Modelling for Global Health (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The MSc in Modelling for Global Health aims to train a new generation of mathematical modellers with cutting edge multi-disciplinary skills to support global health decision making processes at sub-national, national and international levels.

A strong connection with the Oxford Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine (NDM) ensures that the portfolio of training provided on this MSc retains the ability to bridge tropical medicine research to policy and implementation. Tropical medicine is a major research theme at the Nuffield Department of Medicine, and quantitative methods have been identified by NDM as a key area for expansion and training. This MSc course will enhance the connection between state-of-the-art technical research and frontline clinical and laboratory science in the Global Health arena.

The course will aim to develop your:

• repertoire of skills in mathematical and economic modelling including, for example, scientific programming, global health financing, genetics and evolution, spatial analysis and model fitting, related cutting-edge bioinformatics and analytics

• breadth of knowledge of current challenges and issues in global health

• range of techniques and tools for communication with key stakeholders from policy, implementation, commercial and research sectors.

MSc students can participate fully in the NDM research community. For example, there is a weekly journal club led by NDM DPhil students from the Oxford Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health to which all MSc students are invited.

Course structure
The first term will consist of topics on research methods, an overview of major global health challenges and foundations of mathematics required.

During the second term, in addition to some continued core content, you will select three elective modules for further study.

You will also work on a placement project and dissertation.

A series of workshops will be held across the academic year, designed to build skills in academic writing and critical appraisal, and foster competencies to support the successful completion of summative assessment outputs (eg scientific reports, policy pieces, journal articles). These sessions to be designed with the technical and numerical nature of the writing tasks in mind.