PhD/MPhil Epidemiology / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Programme description

Our PhD/MPhil Epidemiology programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Epidemiology.

Our main research themes within epidemiology investigate autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, neurological, psychiatric and cognitive genetic epidemiology, male infertility and cancer at a population and family level.

In particular, our research covers:

  • the distribution of disease and related health-behaviours and their relationship with the complex interaction between people, place and time and inequalities;
  • genetic and genomic epidemiology to investigate health and disease, particularly where longitudinal clinical data has been collected;
  • 'omics-based molecular epidemiology, disease risk algorithms, and non-molecular eg occupational and environmental determinants of health and outcomes;
  • the design and implementation of complex interventions, underpinned with evidence from other disciplines including anthropology, social sciences, health psychology and urban planning;
  • the use of more novel applications to capture cross sectional and longitudinal behaviour and outcome measures;
  • using digital/web-based techniques of crowd-sourcing, social media, geo-coding, and machine learning;
  • the use of novel techniques to assess the exposome
  • epidemiological, evaluative and policy related research in the field of substance misuse, within the areas of health and criminal justice.
  • how health service interventions, from policies to lab-based sciences, impact on society more widely

Special features

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

Teaching and learning

PhD/MPhil programmes are based on individual research projects that last three to four years (PhD) or one to two years (MPhil), working with a specific Primary Supervisor and Co-Supervisor(s).

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Attendance Requirement for Distance Learning Programme

Students must maintain expected virtual presence and communication with their Supervisor in order to remain registered on the programme and follow all online progression milestones as for any PGR student.

Students must attend, in person, the Welcome and Induction activities organised by the Doctoral Academy in September.  As a result, a September start date is preferable.  Students should also attend, in person, the compulsory `Life as a PhD Student' training.

Students are encouraged to consider undertaking additional training offered via the Doctoral Academy Training Programme.

It is expected that students will spend a minimum of one working week (5 days) in attendance at the University (in addition to welcome/induction days).  This may coincide with formal study weeks (ie in NMSW) and will present the opportunity for the student to spend time with their Supervisory team, visit the Library or local research facilities.

Students must participate in the formal Annual Review meeting, ideally in person, but attendance via Skype etc can be considered.

The final oral examination will be held at the University of Manchester.  Only in very exceptional circumstances will a student be allowed to undertake the viva remotely.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas.

For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the  funded programmes  and  funding opportunities  pages.

What our students say

Find out more about what it's like to undertake a postgraduate research degree at Manchester on the Doctoral Academy Blog and the support available through our Faculty Doctoral Academy.

Facilities

You will have access to a range of  research and learning facilities  across the University and at some of our partner organisations.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk