Course Overview
Epidemiology is the key scientific discipline underlying some of the most important areas of medicine – it is the study of the distribution of diseases and what causes diseases, and has real impact in the world. Sir Richard Doll was the 20th century’s foremost epidemiologist. He was a pioneer in linking smoking with lung cancer. Smoking is still one of the leading causes of preventable death and the University of Nottingham is at the forefront of tobacco control in the UK.
Part of the Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, our MSc Applied Epidemiology is suitable for those from both medical and non-medical backgrounds. It is designed to provide excellence in teaching of epidemiological and statistical concepts and methods, with an emphasis on the practical application of epidemiological methods in public health and clinical settings.
Based in Nottingham City Hospital – and with strong links to health care organisations across the region – you will be taught by highly sought after clinical and non-clinical specialists in a wide range of medical and public health areas.
Who is the course suitable for?
The MSc Applied Epidemiology has attracted students from around the world and is ideal for those who work, or would like to work, in health service research, health information systems, health statistics and speciality training.
You will acquire skills that are highly valued to a wide range of employers – including statistics and study design – and our graduates are highly sought after for careers in academic institutions, national health services, government and non-government organisations and industry.
Our students also go on to study for a PhD, many at Nottingham.
Why you should choose Nottingham
Be taught by national and international experts committed to research and training in investigating the occurrence, causes and prevention of disease in populations, with the following research groups:
Gastrointestinal disease; Health Protection Research Group; Pharmacoepidemiology, Respiratory disease, Perinatal epidemiology and Tobacco control.
The division acts as the hub of the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies (UKCTCS), a network of several universities in the UK, which includes many prominent researchers in the field of tobacco control.
The course is modular and can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two to four years.
Shortly we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of our Masters in Public Health course (MPH) and modules from the MPH can be selected by students taking the MSc Applied Epidemiology.
When studying with us, you will:
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acquire an advanced knowledge and understanding of key concepts and methods in epidemiology and how they are applied in epidemiological and public health research
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learn key skills in study design, statistical analysis, use of statistical software including STATA
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get hands-on experience of applying epidemiological and statistical methods in the analysis of routine datasets
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foster skills in critical appraisal of evidence presented in epidemiological research, and the ability to interpret and apply this information
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gain an understanding of the role of epidemiology in evaluating and formulating the evidence base for public health policy
Check if the course is right for you
Check here to see if:
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you have enough time to dedicate to the course
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you have the basic academic skills
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there are any special considerations for overseas applicants
In a recent survey of students on this course along with our Masters in Public Health and Masters in Public Health (International Health), 100% of respondents praised the enthusiasm of our lecturers, while 96% said the course was well organised and that students were actively encouraged to participate in class discussion. More than 90% said there was a good choice of modules while 88% said the requirements of the course were always made clear.
“Brilliant support. Always friendly approachable and available. Excellent direction when required knew when to hold back knowledge so that I could learn by doing.”
“[The best thing about the course as a whole is] the amazing people I met, both students and some truly inspiring members of academic staff.”
Watch our student videos to find out more about our courses.
Key facts
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A modular structure to meet a wide range of students’ needs and interests, for postgraduate students from both medical and non-medical backgrounds.
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Study full-time over one year or part-time over a minimum of two years up to a maximum of four years.
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Epidemiology has been taught for over 10 years on our successful Masters in Public Health.
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We also offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Epidemiology
Course Details
Three major components
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Core modules related to the essential epidemiology/public health disciplines
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Optional modules which allow you to develop individual interests - you are advised to plan carefully to ensure a balance of credits across the semesters
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An extended project of your choice leading to a dissertation - this is designed to integrate knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course
Credits
You will need to complete a total of 180 credits for the masters course:
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90 credits of core modules, including the development of a project protocol
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30 credits of optional modules
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60 credit research dissertation
Practicalities
International students are expected to attend the International Office Welcome Programme to help them to settle into Nottingham.
The course begins in late September/early October (in 2013, the start date is Monday 30th September), when all students are expected to attend the School's taught compulsory Introductory Week which runs Monday-Friday, inclusive.
Core modules are taught in Semester 1 on specified Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Optional modules are taught in Semester 2 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays. Students attend depending on their choice of modules.
Full-time students attend on all timetabled days; Part-time students attend on specified Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Year 1 and Thursdays in Year 2.
Teaching methods vary in line with the objectives of the course, but include a range of methods from lectures to private study, and from guided and independent group exercises to problem-based and self-directed learning
Use of the Internet, the virtual learning environment (Moodle) and email is expected, and appropriate training and support given. Students will also learn to use Stata statistical software
Assessment methods vary and include:
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written assignments
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analyses of data sets and reports on analyses
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timed examinations
Depending on the modules you choose, you may also complete verbal or poster presentations. Some work is assessed as group work.
Assessments may take place during timetabled sessions, but most are prepared by the students in their own time.
Orientation Website for Offer Holders
Once you have accepted an offer, please visit the website below which provides some practical advice before you start, and also offers further information on your first few weeks on the course.
Postgraduate Diploma
We also offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Epidemiology over two years (or up to a maximum of four years). Students will take the taught module programme of the MSc, but will but do a Protocol and Literature review module instead of a Project and Dissertation.
Funding
UK/EU Students
Health and social care professionals
Partially funded places are available for health and social care professionals working in the East Midlands who have the support of their manager. These places are funded through the East Midlands Healthcare Workforce Deanery (SHA) contract with The University of Nottingham. Check if you qualify for funding:
t: +44 (0)115 823 1213
e: SoN-LBR-Enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk
For other sources of funding, please see the Funding Opportunities page.
International Students
Opportunities for funding may be available to overseas students through the International Office at the University of Nottingham.
Careers
Most UK graduates go on to work in health services, local or national government, while some international graduates work for non-governmental organisations, such as their Ministry of Health, or in a range of academic careers. A number of students have continued their studies and undertaken PhD's.
Career Prospects and Employability
The acquisition of a masters degree demonstrates a high level of knowledge in a specific field. Whether you are using it to enhance your employability, as preparation for further academic research or as a means of vocational training, you may benefit from careers advice as to how you can use your new found skills to their full potential.
Our Careers and Employability Service will help you do this, working with you to explore your options and inviting you to attend recruitment events where you can meet potential employers, as well as suggesting further development opportunities, such as relevant work experience placements and skills workshops.