UCL FACULTY OF POPULATION HEALTH SCIENCES
Population Health Sciences at UCL
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About the UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences Why Population Health? UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science UCL Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care UCL Institute for Global Health UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health UCL Institute of Health Informatics UCL Institute for Women’s Health Postgraduate Research How to apply
About the UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences 1
The UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences aims to produce outstanding students equipped to promote improvements in health and wellbeing worldwide. We provide an exciting and cross-disciplinary environment for the study of population health across the lifecourse. Our seven institutes represent each life-stage, from conception, birth, childhood, adolescence into adulthood, older age and death. We offer a range of educational programmes designed to provide you with training of the highest quality in the following subject areas: Cardiovascular Science Child Health Clinical Trials and Methodology Epidemiology and Health Care Global Health Health Informatics Women’s Health At UCL we are proud of our pioneering history, our distinguished present and our exciting future. Academic excellence and conducting research that addresses real-world problems inform our ethos to this day and our plans for the future. With our academic reputation, excellent facilities and central London location, UCL is a great place to be a student.
About the UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences 2
Our expertise allows us to design and deliver a first-class education in a global environment. The range of disciplines from which staff are drawn, our collaborative approach and the initiatives in which we are involved all ensure that we provide a supportive, challenging and vibrant Faculty in which to study. Research groups and strength Our Institutes together encompass conception, birth, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, older age and death. The Institutes for Women’s Health, of Child Health, Cardiovascular Science and Epidemiology and Health Care comprehensively address these phases and periods at an individual and population level. The Institutes of Clinical Trials and Methodology, Health Informatics and Global Health focus on how potential health gains can be realised nationally and internationally.
80% of our research is rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2014) The London advantage One of the many advantages of being in the centre of London is our links to, and collaborations with, a number of clinical partners and leading policy-making institutions, including the Medical Research Council (MRC), Wellcome Trust, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Public Health England, NICE, the Department of Health, the Francis Crick and Alan Turing Institutes and UCL’s partner health facilities and Biomedical Research Centres. Students on our clinical programmes in child and women’s health have the opportunity to work alongside leading clinicians at some of London’s major hospitals, including Great Ormond Street and University College Hospital. Our unparalleled access to high quality research facilities and academic expertise informs the structure and content of the teaching programmes we offer.
Global networks The future health of many communities is intimately bound up with global challenges – climate change, international trade, migration, urbanisation and population growth. Global challenges require global solutions, so it’s unsurprising that we receive research funding not only from the UK, but also from US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and from the EU. UCL’s global health research is increasingly multidisciplinary as seen in our Institute for Global Health, and across the Faculty in epidemiology, child health, women’s health and in cardiovascular science. The Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology has collaborations in more than 80 countries: population health at UCL is truly global in its reach and aspiration.
1072 students from 71 nations
ucl.ac.uk/population-health-sciences 3 The student experience The student experience is at the heart of our educational vision. UCL provides the resources associated with a world-leading university, and our Institutes have excellent discipline-specific facilities. For example, newly refurbished laboratories at the Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and recent investment in non-invasive imaging, high-speed computing and ‘omics’ analysis capabilities, have increased opportunities for research projects. UCL also provides students with a wealth of services to meet their cultural, social, and leisure interests and their practical needs. Scholarships and funding Studentships are available annually for specific research areas and programmes identified by funders (e.g. ERSC, MRC, British Heart Foundation), secured as part of individual projects and research proposals (e.g. NIHR, Cancer Research UK) and/or available in annual competition to support the best proposals in a given field (e.g. Child Health Research Appeal Trust). Scholarships are also secured for taught programmes where funders believe they address specific training and capacity requirements. The nature of the funding, with a relatively fast-changing landscape of funding opportunities, determines that all scholarships are held at Institute or programme level and that applicants have to contact our Institutes directly to secure the most up-to-date information.
