Epidemiology (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip

Epidemiology is the foundational discipline for understanding and improving population health. Its methods underpin medical research, investigate the causes of disease, and evaluate interventions to prevent or control disease.

This online programme will equip the epidemiological leaders of tomorrow with key foundational knowledge and a portfolio of statistical and data science skills to tackle contemporary challenges.

Benefits of studying epidemiology

By studying this degree, you will:

• develop your expertise in a vital subject
• gain the skills you need to take on leading roles in epidemiology and address contemporary population health problems
• benefit from a strong focus on research and inter-disciplinary opportunities, helping to position you at the forefront of this exciting and evolving field in an era of data-driven innovation

The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on epidemiology and brought increased recognition of the importance of this discipline. The enhanced focus on infectious diseases and global epidemic control has resulted in job creation, professional opportunities and recognition of the key role in this discipline to help resolve some of the global challenges in the future.

Why Edinburgh

By choosing to study with us you will:

• join one of the top 20 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2021)
• study a degree delivered by the Usher Institute (part of the University of Edinburgh), a world leader in global health and novel approaches to epidemiology that is well-recognised for its contribution to the COVID-19 response
• be able to tailor your learning experience to your interests thanks to our flexible programme
• enjoy access to the University’s excellent resources, including our modern, intuitive virtual learning platform that delivers a powerful learning experience on any device with an internet connection
• have opportunities to interrogate and analyse real-world data through various courses and a dissertation research project
• benefit from our expertise in delivering high-quality online programmes in health disciplines, with more than 10,000 students learning online with us since 2015
• enjoy our supportive virtual learning environment, which allows staff and students to build a strong community and offers a high level of student support

About the Usher Institute

Having pioneered various epidemiology studies with large-scale digital data resources, the Usher Institute is a world leader in global health and novel approaches to epidemiology.

The Institute is also one of five Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) Hubs in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

As part of the DDI Programme, the Usher Institute will develop innovative and financially sustainable models of health and social care that improve lives, through the application of data science.

The Institute’s contributions to the Covid-19 response include:

• conducting research
• advising the Scottish and UK governments
• providing global public health advice

Online learning

This programme offers a collaborative and nurturing online learning experience.

Benefits of online learning

Online learning is a way to study for an internationally recognised qualification without needing to attend classes on campus. It is aimed at those who wish to study for a postgraduate qualification alongside work or other commitments.

Online programmes are of equal value to on-campus programmes. The only difference is that the programme is delivered online, rather than on campus.

Our online learning platform enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace, making this an ideal option for our many international students.

Access to resources

All courses are delivered through the University’s virtual learning environment portal (Blackboard Learn).

This contains all the learning resources you need (or links to external sources such as papers and e-textbooks found via the University library service) and discussion boards where staff and students interact.

How courses are delivered

Lectures, if used, are pre-recorded so you can view them at any time, and courses are divided into weekly blocks of activity. You can complete activities at your own pace, and you don't need to be online at set times. This increases flexibility and enables those with existing responsibilities and those who are students from different time zones to work together without detriment.

How courses are assessed

Assessment for all courses is based on in-course assessment using essays, projects, blog posts and other pieces of written work.

We do not use online examinations, as those require a greater level of technological resources for students.

Instead, assessment is through a mixture of coursework and online participation. Assessments take a variety of formats, including:

• essays
• reports
• magazine articles
• data analysis
• groupwork blogs
• reflections
• tests

Equipment needs

In general, students do not require expensive or complex equipment to be able to complete the programme – reliable and regular access to a computer with an internet connection and speakers or headphones to allow playback of recorded presentations are the major requirements.

The University’s Microsoft 365 membership gives you access to email and calendar facilities (through Outlook), as well as the Microsoft Office suite for preparing written material or presentations.

We make some additional use of open-source software, so students should be able to install new software packages on the machine they are using (this may require administrator-level access in some cases).

Student support

You will be supported throughout your programme by our student support and wellbeing services.

You will also have access to a full range of online support services within the wider university, in areas such as:

• careers
• IT support
• support for disabilities
• counselling
• the students’ association
• training for study skills

Online journal club

You will have the opportunity to participate in a student-led online journal club for all students from the programmes run by the Usher Institute.

The journal club will be an opportunity to:

• consider and critique academic studies from a range of different academic disciplines (public health, family medicine, clinical trials, data science and global health
• network with students with a wide variety of related interests from around the world

We are globally recognised for our research, development and innovation and we’ve provided our students with world-class teaching for more than 425 years.

An Edinburgh degree works for you

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50 and placed 22nd in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.

Our graduates are ranked 26th in the world by employers1.

Excellence in research

The University of Edinburgh has an international reputation for innovative research across a wide range of disciplines.

According to the results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), the University is ranked fourth in the UK based on the quality and breadth of its research - known as research power - and is Scotland’s top-ranked institution.

The REF2021 results reveal that nearly 90 per cent of the University’s research activity is in the highest categories – 4 star and 3 star – which are classified respectively as ‘ world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’, a growth of 10 percentage points since the previous REF in 2014.

Innovation in teaching

The latest report from the Quality Assurance Agency awarded us the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience. We are always working to develop innovative approaches to teaching in order to discover the methods that work best for students, including e-learning techniques and peer-assisted learning.

Experts in online learning

We offer the largest portfolio of postgraduate online degrees in the UK2, welcoming more than 8,000 online students since 2005. Our flexible and supportive programmes are well-established and an increasingly popular choice for students looking to balance further study with professional or family commitments.

Beautiful capital city

Ranked in the world’s top 10 student cities3, Edinburgh is a compact city with excellent transport links, which makes it easy to get around and to travel to other parts of Scotland.

Large enough to offer something for everyone, but small enough to feel like home, Edinburgh is a modern, sophisticated and beautiful European city with a diverse, multicultural community.​

Facilities and support to help you succeed

You will have access to one of the largest and most important academic libraries in the world, housing over 1.8 million printed volumes. You’ll also benefit from 30 open-access computer labs with 24-hour access across key locations, as well as free laptop loans.

We offer a free Student Counselling Service and a University Health Centre, and our Student Disability Service provides a range of support for students with disabilities. We also offer excellent childcare services, making it easier to juggle parenthood and study.

Impressive global community

Our ambitious internationalisation strategy ensures the teaching and research we deliver offers global benefits. We’re ranked in the world's top 20 most international universities4. Students from two-thirds of the world’s countries study here.

We collaborate with a host of world-leading institutions in fields as diverse as e-science, engineering, life and medical sciences, and arts and culture. We’re also a member of the global research network Universitas 21 and the European networks Coimbra Group and LERU.

Leading on social responsibility and sustainability

We are committed to being a world leader in addressing global challenges including poverty, climate change and the growing demand for energy, food and water.

As Scotland’s first Fairtrade University, we have been promoting better conditions for farmers and communities in developing countries since 2004.

We have championed environmental sustainability since the early 1990s and were a founder signatory to the Universities and Colleges Climate Commitment 2009 and to the 10:10 campaign.

The University is host to several Global Academies committed to tackling issues related to health, justice, environment, and agriculture and food security. The Academies cross boundaries in research and teaching, adopting a multi-disciplinary response to challenging global issues.

1QS World University Rankings 2024 2Higher Education Statistics Agency 2017/18 3QS Student Cities 2023 4Times Higher Education, World’s Most International Universities 2022