Biostatistics and Health Informatics Research MPhil/PhD, MD(Res)
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-03-20 | - |
2025-07-25 | - |
2025-10-20 | - |
2026-03-20 | - |
Program Overview
Biostatistics and Health Informatics Research MPhil/PhD, MD(Res)
Key information
Award:
MPhil
MDRes
PhD
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Campus:
Denmark Hill Campus
Study environment
The Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics seeks to develop quantitative methodology as applied to mental health research, with significant national and international collaborations and with growing impact into all areas of medicine particularly through expertise in trials and software development.
The Department is organised into two groups who work closely together on research projects.
The Biostatistics Group is made up largely of statisticians. We have five primary areas of methodological and applied research:
- Methods for life-course epidemiology
- Psychometrics and measurement lab
- Trials methodology (in collaboration with the UKCRC registered King’s Clinical Trials Unit)
- Prediction modelling and personalized medicine;
- Causal analysis and evaluation
The Health Informatics Group comprises a mix of data and computer scientists, research software engineers and clinical & bio-informaticians, motivated towards enabling a “panor-omic” view of patients through the integration of traditional omics data with data derived from patient records, the exposome, social graphs, biosensors and imaging to develop P4 medicine approaches, namely, medicine that is precise, predictive, preventative and participatory. In essence, we want to enable the right treatment at the right time for patients. The group has a breath of bio, clinical, medical and health informatics expertise with output that is having direct impact on clinical care.
The department is a leader in the education of methodology, applied statistics and Health Informatics. The department offers a wide range of introductory and advanced training and our Statisticians and Health Informaticians provide consultation on a wide variety of topics related to the field
How to apply
1. Finding Supervisors
Firstly, you will need to find supervisors to work with you in this capacity. You can search through our research portal to find supervisors who work in your chosen research area. Applicants are expected to contact academics directly.
2. Arranging funding
Unless you are applying for a studentship or can self-fund your studies, you will need to arrange for funding before you make the application. The following pages are useful:
- Funding Database
- Funded Research Opportunities
3. Make an online application
Next you need to make your online application. This application will be assessed by the Admissions team to assess your references, fee status as well as your eligibility in terms of education and experience. Guidance on how to apply can be found here.
4. Submit a Project Approval Form
The project approval form (PAF) is used to assess your project in terms of planning, feasibility and appropriateness for a PhD. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the form is completed but it is recommended that applicants work closely with the supervisors.
Make sure you complete all sections, answering all questions fully, and signatures from all supervisors and student are included. There is no need to collect the signatures from the Head of Department/Business Manager and Sub-Committee Chair at this point.
We strongly advise the submission of your application as early as possible to ensure that you can begin with your desired intake. If your application is not processed in time you run the risk of a deferral to the subsequent intake.
We advise students to aim to submit their online application and PAF at least four months before their desired registration date, although the earlier the application submission the better.
It is typical that the process from the receipt of your online application and PAF through to offer letter stage (which includes the arrangement of the PhD interview) takes approximately six weeks.
Please note that the deadlines listed below are for both the online application and Project Approval Form (PAF) which is to be submitted in Microsoft Word format to. Copies of the PAF can be downloaded here.
5. Application Closing Date
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines are detailed below; on these dates, the programme will close at 23:59 (UK time) and we will open for the corresponding intake in 2026 soon after the same intake has passed in 2025.
- June 2025 entry – 20 March 2025 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2025 for Home fee status
- October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
- February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status
- June 2026 entry – 20 March 2026 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2026 for Home fee status
Please note that funding deadlines may be earlier than the application deadlines listed above.
Fees or Funding
UK Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees: £7,950 per year
Part time tuition fees: £3,975 per year
International Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees: £30,240 per year
Part time tuition fees: £15,120 per year
UK Tuition Fees 2025/26
Full time tuition fees: £8,500 per year
Part time tuition fees: £4,250 per year
International Tuition Fees 2025/26
Full time tuition fees: £32,400 per year
Part time tuition fees: £16,200 per year
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
Entry requirements
UK requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Equivalent International qualifications
Select a country to view the equivalent qualifications.
English language requirements
English language band: D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Program Outline
Biostatistics and Health Informatics Research MPhil/PhD, MD(Res)
Degree Overview
The Biostatistics and Health Informatics Research MPhil/PhD, MD(Res) program at King's College London focuses on developing quantitative methodology applied to mental health research. The program boasts significant national and international collaborations and growing impact in all areas of medicine, particularly through expertise in trials and software development.
Objectives:
- Equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in biostatistics and health informatics.
- Train students to conduct independent research in these fields.
- Enable students to contribute to the development of new methodologies and technologies for improving mental health research.
- Prepare students for careers in research, academia, or industry.
Program Description:
The Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics is organized into two groups:
- The Biostatistics Group: focusing on statistical methods for life-course epidemiology, psychometrics and measurement, trials methodology, prediction modelling and personalized medicine, and causal analysis and evaluation.
- The Health Informatics Group: bringing together data and computer scientists, research software engineers, and clinical & bio-informaticians to enable a “panor-omic” view of patients through the integration of traditional omics data with patient records, exposome, social graphs, biosensors, and imaging to develop P4 medicine approaches (precise, predictive, preventative, and participatory). The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering core and advanced topics in biostatistics and health informatics, including:
- Biostatistics: Fundamentals of biostatistics, regression analysis, survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis, clinical trial design and analysis, and causal inference. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects and collaborate with faculty members. The program also offers opportunities for professional development, such as attending conferences and workshops.
Other Details:
- The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.
- The program is based at the Denmark Hill Campus.
- The program duration is typically 3-4 years for full-time students and 6-8 years for part-time students.
Outline
Program Content:
- Core courses in biostatistics and health informatics
- Advanced courses in specialized areas of interest
- Research project
Structure:
- The program is divided into four stages:
- Stage 1: Taught courses (first year)
- Stage 2: Research training and preparation (second year)
- Stage 3: Research project (third and fourth years)
Modules:
- Biostatistics:
- Fundamentals of Biostatistics
- Regression Analysis
- Survival Analysis
- Longitudinal Data Analysis
- Clinical Trial Design and Analysis
- Causal Inference
- Health Informatics:
- Data Management and Analysis
- Health Information Systems
- Medical Informatics
- Machine Learning for Healthcare
- Clinical Decision Support Systems
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
- coursework assignments
- presentations
- research project
- thesis
Assessment Criteria:
- clarity of writing
- critical thinking
- research skills
- originality
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Supervision
- Research project
Faculty:
The program is taught by leading researchers in biostatistics and health informatics.
Unique Approaches:
- The program offers a strong focus on research and provides students with the opportunity to work on real-world research projects.
- The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together students and faculty from different backgrounds.
- The program offers a personalized learning experience, with students receiving individual attention from their supervisors.
Careers
Potential Career Paths:
- Research scientist
- statistician
- health informatician
- data scientist
- clinical trial manager
- academic researcher
Career Opportunities:
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Healthcare organizations
- Government agencies
Career Outcomes:
- Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in research, academia, and industry.
- Many graduates have secured positions at leading research institutions and universities around the world.
Other
- The program is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society.
- The program is funded by the National Institute for Health Research.
- The program is part of the King's Health Partners Academic Health Science Centre.
UK Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £7,500 per year Part time tuition fees: £3,750 per year International Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £28,260 per year Part time tuition fees: £14,130 per year UK Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £7,950 per year Part time tuition fees: £3,975 per year International Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £30,240 per year Part time tuition fees: £15,120 per year
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Entry Requirements:
UK Requirements:
- Minimum Academic Qualification: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor's (honours) degree.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- English Language Requirement: Applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency at a minimum CEFR level of B2.
- Evidence of Proficiency: You can provide evidence of proficiency through a recognized English language test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The required score will depend on the specific test taken.
- Nationals of majority English speaking countries: You may not need to take an additional English language test if you are a national of a majority English speaking country and have permanently resided there.
- Admissions Tutor: Dr Raquel Iniesta - Raquel.iniesta@kcl.ac.uk
- Business Manager: Dr Liam Norton – liam.norton@kcl.ac.uk
- Contact email: iop-biostatisticseducation@kcl.ac.uk