The UCL advantage 1st in the UK UCL is the top-rated University in the UK for research strength (Research Excellence Framework 2014) 7th in the world UCL is the 7th ranked University in the World (QS World University Rankings 2016/17) 29 Nobel Laureates 29 Nobel Prizes have been awarded to people who are, or were, students or academics at UCL 155 UCL staff and students come from 155 countries Employability and skills We offer a unique environment for crossdisciplinary study, as well as the opportunity to engage with peers and staff with professional experience in many different domains of public health, including health service delivery, research, programme management, health policy and advocacy. Institutes within the Faculty run alumni and networking events and foster relationships with industry, third sector and governmental organisations, partner hospitals and the wider NHS – developing extensive networks that support future success. As a student you will benefit from world-class education and training and graduate with the skills and knowledge sought after by industry, government departments and voluntary and public sector organisations worldwide, as well as leading academic institutions.
93% of our 2014 graduates on taught postgraduate courses are in work or further study (DLHE, 2014-15)
Why Population Health? 4
Our health is shaped by a convergence of factors: our genes, the air we breathe, the food we eat, the work we do, the taxes we pay, the places we live, and the people we know. All influence our physical and mental wellbeing. Population health studies how health and disease are distributed across populations, and how health can be improved. As the different programmes in this guide illustrate, this is a wide-ranging area. UCL is able to approach population health in a unique way. As a multi-faculty university it can combine all kinds of disciplines to understand patterns of health and disease. Our Faculty contains researchers and teachers undertaking basic science aimed at identifying novel treatments. It contains epidemiologists and data scientists trying to understand the patterns of disease so we can address them. It also works on a global scale with anthropologists, economists and others to tackle the underlying causes of ill health.
We also have a broader mission. Despite great advances in technology and knowledge, massive health inequalities persist. Even within a wealthy city like London, a man born in Tower Hamlets can only expect to live in good health for 54 years, compared to 70 years for a man in Richmondupon-Thames. The situation is far worse when looked at globally. You may have chosen to study one of the programmes on offer in our Faculty because you are motivated to improve the vast health inequalities our world faces. There are many paths to doing this and many skills needed – we encourage you to be part of the effort.
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UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science 7
The UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science is a centre of excellence in pioneering novel, integrative strategies in preventative and therapeutic cardiovascular medicine. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the world. Through our teaching and research we pursue a multidisciplinary approach to explaining the causes and treatment of cardiovascular disease and training the next generation of cardiovascular scientists. Our teaching We are a centre of excellence in preventative and therapeutic cardiovascular medicine. Students benefit from the productive collaborations between scientists and clinical researchers and the exposure to clinical aspects of research activities, as well as access to world-class facilities. Central to our activities is close collaboration between industry, clinicians and academics. Significant income from scientific grants and charitable organisations support our role as leader in cardiovascular research in the UK.
We pursue a multidisciplinary approach to explaining the causes and treatment of cardiovascular disease
Students will develop a detailed knowledge of molecular and cellular cardiovascular science, animal models of cardiovascular disease, microvascular biology and mechanisms by which the heart and vasculature function in health and disease, as well as laboratory and statistical methods. You will gain valuable research skills and an awareness of the ethical, legal and social aspects of developments in cardiovascular disease. Our research Our research is broad, spanning discovery-based laboratory science, clinical translation and experimental medicine, as well as healthcare evaluation, implementation and policy. Much of the work is interdisciplinary, integrating with UCL Engineering, Nanotechnology, Chemistry, Behavioural Science, Ophthalmology and the UCL Genetics Institute. We have a flourishing link with leading cardiovascular scientists and clinicians at Yale University through the Yale UCL Collaborative.
UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science 8 Postgraduate Taught Programmes
Postgraduate Research Programmes
Cardiovascular Science MSc Cardiovascular diseases remain a major cause of death and ill health worldwide. This established MSc programme, taught by scientists and clinicians who are leaders in their field, offers students the opportunity to learn about topical areas in cardiovascular science, preparing them for further research or a career in industry. Students will develop a detailed knowledge of molecular and cellular cardiovascular science, animal models of cardiovascular disease, microvascular biology and mechanisms by which the heart and vasculature function in health and disease, as well as laboratory and statistical methods. They will gain valuable research skills and an awareness of the ethical, legal and social aspects of developments in cardiovascular disease. The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, journal clubs, a quiz, statistical and laboratory practicals and anatomical examination of human congenital heart disease specimens. Assessment is through written and oral examinations, coursework essays, case reports, journal club and other oral presentations and a dissertation.
