidemiological research methods.

Course Map (MSc) (20K PDF) and Course Map (PG Diploma) (16K PDF) - showing which of the various elements of the Course support and achieve Objectives.

Programme specification (MSc) and Programme specification (PG Diploma) with a more detailed breakdown of how elements of the Course support and achieve learning objectives.

Core

The core (EP1) includes four compulsory modules: (i) Fundamentals of Epidemiology; (ii) Statistics with Computing; (iii) Practical Epidemiology; (iv) Writing and Reviewing Scientific Papers.

Advanced modules

Students must take two compulsory advanced modules from EP2 and at least two advanced modules from EP3. Another two modules must be chosen from EP3, ID2, ID3, ID5, PH2 or CT2.

EP2: Study Design: Writing a Grant Application; Statistical Methods in Epidemiology

EP3: Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases; Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases; Advanced Statistical Methods in Epidemiology; Molecular & Genetic Epidemiology

ID2: Bacterial Infections; Hospital Infection; Nutrition & Infection; Parasitology; Water & Sanitation

ID3: Epidemiology & Control of Infectious Diseases in Developing Countries

ID5: AIDS; Tuberculosis; Malaria.

PH2: Analytical Models for Decision Making; Communicable Disease Control; Economic Analysis for Management & Policy; Economic Evaluation; Environmental Epidemiology; Environmental Health Policy; Health Care Evaluation; Financial Management; Globalisation and Health; Managing Health Services; Medical Anthropology in Public Health; Organisational Management; Principles & Practice of Health Promotion.

CT2: Trial Designs; Project Management and Research Co-ordination; Regulatory affairs, good clinical practice and ethics; Further statistical methods in clinical trials; Cluster randomised trials.

Recommendations for order of study of specific modules are covered in the respective course regulations booklet. Specific requirements may apply for some advanced study modules. Not all advanced modules will be available every year.

Project Report

The compulsory project report will consist of either the analysis of an existing data-set, a protocol for new study, or a critical literature review.

Course Duration

On successful completion of the core (EP1), students can exit the programme with a PG Diploma in Epidemiology or proceed to advanced modules and therefore MSc studies. MSc students have a minimum period of two years and a maximum of five in which to complete their degree. Diploma students have a minimum of one and a maximum of five years to complete their qualification.

Entrance Requirements

For the MSc: a Second-class Honours degree or equivalent, from a university or other institution acceptable to the University of London, in health-related disciplines or in statistics or another appropriate subject. Work experience in a health sciences/health care setting is desirable but not essential. Candidates with an appropriate professional or technical qualification in a health-related field, together with at least three years' relevant experience, which satisfies the University as a qualification equivalent to a Second-class degree may also be considered.

For the PG Diploma: a degree from a University or other institution acceptable to the University of London; or an appropriate professional or technical qualification which satisfies the University as a qualification on the same level as a degree. Work experience in a health sciences/health care setting is desirable but not essential.

Computing Requirements

Processor: Pentium, 90MHz
(Pentium 2 class)
OS: Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000 or
later (Windows XP)
RAM Memory: 32MB (64MB).
Hard disk space: 88MB (Postgraduate
Diploma), 185MB (MSc); 6MB is the
minimum if the sessions are read from
the CD.
Graphics: 256 colours (minimum), 65536
colours or higher (recommended).
Resolution 640 x 480 or higher.
The computer will need to be fitted
with a CD-ROM drive and attached to
either a laser or inkjet printer. Email
access is essential, web access is
recommended (at least occasional web access for file download)

Please note: The study material CD-ROMs do not work on Macs.