MPhil in Population Health Sciences
Develop the knowledge and research skills to understand and improve health at a population level.
The MPhil in Population Health Sciences is an interdisciplinary postgraduate course for students interested in research, practice or leadership careers in population health.
The course is jointly delivered by the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, IMS Epidemiology, and the MRC Biostatistics Unit, with contributions from colleagues across the University of Cambridge.
You can study the MPhil full time over one year or part time over two years.
What you'll study
The course provides training in the research methods used across population health sciences, combining core methodological training with opportunities to specialise in areas that reflect your interests and career goals.
During your first term, you'll take five core modules covering:
- biostatistics
- epidemiology
- conducting research using R
- public health
- research skills
You'll then choose six additional modules. You can follow a designated pathway through one of six specialisation themes or choose modules to create a more personalised pathway.
The six specialisation themes are:
- Epidemiology
- Global health
- Health data science
- Infectious diseases
- Primary care research
- Public health
You'll also complete a research dissertation of up to 15,000 words, giving you the opportunity to develop and carry out a focused research project with academic supervision.
Is this course for you?
The MPhil is designed for graduates and other suitably qualified applicants who want to develop their knowledge and skills in population health sciences.
Students come to the course from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including health and medicine, biological and social sciences, mathematics and other quantitative disciplines.
You should have a strong interest in population health and be able to demonstrate how the course supports your academic or professional goals.
The course has a significant quantitative component. Some specialisation themes, particularly Health Data Science, require a higher level of mathematical preparation.
Check the detailed entry requirements on the University’s Postgraduate Course Directory before deciding whether to apply.
How to apply
Applications for the MPhil are made through the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Applicant Portal.
The course is highly competitive. Before applying, you should explore the detailed course information and application guidance on the Population Health Sciences website. This will help you understand what the admissions team is looking for and prepare your application.
You should also complete the relevant pre-application mathematics and statistics self-screening activities before submitting your application.
Read the advice for applicants
View the MPhil in the Postgraduate Course Directory
Mathematics and statistics preparation
Population health research involves analysing and interpreting data, so you'll need an appropriate level of mathematical and statistical knowledge to study the course successfully.
The Population Health Sciences programme provides self-screening tools to help you assess your current knowledge and identify areas you may need to develop before starting the course.
There is additional self-screening guidance for applicants interested in the Health Data Science theme, which has more advanced mathematical prerequisites.
You should complete the appropriate self-screening activity before applying and will be asked to reflect on this as part of your application.
Complete the pre-application self-screening
Part-time study
You can study the MPhil part time over two years.
Part-time students are taught alongside full-time students, with the same teaching and course materials. Modules are spread across the two years, with the pathway depending partly on your chosen specialisation theme and the prerequisites for individual modules.
International students who require a student visa should check the University's immigration guidance before considering part-time study, as restrictions apply.
Find out more about part-time study
Fees and funding
You'll need to consider tuition fees and living costs when planning your postgraduate study.
A range of funding opportunities may be available through the University, Cambridge Colleges and external organisations. A limited number of departmental scholarships are also available to selected MPhil students.
Fees and funding arrangements can change between academic years, so check the University's postgraduate study information for current costs, funding opportunities and application deadlines.
Find out about postgraduate fees and funding
Hear from our students
Students join the MPhil from a wide range of academic, professional and international backgrounds. Graduates have gone on to careers and further research in public health, epidemiology, health data science, medicine and other areas of population health.
The biostatistics and epidemiology courses within PHS equipped me with the critical appraisal and data analysis skills I need in my day-to-day work. The discussions and debates I had during my time in PHS gave me the confidence to ask questions and to communicate public health and epidemiology concepts to a range of audiences.
– Sophie Allard, Public Health Analyst, Newcastle City Council
The sessions on epidemiology and health data sciences helped shape a robust foundational knowledge base for data analysis, research principles, as well as practical statistical coding for epidemiology.
– Dr Grace S. Yin, Resident Physician in Ophthalmology, Ivey Eye Institute
Find out more
The Population Health Sciences website provides detailed information about the MPhil, including modules and specialisation themes, entry requirements, application guidance and preparing for the course.
Visit the MPhil in Population Health Sciences website
Contact
For questions about the MPhil in Population Health Sciences, contact the course administrator: