Applications are now open for the prestigious Oxford Population Health Programmes at the University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Population Health (Oxford Population Health) a global leader in research, innovation, and education in health sciences.

The Oxford Population Health programmes prepare the next generation of researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to shape the future of global health.
Applications are now open for the following degrees:

• MSc in Global Health and Epidemiology — Applications close 2 December
• DPhil in Population Health — Applications close 2 December
• DPhil in Healthcare Data Science — Applications close 2 December
• MSc in Clinical Trials — Applications close 8 January

About Oxford Population Health

Oxford Population Health, part of the University of Oxford, is internationally recognised for advancing the science of population health.
Its world-leading researchers tackle the most critical health questions, develop innovative research methods, and translate discoveries into real-world impact — improving lives on a global scale.

Our postgraduate programmes equip students with the knowledge, analytical skills, and research experience required to address the world’s most pressing health challenges.

MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology

The MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology is a one-year, full-time course offering advanced training in epidemiology, biostatistics, and data interpretation.

Students learn to:

• Design and conduct high-quality population health studies.
• Analyse global health data using robust statistical methods.
• Interpret research findings to inform health policy and practice.

Graduates pursue impactful careers in public health organisations, academia, NGOs, and government agencies worldwide.

MSc in Clinical Trials

The MSc in Clinical Trials is a two-year, part-time distance learning programme designed for professionals in medicine, biomedical sciences, and health research who want to master the science of randomised controlled trials.

Programme Highlights

• Gain in-depth knowledge of the design, conduct, and analysis of large-scale clinical trials.
• Learn directly from Oxford’s world-renowned trial experts.
• Limited to 25 participants per year, ensuring a high level of interaction and mentorship.

This programme empowers graduates to lead clinical trial research that drives evidence-based healthcare.

DPhil in Population Health

The DPhil in Population Health offers intensive, research-based training to develop in-depth expertise in your chosen health research area.

Key Features

Supervision by world-leading Oxford researchers.

Access to seminars, masterclasses, and networking events hosted by the Research Student Committee and department.

Interdisciplinary projects across epidemiology, public health, economics, and ethics.

Graduates are well-positioned for academic, policy, and research leadership roles across the global health sector.

DPhil in Healthcare Data Science

The DPhil in Healthcare Data Science, hosted at Oxford’s EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), focuses on leveraging big data to transform healthcare.

Programme Overview

Students receive advanced training in:

• Statistics, machine learning, and data management
• Ethics and responsible research practices
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary research

Ethics is central to this doctoral programme, ensuring graduates are equipped to address governance and data responsibility in health data science.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold a degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering Science, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
An MSc in a relevant discipline is highly recommended.

Oxford’s admissions process ensures fairness through a pilot assessment programme that contextualises socio-economic background during shortlisting.
Applicants must use the standardised CV template provided and follow all application guidelines carefully.

We recommend considering Reuben College or Kellogg College, both closely linked with the CDT in Healthcare Data Science.

Research Environment

The programmes are based in the Big Data Institute (BDI) and Oxford Population Health Building, at the heart of Oxford’s biomedical research campus.
Students benefit from collaboration with:

• NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) for translational health research.
• UK Biobank, one of the world’s largest health research resources.
• The Ethox Centre and Oxford Centre for Ethics and Humanities, advancing ethical approaches to data-driven health research.

This world-class research environment offers unparalleled access to resources, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

How to Apply

Application Deadlines:

MSc and DPhil programmes: 2 December 2025

MSc in Clinical Trials: 8 January 2026

Apply here: Application

For more information: Study with us — Nuffield Department of Population Health

For more opportunities explore: Opportunities for Youth