Our research is broad, spanning discovery-based laboratory science, clinical translation and experimental medicine, as well as healthcare evaluation, implementation and policy. Cardiovascular research at the Institute has an international reputation in device development, cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias, ischaemic preconditioning, imaging and regenerative therapy. We are leaders in the fields of cardiovascular genetics, epidemiology and preventative medicine. Cardiovascular Science MD(Res) We are a centre of excellence in pioneering preventative and therapeutic cardiovascular medicine. With close links to the new Barts Heart Centre, Europe’s largest specialised cardiovascular centre service, students benefit from a world-class clinical setting for their MD(Res) studies. Cardiovascular Science MPhil/PhD Our PhD programme will widen your horizons and bring you in contact with cardiovascular scientists with links to engineering, nanotechnology, chemistry and genetics, creating opportunities in research, pharma or aligned fields. British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Biomedicine PhD (four year programme) Up to four British Heart Foundation (BHF) studentships will be available to work in any area of cardiovascular biomedicine. Research areas include: fundamental biology and discovery science; therapeutic and diagnostic innovation; population science and experimental medicine and data science and health informatics. Â
i To find out more about our programmes visit: ucl.ac.uk/cardiovascular/teaching
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“The programme structure has been designed in a way which attracts individuals from a range of scientific and clinical backgrounds. The course brings together core components of cardiovascular disease research allowing us to gain knowledge of a wide range of subjects, such as laboratory methods and congenital heart disease. For the clinicians there is also the opportunity to undertake the Clinical Cardiology module which enables students to explore and understand how research plays a key role in current cardiology practice.” Dr Niromila Nadarajan, MSc Cardiovascular Science, UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science
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UCL Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology 11
The UCL Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology is a centre of excellence for clinical trials, meta-analysis and epidemiological studies. It has a particular focus on developing and delivering innovations in methodology that improve and enhance these studies. Our teaching Our degree programmes provide a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills needed to conduct clinical research in both academic and industry settings, nationally and internationally. Teaching is delivered and student projects are overseen by world-class scientists and clinicians actively working in clinical trials. This ensures that both teaching and projects are relevant to real-life clinical trial activity. Our MSc in Clinical Trials was designed in consultation with academia, pharma and the NHS. The programme provides an excellent grounding in the design and conduct of clinical trials, and enhances the knowledge and understanding of those already working in the field. Our Clinical Trials and Methodology MPhil/PhD programme aims to train and mentor the next generation of trialists and methodologists. We also offer a number of short courses in clinical trials conduct and methodology, with places available to clinical trialists both within and external to the Institute.
Our research We are at the forefront of resolving internationally important questions in the treatment of some of the major illnesses and conditions affecting humanity. Our trials teams conduct studies across a range of disease areas, and have expertise in a range of trials types – from early to late phase trials, and from simple to complex interventions. In addition, we have a particular focus on developing and delivering innovations in trial methodology, to speed up the process for testing new therapies The Institute is comprised of four clinical trials units: – – – –
Cancer Research UK & UCL Cancer Trials Centre Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit at UCL MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL PRIMENT Clinical Trials Unit
The combined strength of the four units means the Institute has the largest group of trialists – approximately 400 – in Europe.
Recent graduates have secured employment in clinical trials units, academic research departments and the pharmaceutical industry.
