MSc in Translational Health Sciences

at University of Oxford

The course is ideal for researchers who want to study scientific and technological innovation in a healthcare setting and research managers looking to run clinical trials or promote the uptake of research findings. It will also assist entrepreneurs (from industry or the public sector) who seek to improve patient care through innovation and policymakers (local and national) wishing to support research and its translation to improve services. For students interested in undertaking doctoral research, the MSc will prepare them to apply for a DPhil in translational health sciences. The department expects all students to have some relevant past experience in a work environment.
 

The MSc Translational Health Science can be studied full-time or part-time. Students complete one compulsory module (Introduction and Research Methods for Translational Science), plus five option modules and a dissertation.
 

The following options are currently available to choose from:

• Behavioural Science and Complex Interventions

• Economics and Regulation in Translational Science

• Ethics and Justice in Translational Science

• Health Organisations and Policy

• Patients, Citizens & the Politics of Evidence

• Healthcare Evaluation and Research Impact

• Technological Innovation and Digital Health

• Translational Science and Global Health.
   

Modules are run over a nine-week blended learning cycle. An initial period of self-directed study is spent working on introductory activities using a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This is followed by a week spent in Oxford for supported face to face teaching, and then a further period of Post-Oxford activities (A mixture of self-directed and supported distance learning also delivered through the VLE). The final week of each module is for self-directed personal study, shortly followed by the assignment submission.

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
 

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any subject.
• Successful completion of a professional training course or professional work experience in the health service or a health-related field may also be considered.
• For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.
   

GRE General Test scores

• No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
• Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience
   

Successful applicants should:
 

• be able to combine intensive classroom learning with the application of the principles and practices of clinical epidemiology within the workplace;
• have a good working knowledge of email, internet, word processing and other Microsoft Office applications, and the ability to learn new software packages (ie virtual learning environment, reference management); and
• show evidence of the ability to commit time to study and an employer's commitment to make time available to study, complete course work and attend course and university events and modules.
• Publications are not expected.
   

Further guidance

This is an applied course aimed at learners whose varied past and current experience in industry, policymaking, academia, front-line service delivery or public service are key contributors to the overall learning experience of the cohort. We expect all students to have some past experience in a work environment.  Furthermore, student selection for the course will take account of the need to produce a diverse, interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral cohort of learners. Hence, the question to be addressed in this criterion is not a tick-box number of years in employment but evidence that the applicant has gained, and reflected upon, their experience in the workplace.

Home    
£15,390    

Overseas    
£15,390

This is a new course, so there are no alumni yet. The course has been designed to address a significant and urgent skills deficit in linking research discoveries to implementation in practice, service transformation and improved patient outcomes. Such roles include (but are not limited to) the following sectors:
 

• higher education: researchers, research managers, knowledge translation/research impact officers
• NHS: clinical entrepreneurs, knowledge managers
• industry: designers, research managers, academic liaison officers
• policy: variety of local and national policy roles
• third sector: patient advocacy, lobbying.