Evidence Based Health Care Medical Statistics

The MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care with a specialization in Medical Statistics at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous training designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to critically appraise, interpret, and apply health research evidence. This programme is tailored for health professionals, researchers, and policymakers who are committed to improving healthcare quality and outcomes through rigorous, data-driven decision making. Structured over one academic year full-time or part-time options, the course combines theoretical understanding with practical application, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to contribute effectively to medical research and healthcare practice.

The curriculum covers key topics including statistical methods in medical research, research design and methodology, evidence synthesis, biostatistics, data analysis, and epidemiology. Students will gain hands-on experience with statistical software, learn how to interpret research findings, and develop skills in designing and evaluating clinical studies. A significant component involves understanding technical aspects of research literature, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and the critical appraisal of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

The programme is delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, practical classes, and independent study, all supported by expert faculty members renowned for their contributions to evidence-based medicine and medical statistics. Students are encouraged to engage in discussions, collaborate on research projects, and apply their learning to real-world health challenges. The course also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in research and the responsible use of health data.

Graduates of this programme will be adept at analyzing complex health data, conducting systematic reviews, and providing evidence-based recommendations in clinical and public health settings. They will be equipped to pursue careers in academic research, healthcare policy, clinical trials, and health data analysis, making a tangible impact on improving patient outcomes and healthcare systems worldwide. This programme reflects Oxford’s commitment to excellence in education and advancing the field of evidence-based medicine, preparing students to be leaders in medical statistics and healthcare research.

The MSc in EBHC Medical Statistics is a part-time course.

There are two compulsory modules, four option modules (two from group 1 and two more either from either group 1 or 2) and a dissertation.

Compulsory Modules

• Essential Medical Statistics
• Statistics for Clinical Trials

Optional Modules - 1

• Meta-analysis
• Big Data Epidemiology
• Statistical Computing with R and Stata (online)

Optional Modules - 2

• Introduction to Study Design and Research Methods
• Systematic Reviews
• Evidence-based Diagnosis and Screening

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).

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.

Other appropriate indicators will include:

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:500 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, of which at least two must be academic

The Evidence Based Health Care Medical Statistics program at the University of Oxford offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for this program are structured to reflect the university’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and providing accessible education in health-related fields. International students are required to pay a different fee level compared to domestic students, with scholarship opportunities and financial aid programs available to eligible applicants. The university offers a range of scholarships, including competitive merit-based awards, need-based grants, and specialized fellowships aimed at students pursuing advanced training in medical statistics and evidence-based healthcare. These funding options are designed to reduce the financial burden on students and enable diverse backgrounds to participate in the program.

Applicants are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities, such as government grants, private foundations, and international organizations supporting health research education. Oxford’s financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance on application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility criteria for various funding schemes. For students enrolled in full-time study, the university also offers access to student loans and part-time work opportunities to supplement their income. Additionally, some students may qualify for research grants, stipends, or teaching assistantships, which provide both financial support and valuable academic experience.

Students should carefully review the specific requirements and conditions associated with each funding source to maximize their chances of securing financial assistance. The university’s commitment to equitable access ensures that applicants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds have opportunities for financial support. Prospective students are advised to start their financing planning early to navigate the application process effectively and to ensure their capacity to focus on their studies without undue financial stress. Overall, the University of Oxford provides a comprehensive framework of funding options, aiming to foster a diverse and accomplished student body in the field of evidence-based healthcare and medical statistics.

The Evidence Based Health Care Medical Statistics program at the University of Oxford is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of statistical principles and methods as they apply to health care research and evidence-based practice. This program emphasizes the development of critical skills necessary to evaluate and interpret medical data, enabling health professionals to make informed decisions that improve patient outcomes. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, including the use of statistical software and real-world datasets to analyze health care interventions, clinical trials, and epidemiological studies. Students will explore various statistical techniques such as regression analysis, hypothesis testing, survival analysis, and meta-analysis, tailoring these skills to address current challenges in healthcare research.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to engage with the latest developments in evidence-based medicine, ensuring that learning remains relevant to contemporary medical practice. The program typically involves a mixture of lectures, seminars, hands-on workshops, and independent research projects, designed to foster analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Collaboration with faculty members who are leading experts in medical statistics and health care research provides students with mentorship and opportunities for innovative research. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue careers in clinical research, health policy, epidemiology, biostatistics, and other related fields where statistical expertise is critical.

The program's accessibility is supported by flexible study options, including full-time and part-time pathways, catering to both local and international students. The rigorous academic environment of the University of Oxford ensures that graduates gain not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of the ethical considerations involved in medical research. Overall, this program aims to produce highly skilled professionals capable of advancing evidence-based health care practices through robust statistical analysis, ultimately contributing to improved global health outcomes.