Epidemiology (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip, PgProfDev

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Medicine

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

Online learning

Part-time intermittent study
  • PgProfDev | 2 years | Start date: multiple dates
Part-time
  • MSc | 3 years | Start date: September 2026
  • PgCert | 1 year | Start date: September 2026
  • PgDip | 2 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Edinburgh Medical School

College

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

Programme website
Accreditation

Not available

Apply now

15 October: Postgraduate Online Learning Essentials

Find out what it’s like to study online at Edinburgh, with insights into learning, community and the support available to online postgraduate students.

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Open Days on Demand

Dive into an extensive selection of programme-specific session recordings hosted by our Academic and Professional Services staff.


About the degree programme

This programme is designed to give you the foundational knowledge and analytical skills necessary for a career in epidemiology. Through learning and applying epidemiological concepts, along with practical statistical training, including the use of R software, this programme prepares the epidemiological leaders of tomorrow.

Whether you aim to conduct ground-breaking research, enhance clinical outcomes, or influence public health policy and practice, our programme provides the knowledge and tools to tackle contemporary population health challenges and propel your career forward.

Study options

This part-time, fully online programme is spread over three years, and you can exit the programme after:

  • Year 1 with a Postgraduate Certificate
  • Year 2 with a Postgraduate Diploma
  • Year 3 with a Master of Science degree

Alternatively, you can also study standalone courses as Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD).

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) - Stand-Alone Courses

PPD is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit.

Alternatively, after one year of taking courses, you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to studying towards a higher award on a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or Masters programme.

Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

Programme benefits

  • Benefit from studying in an institute that is a world-leader in global health, data-driven innovation and pioneering epidemiological studies.
  • You can tailor your learning experience whilst building on comprehensive and in-depth core epidemiological, statistical and research design training.
  • Create a bespoke learning experience that combines core epidemiological and research training with cutting-edge data science and data-driven innovation and/or public health-focused courses.
  • In an era of data-intensive research, the programme will help position you at the forefront of this exciting and evolving field, and prepare you to take on leading roles in epidemiology, developing the skills you need to address contemporary population health problems.
  • Benefit from a strong focus on research and interdisciplinary opportunities.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time intermittent study
Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Online Learning Scholarships

The University offers several scholarships specifically for online, part-time postgraduate programmes. These are very competitive. We publish data on the success rate for scholarship applications to help you understand the level of demand.

Scholarships will be awarded to outstanding candidates, and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Learn more about Online Learning Scholarships

Scholarship application success rates

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are funded by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC), dependent from the UK government's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

They are aimed at candidates from low and middle-income countries who would like to undertake part-time, distance learning study on eligible postgraduate programmes offered at Universities in the UK.

Each scholarship will cover full tuition fees and will be tenable for up to five years of part-time study.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships for refugees and displaced students

The University will offer 20 scholarships for eligible refugees and displaced students studying towards a part-time distance learning programme offered by the University.

Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships for refugees and displaced students

The Glenmore Postgraduate Scholarship

Four scholarships are available for eligible postgraduate programmes offered by the University.  The scholarships will cover full tuition fees for the duration of the programme of study.

Glenmore Postgraduate Scholarship

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for online study from one of the UK’s governments.

If you intend to apply for a UK government loan you should apply for the 3-year Masters option.

View details: UK government loans

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent in science, medicine, biomedicine, nursing, social science, statistics, or other related discipline.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 7 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 145 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The MSc Epidemiology programme at the University of Edinburgh is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field, blending core competencies with specialised option courses.

All practical analytical learning is underpinned by training in R software, the primary statistical software used in epidemiological research.

Courses run during five-week (or occasionally 10-week) blocks. The majority of the self-directed learning takes place asynchronously, with a limited number of optional live sessions, which makes this programme ideal for those with commitments they need to work around.

Year 1

You will take four courses:

  • Principles of Epidemiology and Statistics
  • Data Analysis with R
  • Applied Epidemiology
  • Statistical Modelling for Epidemiology

Furthermore, you will choose one option course.

Year 2

You will take three additional compulsory courses:

  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Research Design for Epidemiology
  • Advanced Epidemiology

Furthermore, you will choose three option courses from a diverse range of courses offered by the Epidemiology programme and other programmes, principally the Data Science for Health and Social Care and Public Health programmes. 

These options include:

  • Advanced Statistics
  • Introduction to Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology
  • Data Visualisation: knowledge transfer
  • Systematic Reviews
  • Introduction to Health Promotion
  • Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
  • Migration and Health
  • Non-communicable Diseases in a Global Context
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Python Programming for Health and Social Care

Year 3

You will be supported to undertake a dissertation research project.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time intermittent study
Part-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Disclaimer

Please note that the delivery of option courses in Years 1 and 2 is subject to demand and availability.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will learn through a mix of online course content, reading lists and interactive discussions with your peers.

Assessment

You will demonstrate your understanding and skills through a mix of:

  • essays
  • projects
  • blog posts
  • other pieces of written work

Learning outcomes

The skills developed in this programme are key for most types of health science research.

Many aspects of this programme involve problem solving, critical thinking and evaluation, thus developing research skills and personal and intellectual autonomy. A key aim of the programme is to contribute to your ability to conceive and execute epidemiological research.

On completing the programme, you will:

  • Have developed an understanding of the principles and practice of epidemiology.
  • Be able to design research projects and collect data.
  • Be able to evaluate and interpret epidemiological evidence and communicate this evidence to a range of audiences.
  • Have acquired skills for working in teams and groups.
  • Be equipped to move into a range of health science research or allied careers, or progress to further doctoral-level training.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

Our programme is embedded in the Edinburgh Medical School.  We have a strong track record of delivering successful online programmes, well supported by a team of academics and professional support service staff.

We are in close collaboration with the Usher School of Population Health Sciences, whose excellence in research is embedded within the programme. The teaching will be led by several established and emerging research leaders. The programme will provide a supportive and nurturing learning experience for students.

Read more about our team

How online learning works

This degree programme is taught entirely online. There is no need to come to the city or University campus. 

All learning and teaching takes place within our virtual learning environment (VLE). Through the VLE, you can: 

  • access all your learning materials and study resources, including e-books and library resources
  • interact with your tutors and classmates 

An online degree from the University of Edinburgh is academically equivalent to an on-campus postgraduate degree and involves the same level of work overall. The qualification you get is of equal value. Your degree certificate will not mention that you studied the programme online.

How does online learning work?

Time commitment

This programme is designed to be fully flexible to fit around your schedule. You can study in your own time and access all your learning resources, such as reading lists, discussion forms and slides from anywhere in the world.  

The programme is part-time, requiring approximately 15 hours of study per week. This allows you to manage your studies alongside your professional and personal responsibilities effectively.

Equipment and software needs

To study this online programme, you will need access to:   

  • a computer or laptop  
  • the internet  
  • the latest version of a web browser  

As an online student, you will have access to a range of software you can download to help you complete your coursework, including Microsoft Office 365. 

IT support is available if you have technical difficulties.  

IT and computing help

Opportunities to attend in person

Our programme is 100% online. Although you will not need to visit Edinburgh in person at any time during your study, we do very much welcome you to visit us if you find yourself in the area.

Graduation 

All students are offered the opportunity to graduate in person in Edinburgh, Scotland, at the completion of their studies.

Support for online students

Student life 

Even though you are not on campus in Edinburgh, there are lots of ways in which you can take part in student life and enjoy being part of our community. 

Online Students website 

Student representation 

Effective student representation is a vital part of our teaching and learning to enhance the student experience. 

Programme student representatives will be nominated and will communicate regularly with the teaching programme about any student concerns. A staff student liaison committee (SSLC) will be held each semester to discuss student feedback. 

The purpose of these meetings will be to discuss issues and good practice, but also to review feedback and work with students to monitor and improve the programme delivery and teaching content, as required. The student representatives will set the agenda and chair the SSLC meetings. 

More information about students getting involved

Postgraduate e-Journal Club

Our e-journal club (eJC), led by staff and students, focuses on Evidence-Based Practice and critical appraisal of research. It involves postgraduate learners from various programmes, enhancing skills and critiquing studies across disciplines like public health, clinical trials, and data science.

Aimed primarily at healthcare professionals, it supports Evidence-Based Practice and knowledge sharing. This platform fosters collaboration, peer review, and builds critical lifelong learning skills.

This club is available to all programme students.

Career opportunities

Graduating from the MSc Epidemiology programme at the University of Edinburgh opens doors to a wide range of career paths in both public and private sectors.

Epidemiologists work for national, international, public and private organisations involved in the study of patterns of health and disease in populations. They also work for other government bodies. Universities and research institutions employ lecturers within the field of public health and epidemiology, as well as researchers working on specific projects.

The private sector, especially global pharmaceutical companies, also employs epidemiologists with strong commercial awareness. Clinical scientist positions, specialising in infection sciences, are also available at hospitals.

Employers offering the possibility of hands-on field work include international charities targeting disease outbreaks overseas. These include:

Having gained the right combination of skills, qualifications and experience, you can progress to a higher-level role such as lead epidemiologist or field epidemiologist. As your career develops, whether in the public or private sector, you are likely to take on a more supervisory role with responsibility for your work and the work of others.

Registration with professional bodies and many years of experience can lead to consultant epidemiologist roles.

Sectors and roles

Research and academia

Engage in cutting-edge research or teach at universities and research institutions, contributing to the academic community and guiding future public health professionals.

Public health agencies

Take on roles such as epidemiologist, public health analyst, or infection control officer, where you can directly influence disease prevention and health promotion strategies.

Government and policy-making

Shape health policies by working with government bodies or international health organisations, translating epidemiological data into actionable policies.

Industry

Join pharmaceutical companies or health consultancy firms as an epidemiologist, where you can impact health outcomes on a large scale through research and development.

Non-governmental organisations

Work on global health challenges with international organisations, focusing on outbreak response and health improvement initiatives worldwide.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 21 August 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You must submit one reference with your application.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

General enquiries

Programme Administrator

Edinburgh Medical School
Usher Building
5-7 Little France Road
Little France
Edinburgh
EH16 4UX

Phone:+44 (0)131 651 7990

Academic contact

Caroline Jackson

Programme Director

  • College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Address

Usher Building
5-7 Little France Road
Little France
Edinburgh
EH16 4UX

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