Sleep Medicine

The Diploma in Sleep Medicine at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive and advanced programme designed for healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of sleep disorders and their management. This postgraduate diploma provides a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from medicine, psychology, neuroscience, and other related fields to equip students with the knowledge necessary to diagnose, treat, and manage various sleep-related conditions effectively. Throughout the course, students will explore the physiological mechanisms of sleep, the epidemiology of sleep disorders, and current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Emphasising evidence-based practice, the programme includes modules on sleep studies, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, and the latest advancements in sleep medicine technology. The curriculum is structured to combine rigorous academic learning with practical clinical applications, enabling students to develop critical skills in patient assessment and care. Designed for clinicians, researchers, and allied health professionals, this diploma offers flexible online learning options, allowing participants to balance their studies with professional commitments. Assessments include written assignments, case studies, and clinical projects, ensuring that participants can apply their learning directly to their practice settings. Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be well-equipped to contribute to the development of sleep medicine clinics, undertake research in sleep medicine, and enhance patient outcomes through improved diagnosis and management techniques. The University of Oxford’s reputation for academic excellence and pioneering research ensures that students receive a high-quality, evidence-based education that is both current and relevant to contemporary clinical practice. This diploma is an ideal stepping stone for professionals aiming to specialise further in sleep medicine or to integrate sleep disorder management into their broader healthcare practice.

The MSc is a part-time course, spread over two years. During that time you will complete eight modules, providing a comprehensive overview of sleep medicine that is in line with the European Sleep Research Society's teaching and training guidelines. These modules include:

• The Physiological Basis of Sleep
• Introduction to Sleep Medicine and Methodological Approaches
• Circadian Rhythm Disruption and Sleep
• Insomnias
• Sleep Disordered Breathing and Sleep-related Movement Disorders
• Hypersomnias and Parasomnias
• Sleep in Specialist Populations
• Sleep and Society

Each module will be assessed by an extended essay, entailing a total of four extended essays submitted every academic year: two at the end of the second and third terms. Throughout the course you will be expected to work on your dissertation, which is the final piece of coursework, to be submitted at the end of the course. This will take the form of a systematic review and a research study design, including ethical considerations and budgeting. To support this process you will also have to complete two modules in research methods.

Pattern of teaching, learning and supervision

The course is designed to give as much flexibility as possible, whilst still providing necessary support and community. Lectures are pre-recorded and sent for you to watch in your own time, alongside any relevant reading, case studies and activities.

You will join regular discussion groups. These are run using conferencing software, allowing you to interact in real-time with classmates and teaching faculty and will typically last one hour. For these sessions you will be expected to prepare short essays and/or presentations for discussion.

For the purposes of the dissertation you will be assigned a dissertation supervisor, who you will meet with as and when necessary. You will also be expected to attend a week-long residential school in person at Oxford. A significant component of the course involves self-directed learning to build on taught materials. 

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 psychology, neuroscience or a health-related discipline.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants will have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

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).

In cases where a strong first-class degree cannot be demonstrated, a masters level qualification or strong professional experience will also be considered. It is expected that most applicants will currently be working in a health-related profession. Students are expected to have good IT skills. As the course is primarily pursued online, students will need to be familiar with communicating in this way and will be expected to ensure adequate internet connection and audio-visual equipment to engage fully with the course. 

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

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal and personal statement::Proposal of up to 1,000 words and statement of up to 500 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

The University of Oxford offers various financing options for students enrolled in Sleep Medicine programmes. Funding opportunities include scholarships, bursaries, and grants specifically designed to support postgraduate students pursuing advanced studies in health sciences and sleep medicine. Prospective students are encouraged to explore bursaries and financial aid packages available through their department or faculty, which may cover tuition fees partially or in full. Additionally, the university provides access to external funding sources, such as government scholarships, research grants, and charitable foundations that support medical research and postgraduate education. Student loans are also available through national loan schemes, which can be utilized to finance studies at Oxford. International students should look into the university’s international scholarship programmes, which offer support based on academic merit and financial need. It is advisable to contact the university’s financial aid office or the specific department administering the Sleep Medicine programme early in the application process to ensure eligibility and to learn about application deadlines and required documentation. Furthermore, many students secure funding through research assistantship positions, which provide financial support in exchange for research work related to sleep medicine. Some programmes may also offer stipends as part of research projects or collaborative studies with external medical institutions. Oxford’s commitment to accessible education aims to minimize financial barriers, promoting a diverse student body engaged in advancing sleep medicine research and clinical practice. To optimize funding opportunities, students are encouraged to apply for multiple sources of support and to seek advice from academic advisors and financial aid officers. Overall, financing Sleep Medicine studies at Oxford involves a combination of university-administered scholarships, external funding sources, research stipends, and national loan programs, ensuring comprehensive financial support to enable students to focus on their academic and research pursuits without undue financial stress.

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive programme in Sleep Medicine, designed for healthcare professionals and researchers interested in the science and clinical practices related to sleep disorders. This programme provides a multidisciplinary approach, integrating neuroscience, medicine, psychology, and biomedical sciences to explore the mechanisms of sleep and circadian rhythms, as well as the diagnosis, management, and treatment of sleep-related conditions. Participants will gain insights into various sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias, along with their impact on overall health and wellbeing. The curriculum includes a combination of theoretical lectures, practical sessions, and case studies, aimed at enhancing both understanding and clinical skills in sleep medicine. The programme emphasizes evidence-based approaches and latest research findings, preparing students to contribute effectively to clinical practice, research, and policy development in sleep health. Furthermore, students will engage with leading experts in the field through seminars and workshops, providing opportunities for networking and professional development. The programme also covers the use of diagnostic tools such as polysomnography and actigraphy, as well as emerging technologies and treatment modalities, including behavioural interventions, pharmacotherapy, and device-based therapies. Graduates of this programme are equipped to pursue careers in clinical sleep medicine, research institutions, and healthcare policy, or to enhance their existing practice with specialized knowledge in sleep health. The programme is delivered in a flexible learning format, combining online modules with in-person sessions at the university's facilities, allowing for accessibility to participants from around the world. It adheres to the highest academic standards and is accredited by relevant professional bodies, ensuring that graduates meet professional competency requirements. Overall, the Sleep Medicine programme at Oxford represents a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge science and clinical practice in this vital area of healthcare, supported by Oxford's renowned academic environment and extensive research resources.