Outbreaks. Vaccines. Tuberculosis. Cardiovascular disease. Epidemiology is about tackling today's issues in public health and healthcare – understanding the determinants of health, evaluating interventions, and supporting the control and prevention of diseases.
Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is available as an MSc, a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) or a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert). You can study in person in London or online by distance learning.
Why study epidemiology at LSHTM?
- Modern epidemiological methods - Every qualification starts with core teaching in epidemiological concepts, study design and implementation, medical statistics, and critical appraisal and evidence synthesis.
- A range of elective modules - Go further with modules in infectious disease modelling, non-communicable diseases, social epidemiology, spatial epidemiology, advanced statistics, clinical trials,–omics and more.
- Three qualifications, one flexible pathway - Go straight into the MSc, PG Dip or PG Cert, or start with the PG Cert and progress later. Study in London over 1-2 years or online over up to five years, with the option to combine the two.
- Hands-on with real data - Analyse real-world datasets and case studies, and produce the outputs epidemiologists deliver in practice, such as study protocols, critical appraisals and scientific reports.
- Independent research as the capstone of the MSc - Every MSc student designs and carries out an original 45-credit epidemiological study, supervised by LSHTM researchers.
LSHTM is also ranked #2 in the world for infectious diseases (US News 2026-27); #1 in the UK for Public Health (Shanghai Rankings 2026) and has links with organisations such as the World Health Organization and the UK Health Security Agency.
What you will learn
You will learn how to:
- Critically appraise and synthesise health-related information to inform public health and medical practice.
- Design and appraise epidemiological studies and communicate findings to inform public health and medical practice.
- Manage (MSc and PGDip), analyse, and interpret complex health-related data to support epidemiological practice.
- Explain how to apply the principles of ethics and equity in the conduct of epidemiological practice, and across diverse settings and teams.
- Undertake reflective practice and self-guided learning to support continuous professional development.
- MSc Graduates will also learn to integrate knowledge and skills through conducting an original epidemiology research project.
How will you learn?
In London, you’ll learn through lectures, online materials, practicals and group work, drawing on the experience of classmates from around the world.
By distance learning, you’ll work through online materials at your own pace, with discussion forums and webinars connecting you with tutors and fellow students.
Assessments reflect real public health work, including study protocols, data analysis reports and presentations. Most assessments are open-book, and you will receive guidance on using generative AI responsibly.
Who is it for?
The epidemiology programme is for anyone who wants to examine the distribution and determinants of health, and to evaluate interventions to improve health. Our students include clinicians, graduates in the life sciences, mathematics or statistics, intercalating medical students, and people working in public health agencies, non-governmental organisations or industry. Our students come from many countries and professional backgrounds; learning alongside such a diverse group is a valuable part of the programme.
Find out about intercalating this programme (in-person only).
The below structure outlines the proposed modules for this programme. Programme and module specifications provide full details about the aims of each module, what you will study and how each module is assessed.
Programme structure
Students can complete an MSc, PGDip or PGCert, in London or online, full or part-time.
| Award | Structure | In person duration | Online by distance learning duration |
| MSc (180 credits) | 6 compulsory modules + 3 elective modules + 1 project | 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time | TBC |
PG Dip (120 credits)
| 6 compulsory modules + 2 elective modules | 8 months full-time | TBC |
PG Cert (60 credits)
| 4 compulsory modules | 4 months full-time | TBC |
- Compulsory modules for MSc, PGDip and PGCert
- Concepts in Epidemiology
- Statistics for Epidemiology & Public Health 1
- Epidemiological Study Design & Implementation
- Critical Appraisal & Evidence Synthesis
- Compulsory modules for MSc and PGDip
- Intermediate Epidemiological Methods
- Statistics for Epidemiology and Population Health 2
- Elective modules for MSc and PGDip
- Analysis of Electronic Health Record Data (London only)
- Environmental Epidemiology (London only)
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases
- Evaluation of Public Health Interventions
- Fundamentals of Clinical Trials (online only)
- Modelling & the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases
- Omics and Epidemiology
- Social Epidemiology (London only)
- Spatial Epidemiology in Population Health (London only)
- Statistics for Epidemiology and Population Health 3
Note that restrictions and pre-requisites may apply to some of the modules above. Not all elective modules will be available every year.
- Research Project (MSc)
MSc students will complete an original research project on a topic selected in consultation with their project supervisor. The project brings together everything you have learned and gives you the opportunity to independently apply epidemiological principles to a real-world research question.