The Institute collaborates with national and international partners, which ensures student projects have immediate relevance and application
UCL Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology 12 Postgraduate Taught Programmes
Postgraduate Research Programmes
Clinical Trials MSc/PGDip/PGCert Clinical trials are essential in discovering whether new healthcare interventions improve outcomes for patients. This is an expanding field which offers exciting career opportunities. This programme provides an excellent grounding in clinical trials for those new to the field and will enhance the knowledge and understanding of those already working in the field. Students learn about the scientific, methodological and practical issues involved in the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of clinical trials. Teaching is delivered by researchers with expertise in many different healthcare fields. All types of trials, from early to late phase trials, and from simple to complex interventions are covered. Using a diverse range of clinical trial designs and methodology the Institute provides evidence that impacts on a wide variety of diseases and has a particularly strong track record in cancer, HIV, tuberculosis, primary care, and mental and women’s health. There is expertise from early to late phase clinical trials, stratified medicine and novel interventions such as targeted therapies. Potential career opportunities include trial and data management, statistics, regulation of clinical trials, clinical research, and medical writing. Destinations include contract research organisations, academic clinical trials units, the pharmaceutical industry or hospitals to name but a few. Students may also use this as a springboard for further study at doctoral level.
Clinical Trials MD(Res) This programme is aimed specifically at clinical practitioners who wish to undertake a piece of supervised research associated with their employment, more specifically in the areas of clinical trials, methodology and clinical research. Students must be registered for a minimum of two calendar years (either full-time or part-time) before submitting a thesis for examination. Clinical Trials and Methodology MPhil/PhD This programme aims to train and mentor the next generation of trialists and methodologists, by placing students within a UCL clinical trials unit to work alongside researchers and trial teams. Research students commonly work on a project within one of the research themes of the Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL which include: infectious diseases, cancer and methodology. Recent graduates have secured employment in clinical trials units, academic research departments and the pharmaceutical industry.
i To find out more about our programmes visit: ucl.ac.uk/ictm/education
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“I really appreciate the variety and quality of the lecturers for the various modules. Participation is actively encouraged and it would be quite difficult to be exposed to so many different experts in many therapeutic areas and backgrounds. Similarly, the students are a nice mixture of graduates and people with some experience working within the field. Both the staff and fellow students are friendly and approachable and I thoroughly enjoy attending each week.” David Lieberman, MSc Clinical Trials, UCL Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology
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UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care 15
At the UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care we address major 21st century health challenges such as health equity, obesity, tobacco and alcohol, ageing and the organisation of healthcare. Our teaching and research reflect diverse influences on population health through a truly multidisciplinary approach. Our teaching We provide strong core skills in population health, epidemiology, health psychology and healthcare research plus opportunities to study a broad range of complementary disciplines. Depth, breadth and choice provide our students with diverse career opportunities in academia, public services, industry and voluntary sectors enabling them to improve health at local, national or international levels.
The diversity of expertise in the Institute provides a vibrant environment in which to develop skills for careers in a wide range of national and international settings
Our research We aim to understand and influence determinants of health and health behaviour across the lifecourse, develop and evaluate cross-sectoral policies and strategies to improve health, and optimise healthcare delivery and practice. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) over 80% of our researchers were judged as world-leading or internationally excellent and over 95% of our case studies were classed as having outstanding or very considerable real-world impact. Expertise in epidemiology, medical statistics, health psychology, sociology, health economics, public health, primary care, public policy, and improvement science is found throughout our interdisciplinary teams, which are located across the following five research departments: – – – – –
Applied Health Research Behavioural Science and Health Epidemiology and Public Health MRC Unit of Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL Primary Care and Population Health
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ucl.ac.uk/iehc 17 Undergraduate Taught Programmes
Postgraduate Taught Programmes
Population Health BSc (UCAS code: 170C) Entry requirements: AAB-ABB The Population Health BSc will take you on a journey through different population health science disciplines, preparing you for research and professional careers in the health sector and beyond. Population health studies the factors influencing health: the social and physical environment, individual behaviour, medical care and genetics. It spans the lifecourse from birth to old age, and requires excellence in disciplines from across the health and social sciences including epidemiology, sociology, human geography, social statistics, psychology and economics. Our graduates will form a soughtafter part of the labour market with strong quantitative data science skills, increasingly prioritised by employers, and a thorough understanding of the wider determinants of population health.
