For the MSc: You complete 9 modules (3 electives), a project report, and an examination paper.
For the Postgraduate Diploma: You complete 8 modules (2 electives).
For the Postgraduate Certificate: You complete 4 modules.

View modules

Short courses

These short course dates do not include Clinical Trials (CTM) modules.

Please note, anyone registering after 30th September cannot request an extension to assignment deadlines or extenuating circumstances.

The programme is offered online and is fully supported by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You study at a time and pace that suits you (subject to certain deadlines), using the study materials provided and with support available from academic staff.

Study materials

Your study materials are provided online and are in the form of interactive computer sessions, while two modules use a subject guide and reader. They may also include subject guides, textbooks, additional computer software (e.g. Stata), past examination papers, and handbooks.

All of your study materials are made available in October.

Online support

When you register, we will give you access to your University of London Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and two other key resources:

• The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) enables access to course materials, resources, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others. Tutors are available to answer queries and promote discussion during the study year through the VLE.
• The LSHTM library resources and the University of London Online Library holds thousands of journal articles which you can access free of charge. A dedicated helpdesk is available if you have any difficulties in finding what you need.

Teaching staff facilitate and moderate online discussions, respond to academic enquiries, and provide personalised feedback and advice on assignments.

Time commitment

You should expect to study for 15–25 hours per week throughout the study year if you wish to complete your qualification in the minimum time allowed (one year for the Postgraduate Certificate, two years for the Postgraduate Diploma or MSc). Most students take between three and five years to complete the MSc.

Assessment

This varies from module to module but will include either an unseen written examination or a written assignments, or a combination of the two. More details can be found on individual module pages.

Exams are held in June each year. You can sit exams at an approved centre anywhere in the world (mainly Ministries of Education or the British Council). Each centre charges a fee for hosting exams.

More about exams.

What qualifications do you need?

You will need the equivalent of a UK first or second-class honours degree in a health-related discipline, statistics, or another appropriate subject, from an acceptable institution.

If you have an appropriate professional or technical qualification in a health-related field plus three years' relevant experience, we can consider this on an individual basis.

If you do not meet the above criteria, we can still consider your application based on your qualifications, experience and references.

Find equivalent qualifications where you live.

English Language requirements

You need a high standard of English to study this programme. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved one of the following within the past three years:

• IELTS: 7.0 overall, with 6.5 in the written test and 5.5 in listening, reading and speaking.
• TOEFL iBT: 100 overall, with 24+ in writing, 23+ in speaking, 22+ in reading and 21+ in listening.
• Pearson Test (Academic): 68 overall, with 62+ in writing and 59+ in listening, reading and speaking.
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English: 185 overall, with 176+ in writing and 169+ in listening.

Alternatively, you may satisfy the language requirements if you have at least 18 months of education or work experience conducted in English.

If you do not meet these requirements but believe you can meet the standard, we may also consider your application.

Computer requirements

We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly.

View the Programme Specification to see the computer requirements for this programme.

The fees below apply if you begin during the 2018-2019 session. These may be increased by up to 5% per year.

Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool.

Additional Costs

You will also need to budget for exam centre fees, which are paid directly to the venues where you sit your exams.

We accept most traditional payment methods, including debit/credit card, international money order, and Western Union.

How to pay your fees.

This programme is relevant for anyone planning a career in epidemiological research, public health and community medicine, epidemiological field studies, disease surveillance units, drug/vaccine manufacturers, or disease control in governmental, NGOs or donor institutions.

It should also interest anyone who requires an understanding of epidemiology, such as medical journalists or scientific officers in government and industry.

"During the five years of distance learning, I have moved country three times for my work. I enjoyed studying with students of different background from all over the world through the online portal, group work and study teams."

Rinko Kinoshita, Japan

What do employers think of our graduates?

In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching institution.

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has an international presence, and is renowned for its research, postgraduate studies and continuing education in public and global health. It was crowned University of the Year in 2016 by Times Higher Education for its extraordinary response to the Ebola crisis.

The Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health (EPH) houses the largest group of epidemiologists, statisticians and medical demographers in Europe. It also houses nutritionists, social scientists and public health practitioners, all working on the diseases of major health importance in both industrialised and developing nations.

Academic leaders

Anne Tholen, Programme Director, joined the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 1999.  She previously trained as a nurse before moving into academic research, where her interests have included antenatal screening, ultrasound screening for congenital abnormalities and maternal epilepsy.

Patrick Nguipdop Djomo, Deputy Course Director, is a clinical epidemiologist with broad interests in infectious diseases. His current fields of research include vaccines and vaccine-preventable infections, including tuberculosis, as well as zoonotic diseases at the human – animal – ecosystem interface in low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sara Thomas, Programme Content Director, is a clinical epidemiologist whose research focuses on the epidemiology of vaccine-preventable infections and on the uptake, effectiveness and safety of vaccines. Much of her work involves developing and applying methods to maximise the use of large linked electronic health datasets for public health research.

Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.

Can I get sponsored?

If you're employed, your employer may be willing to cover part/all of the programme fee if you can make a compelling case as to how this programme will boost your contribution to the workplace.

Our courses are ideal for employers because they get to retain you as an employee and benefit from your learning from the moment you begin.

How can I get sponsored by my employer?

Free online courses

The School offers several free online courses on a wide range of health topics. These provide a great insight into the independent learning experience.

See a full list.

Free taster materials

• EPM101 taster session
  This 10-minute taster session is taken from Fundamentals of Epidemiology.
• EPM307 session on Cancer Epidemiology
  This 2-3 hour session is from the Global Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases module.

Open days

The School holds regular open days in London. You can come and meet staff and students and receive a tour of the School.

Find the next open day.