- 45 credits, with a maximum of 10,000 words
- Submission in September
- Supervised by an LSHTM staff member
- Includes an oral assessment with your project marker(s)
Combining in-person and distance learning
Regardless of what programme mode you register for, you may be able to take modules offered through the other mode. For example, many distance learning students find an intensive period of study in London rewarding and efficient. Conversely, in-person students have an expanded range of elective options and greater flexibility with distance learning modules. Options depend on your circumstances, including visa requirements. Please contact the Programme Directors to discuss what is possible for you. Please contact the Programme Directors to discuss what is possible for you.
Prizes
In-person students only
- The Nand Lal Bajaj and Savitri Devi Prize: best overall project
- The Daniel Batty Memorial Prize for Epidemiology: highest MSc GPA
- The Adrian Root Prize: best Electronic Health Records project
Distance learning students only
- The Dr. Aashrai Gudlavalleti Memorial Prize for Epidemiology: highest grade at the end of their MSc from a low- or middle-income country
Shared in-person and distance learning project
- The Norman Noah Prize: best Infectious Disease project
Tuition fees 2027/28 – in London
The fees below include a compulsory field trip, paid in the first year for part-time students.
| Home | EU/Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| MSc full-time | £16,220 | £38,200 |
| MSc part-time | £8,235 | £19,225 |
| PGDip full-time | £11,420 | £26,810 |
| PGDip part-time | £5,835 | £13,530 |
| PGCert | £6,630 | n/a |
Tuition fees 2027/28 – distance learning
Fees for online distance learning programmes may be paid in two ways:
In year one, pay the initial registration fee, plus the fee for each module you are taking in the first year. Then, in subsequent years, pay the fee for each new module you take.
Or, pay in full. If you pay in full at the start of your studies the registration fee will be included.
| Fee | |
|---|---|
| MSc | £19,820 |
| PGDip | £15,680 |
| PGCert | £11,580 |
Fees in 2027/28 if paying as you go:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial registration fee | £1,610 |
| Fee per core module | £2,470 |
| Fee per advanced/ elective module | £1,010 |
| Fee for final project - MSc only | £3,160 |
Mixed mode learning fees (for distance learning students attending modules in London)
| Fee per LSHTM module, in addition to whole of MSc fee paid in full | £1,270 |
| Fee per LSHTM module, if programme is paid via annual instalments | £2,470 |
More Information on Individual modules (taken on a stand-alone basis with no registration fee).
Sales tax information (distance learning only)
Some tax authorities require us to apply sales taxes to our distance learning programme fees. Depending on your country or region of residence, this may include VAT, GST, or similar local taxes.
For full details, please visit:
To be admitted to the MSc Epidemiology, an applicant must:
- hold either a first degree at Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) standard in a relevant discipline, or a degree in medicine recognised by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) for the purposes of practising medicine in the UK, or another degree of equivalent standard awarded by an overseas institution recognised by UK ENIC or the GMC.
or
- hold a professional qualification appropriate to the programme of study to be followed obtained by written examinations and judged by LSHTM to be equivalent to an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree or above.
or
- applicants with a 2:2 degree will also be considered if they have sufficient relevant professional experience or training in the field (sufficient, relevant professional experience means at least one year working in a role relevant to epidemiology; sufficient relevant training means an MSc or other postgraduate training in a field relevant to epidemiology) - we would encourage such applicants to contact the Programme Directors to discuss their suitability before applying.
Applicants are strongly recommended to have a solid foundation in quantitative skills, for example a good performance in a mathematics, statistics, or heavily quantitative module within their undergraduate degree, or high achievement in mathematics or statistics during post-16 education (e.g. A-Level, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent. Experience in a health-related field is desirable.
If you have not previously studied in the UK, you can check our guide to international equivalent qualifications for our master's degrees.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirement, but who have relevant professional experience may still be eligible for admission. Qualifications and experience will be assessed from the application.
Applicants with a background in veterinary science are advised to apply to the MSc Veterinary Epidemiology. Applicants looking for training in public health practice are advised to apply to the MSc Public Health.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to meet these requirements: Band B.
Some applicants may be exempt if they have previously studied in English or meet other specified criteria. Please see our English language requirements for details.
It is possible to apply without English language test results however the results of a test may be listed as a condition of an offer of admission.
Intercalating students
This option is available for in-person MSc programmes. You will need the equivalent of a bachelor's degree to undertake a master's degree. This will usually require you to have a BSc degree or have completed the first three years of your medical degree. More information on intercalating a Master's at LSHTM.
Applications for the distance learning programme will open in December.
Applications should be made online and will only be considered once you have provided all required information and supporting documentation.
Please also read LSHTM's Admissions policies (pdf) prior to submitting your application.
You can apply for up to two programmes. Make sure to list them by order of preference as consideration will be given to your top choice first.
Because we do not invite applicants to interview for this programme, a clear personal statement that includes relevant information to the programme can help us in the decision-making process. We would like to know your experiences in the relevant field(s), your reasons for applying to our programme, what you hope to gain from the training we offer, and how you intend to use the knowledge and skills you acquired to further your career and contribute to improving health.
Application fee
A standard non-refundable application fee of £75 applies to all master’s, postgraduate diploma and postgraduate certificate programmes and is payable upon application submission. Income generated from the application fee is shared between scholarships and the student hardship funds.
Application deadline
All applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure availability of a place and a timely decision on their application. This is particularly important for applicants with sponsorship deadlines.
- In-person programme deadline
Closing dates for all taught face-to-face MSc, PG Diploma and PG Certificate applications for entry in the 2027/28 academic year are:
- Sunday 25 July 2027 at 23:59 UK time for all students requiring a Student visa
- Tuesday 31 August 2027 at 23:59 UK time for all UK, Irish and non-Student visa students.
Applicants will be required to meet the conditions of their offer and provide all necessary documents by the date of their Offer of Admission.
- Distance learning programme deadline
Closing dates for all online distance learning MSc, PG Diploma and PG Certificate applications for entry in the 2027/28 academic year iare:
MSc, PG Dip, PG Cert and individual modules Deadline Application deadline 19 September 2027 Registration deadline (new students) TBC 2027 Registration deadline (continuing students) TBC Programme starts October 2027
Tuition fee deposit
All applicants must respond to their offer of admission within 28 days or their place will be released and the offer automatically declined. The deposit is deductible from tuition fees upon full registration with LSHTM. Applicants in receipt of a full scholarship will not be required to pay the deposit.
- Home in-person students: £500 non-refundable deposit, payable within 28 days of the offer date
- Overseas in-person students: £2,000 non-refundable deposit
- Offers made before 31 January 2027: deposit due by 1 March 2027
- Offers made from 1 February 2027 onwards: deposit due within 28 days of the offer date.
- Online distance learning students: £500 non-refundable deposit, payable within 28 days of the offer date
Employability
On average, 90% of our master's graduates from the 2019/20-2022/23 cohorts were in employment or undertaking further studies 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Surveys, 2020-2023).
Careers at LSHTM
In this video, LSHTM students share why they chose public health and reflect on their studies, student experience and future career goals.
Graduates from this programme enter medical research, academic medicine, public health and community medicine, epidemiological field studies, drug manufacture and with government or NGOs.
Below you will find just a few of the positions and organisations that our graduates from this course have entered:
- Example job titles:
-
Academic Clinical Fellow
Co-Investigator and Study Co-Ordinator
Consultant (Intensive Care)
Epidemiological Scientist
HIV/STI Surveillance and Prevention Scientist
Malaria Elimination Initiative Manager
Principle Investigator and Research Scientist
Public Policy Specialist
Statistician - Example organisations:
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency
AstraZeneca
Drug Safety Research Unit
GSK Vaccines
Health Protection Agency
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Johnson & Johnson
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Médecins Sans Frontières
Ministry of Health
National Environment Agency
NIMR & Joint Malaria Program
Public Health England
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
University College London (UCL)
World Health Organisation
Medical Research Council
LSHTM Alumni
LSHTM’s alumni community includes over 35,000 graduates across more than 190 countries. It offers a lifelong connection to LSHTM and to each other.
We are proud of our global alumni network, which includes many notable members, such as:
- Tedros Adhanom, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), who completed his MSc in Immunology of Infectious Diseases
- Karina Rando, the Minister of Public Health in Uruguay, studied MSc Public Health – Health Economics stream
- Christopher Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England and Chief Medical Adviser to UK Government, studied MSc Epidemiology.
- Vanessa Bradford Kerry, founder of the non-profit Seed Global Health, director of the Program in Global Public Policy and Social Change at Harvard Medical School, and Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health for the World Health Organization (WHO), studied the MSc in Health Policy, Planning and Financing
Want to read more about our graduate careers and destinations? Take a look at our infographics on our Graduate Careers & Destinations page.
- Career support - the LSHTM Careers Service provide a range of services from 1-1 appointments to events and workshops.
- Alumni blogs - did you know LSHTM has over 35,500 alumni in more than 190 countries.
- International alumni chapters - find an LSHTM network of alumni near you from our over 30 chapters.