Evidence-Based Health Care

Evidence-Based Health Care at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous postgraduate programme designed to equip healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers with the essential skills and knowledge to make informed, effective decisions in clinical practice and health policy. This programme emphasizes the importance of integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences to improve health outcomes and optimize healthcare delivery.

Throughout the course, students will engage with a diverse range of topics including systematic reviews, research methodology, biostatistics, decision analysis, and implementation science. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to critically appraise existing research, design their own studies, and effectively translate evidence into practice. The programme is delivered through a mixture of lectures, workshops, online modules, and supervised projects, facilitating flexible learning suited to the busy schedules of healthcare professionals.

Students will have access to leading academic staff and world-class resources at the University of Oxford, fostering an environment of inquiry and innovation. The programme encourages collaboration across disciplines and sectors, promoting a global perspective on evidence-based health care. Graduates of the programme will possess the analytical skills and methodological expertise necessary to contribute meaningfully to clinical research, health policy development, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Whether aiming to advance their careers in clinical practice, research, or health management, students will emerge from the programme with a solid foundation in evidence-based decision-making. The University of Oxford’s reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to advancing healthcare standards make this programme an excellent choice for those aspiring to lead positive change in global health. Joining this programme provides an opportunity to become part of an active community dedicated to improving health outcomes through rigorous, evidence-informed approaches.

The MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care is a part-time course. There are two compulsory modules, four option modules and a dissertation.

Compulsory Modules

• The Practice of Evidence-Based Health Care
• Introduction to Study Design and Research Methods

Option Modules (four must be chosen)

• Clinical Trial Management
• Ethics for Bioscience
• Mixed Methods in Health Research
• Knowledge into Action
• Evidence-based Diagnosis and Screening
• Introduction to Statistics for Health Care Research
• Systematic Reviews
• Randomized Controlled Trials
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Essential Medical Statistics
• History and Philosophy of Evidence-Based Health Care
• Teaching Evidence-Based Practice
• Realist Reviews and Realist Evaluation (new in 2017/18)
• Complex Reviews (new in 2017/18)
• Meta-analysis (new in 2017/18)
• Statistics for Clinical Trials (new in 2017/18)
• Big Data Epidemiology (new in 2017/18)

A module is run over an eight week cycle where the first week is spent working on introductory activities using a Virtual Learning Environment, the second week is spent in Oxford for the face to face teaching week (this takes place on the dates advertised), there are then four Post-Oxford activities (delivered through the VLE) which are designed to help you write your assignment. You then have a week of personal study and you will be required to submit your assignment electronically the following week (usually on a Tuesday at 14:00 UK Local Time).

Online modules are delivered entirely through a Virtual Learning Environment with the first week allocated to introductory activities. There are ten units to work through which are released week by week (starting on the dates advertised), you then have five weeks of personal study with use of a revision forum and then you will be required to submit your assignment electronically the following week (usually on a Tuesday at 14:00 UK Local Time).

Assessment methods

Assessment for each module will be based on a written assignment, which shall not be of more than 4,000 words. Students for the MSc will also be required to complete a dissertation on a topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor and the Course Director. The dissertation should not normally exceed 15,000 words.

To complete the MSc students must:

• Attend and complete the 2 compulsory modules and 4 option modules
• Complete a dissertation on a topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor and the Course Director. The dissertation should normally not exceed 15,000 words.
• Attend a viva voce examination at the end of the course of studies at the discretion of the examiners

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any subject.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Successful completion of a professional training course or professional work experience in the health service or a health-related field may also be considered.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Personal statement:One page
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Funding for the Evidence-Based Health Care programmes at the University of Oxford typically involves a combination of sources including university scholarships, departmental bursaries, external grants, and individual sponsorships. The University of Oxford offers various scholarships and studentships specifically designed for postgraduate students pursuing health-related research and study. These funding opportunities often cover tuition fees and provide a living allowance, helping to alleviate financial burdens and enable students to focus on their studies and research activities.

In addition to university-managed scholarships, students are encouraged to seek external funding sources such as government grants, health research councils, charitable foundations, and professional organizations invested in health care and public health initiatives. Many students secure funding from bodies like the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which supports research training and capacity building in health and social care. The university also provides guidance and resources for applicants to identify and apply for external funding opportunities.

Part-time and full-time students may have access to different financial support schemes, with full-time students often being eligible for dedicated scholarships, bursaries, and research grants. Some students also secure funding through research assistantships or collaborative projects with healthcare institutions, which may include stipends and fee waivers. It is common for students to combine multiple sources of funding to support their academic and research activities throughout the duration of the programme.

The costs associated with the programme generally include tuition fees, which vary depending on whether the student is classified as a UK resident, EU, or international student. Estimated living expenses in Oxford, including accommodation, insurance, and daily costs, should also be budgeted by prospective students. The university offers financial planning services and information sessions to help students prepare financially for their studies.

Overall, financing opportunities for the Evidence-Based Health Care programmes are designed to be accessible to qualified applicants, ensuring that motivated students can pursue their academic and professional goals without undue financial hardship. Prospective students are advised to carefully review the specific scholarships and funding options available each year and to apply early, adhering to the deadlines set by the university and external funders.

The Evidence-Based Health Care (EBHC) program at the University of Oxford is designed to equip healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers with the essential skills and knowledge to make informed, effective decisions based on the best available scientific evidence. This program emphasizes the critical appraisal of research literature, data analysis, and the application of research findings to clinical practice and healthcare policy. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies, statistical techniques, and systematic review processes, enabling them to critically evaluate medical research and implement evidenced-based interventions.

Students in the program are introduced to key concepts such as clinical epidemiology, biostatistics, health technology assessment, and decision analysis. The curriculum integrates both theoretical instruction and practical training, often involving coursework, case studies, workshops, and collaborative projects. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows participants to understand how to combine scientific evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences, aligning with the core principles of evidence-based medicine.

The program at Oxford is delivered by leading experts in the fields of medicine, epidemiology, and health sciences, ensuring high-quality education grounded in current research and best practices. It caters to a diverse group of students, including clinicians, public health practitioners, researchers, and health policymakers, fostering an environment of collaborative learning. The program aims to enhance participants' ability to contribute to healthcare improvements, policy development, and research initiatives by applying rigorous evidence-based approaches.

Graduates of the Evidence-Based Health Care program are well-prepared to lead initiatives that promote effective healthcare delivery, conduct impactful research, and inform policy decisions that improve patient outcomes. The program’s reputable faculty, state-of-the-art resources, and emphasis on practical skills make it a valuable credential in the field of health sciences, supporting career advancement and leadership roles in various healthcare settings. The program also facilitates networking opportunities with professionals from around the world, promoting the exchange of ideas and collaborative problem-solving in evidence-based health practice.