Program Overview

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Introduction to the Social Epidemiology MSc Program

The Social Epidemiology MSc program at University College London (UCL) is designed to provide students with a detailed insight into the social factors affecting health. This specialist program is ideal for those seeking to specialize in social epidemiology as trained health professionals, researchers, or policymakers.

Program Overview

The program focuses on the role of social factors in determining people's health, exploring the link between social environments and health outcomes. Students will develop skills in study design, statistical analysis, and research methods, as well as learn to advocate for research and policy measures. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to contribute to understanding and alleviating the burden of ill health caused by poverty, inequalities, and deprivation.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants must also be confident in using computers and show evidence of numeracy, such as O level/GCSE Mathematics or Statistics, or a module with a good mark in their degree.

English Language Requirements

The English language level required for this program is Level 2. UCL offers Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses for international students aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. These courses develop academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Equivalent Qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting different parts of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website. International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from a list of countries.

Program Structure

The program is available in full-time, part-time, and flexible study modes. Full-time students will take a total of 120 credits in taught modules (seven compulsory and one optional module) and complete a dissertation project (60 credits). Part-time students will take the same modules over two years, while flexible students can take modules over two to five years.

Compulsory Modules

• Epidemiology
• Basic Statistics for Medical Sciences
• The Social Determinants of Global Health
• Health Inequalities over the Lifecourse
• Regression Modelling
• Research Methods for Social Epidemiology
• Social Epidemiology: Dimensions of Inequality Project

Optional Modules

• Advanced Statistical Modelling
• Ethnicity, Migration and Health
• Gender and Global Health

Teaching and Learning

The program is delivered through lectures, seminars, problem-solving exercises, discussions, and supervised practical work. Students are encouraged to develop research and presentation skills. Assessment is through a variety of methods, including coursework, essays, unseen examinations, oral presentations, data analysis, and grant proposal exercises. Students will also produce a research dissertation.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this program will be equipped to work as social epidemiologists, public health policymakers, or researchers. They can consider careers in government, the NHS, non-governmental organizations, charities, insurance companies, health data companies, universities, and research institutions. Some graduates may choose to pursue a PhD.

Employability

The program provides students with the skills and expertise to understand the main debates around health inequalities. Students will develop in-depth knowledge of theories, concepts, and evidence relating to social epidemiology, life course epidemiology, and the wider social determinants of health. They will also gain valued transferable skills, including preparing and delivering oral presentations, scientific writing, effective teamwork, critical appraisal of evidence, statistical analysis of large datasets, grant proposal writing, and time management.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the program vary depending on the study mode and student status (UK or international). There are also various scholarships available, including the Michael Marmot studentship, which offers ｣2,500 towards tuition fees. Other scholarships, such as the MPH IMPACT Scholarship and the MSc Health Psychology Jane Wardle Studentship, are also available.

Accessibility

UCL aims to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences, and mental health conditions. Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble, and further information can be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.