Epidemiology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for Self-funded Students in the UK

As a PhD student in Epidemiology, you’ll be conducting in-depth research about prevailing concerns in public health. Your research can span from finding the origin of diseases to developing innovative tools for prevention and intervention.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Epidemiology?

With a PhD in Epidemiology, you have the chance to provide value to society with your research in public health. You could be looking at finding ways to prevent and treat illnesses or work on population concerns.

Some popular Epidemiology research topics are:

• Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
• Maternal and child health
• Respiratory diseases
• Infections
• Genetic epidemiology
• Cancer

Whichever specialisation you chose, you can expect elements of data analysis, laboratory study and population-based study during your research.

A PhD in Epidemiology can last up to the 4 years and will end with a thesis submission of 80,000 words. You will also be asked to defend your thesis in an oral viva examination.

Like most other STEM subjects, a PhD in Epidemiology is advertised with a research aim already attached. You must choose a project that aligns with your research interests and qualifications.

As a PhD student in Epidemiology you’ll also have access to certain training courses that will help you develop certain key skills that will go beyond your research and assist in your professional development.

Entry requirements

For most PhD in epidemiology, you’ll at least need an Upper Second-class honours degree in a subject like Biology or Medicine. Some universities might also accept a Lower-Second Class honours degree if you also have a Masters with Merit classification.

Depending on where you study, you might also be required to prove you’re proficient in the language of instruction at your university.

PhD in Epidemiology funding options

In the UK, a PhD in Epidemiology if funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) which provides fully funded studentships along with a monthly stipend. A PhD that is advertised with funding attached guarantees funding to all students who have been successful in their application.

Some other organisations that provide funding for a PhD in Epidemiology are National Institute of Health Research, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome Trust and British Heart Foundation.

PhD in Epidemiology careers

Most Epidemiology doctoral graduates go on to work in roles within medicine and biostatistics. Governments, public health organisations, hospitals and clinical trial units are some of the largest employers of Epidemiology graduates.

If you want to continue in research, you can always look at a career as a postdoctoral research fellow or in academia.