Dental Public Health MSc Designed for dentists and dental care professionals who are interested in oral health inequalities and population oral health, this internationally renowned programme explores the application of public health philosophy to dental public health issues. The course provides a strong conceptual public health understanding combined with practical methodological and statistical input. Modules include philosophy and principles of dental public health, oral epidemiology, research methods, oral health promotion, evidence-based dental practice and planning for better oral health. Health Psychology MSc Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), this unique programme aims to equip students to apply the scientific and theoretical principles and ideas of health psychology using a scholarly and critical approach, and to develop the practical skills and knowledge required for employment or research in the field. It provides a thorough grounding in theories, concepts and empirical findings central to current health psychology. Students are encouraged to develop their own area of specialisation, and are given formal training in quantitative and qualitative research methods as well as opportunities for practical learning through work placements. Health and Society: Social Epidemiology MSc/PGDip/PGCert This programme provides students with the knowledge and statistical skills to make valuable contributions to medical and social research and public health. The programme combines the conceptual issues linking the social environment to population health, with a strong methodological base of epidemiology, statistical analysis and policy. Social inequalities in health relating to poverty and absolute and relative deprivation are major themes in research and policy debates in
UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care 18 Postgraduate Taught Programmes (continued)
Postgraduate Research Programmes
both developed and developing countries. This unique MSc is designed to respond to the need for trained researchers, health professionals and policy makers in the field of social epidemiology.
Applied Health Research MD(Res)/MPhil/PhD This programme offers opportunities for students to work with support from researchers undertaking multidisciplinary research to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of healthcare and public health interventions, with particular expertise in reducing socioeconomic inequalities and evaluating health service reorganisation.
Population Health MSc/PGDip/PGCert This programme takes a multidisciplinary perspective on population health, with special emphasis on social determinants of health, ageing and chronic and infectious diseases. Students will learn how to define and measure health, understand the role of socioeconomic and behavioural determinants of health, appreciate how health systems and public policy impact on health, and learn how to evaluate interventions to improve population health. The MSc Population Health will provide the core skills needed to work in public health, as well as offering a variety of optional modules which can be targeted towards a wide range of careers in or parallel to this area including: health policy, health related finance, programme management, health inequalities, and urban and environmental planning.
Behavioural Science and Health MD(Res)/MPhil/PhD This programme offers supervision from researchers working within an extensive portfolio of six research themes: cancer communication and screening, energy balance and cancer, epidemiology of cancer healthcare and outcomes, obesity, psychobiology, tobacco and alcohol. Epidemiology and Public Health MD(Res)/MPhil/PhD A programme which equips the next generation of public health scientists with the tools to further scientific knowledge regarding the determinants of population health. Students are supported to learn new skills and broaden their professional networks by multidisciplinary teams of academics. Primary Care and Population Health MPhil/PhD This research degree offers a range of exciting opportunities with experts from medicine, psychology, epidemiology, public health, sociology, statistics and clinical trials. Students are supported to gain a wealth of skills, experience and networking opportunities that are relevant for a wide range of future careers, both within academia and more widely in healthcare, industry and governmental sectors.
i To find out more about our programmes visit: ucl.ac.uk/iehc/study
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“As a relatively new programme, the quality of learning feels really rich due to the small class sizes and the willingness of tutors and lecturers to support and help students in the department. Also, it is engaging to learn about topics, such as the social determinants of health, and frontiers of knowledge in population health, that reflect society in a way that is useful for our careers/life outside of the degree.” Oumou Longley, BSc Population Health, UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care
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UCL Institute for Global Health 21
The UCL Institute for Global Health takes a unique, crossdisciplinary approach to global health that is reflected in our approach to research and teaching. Our vision is to collaborate across disciplines to find solutions to global health problems. We believe there is no single solution to the world’s health problems. We use our position within a multi-faculty university to draw on the expertise of over 200 staff from across UCL in our research and teaching. Our teaching Today’s global health challenges require a coordinated response from different sectors and academic disciplines. They demand a new approach to research and teaching, which explores health within its broader development context. We give students the tools they need for a real understanding of global health work. Our students are taught by staff with a unique breadth of
experience that unite traditional public health concerns with economics, law, philosophy, politics, anthropology and other disciplines. Our programmes allow students to explore their interests in global health, broadening their horizons for their careers ahead and giving them knowledge and a range of skills that are useful in the job market. Our research We undertake research relevant to countries across the world developing the scientific basis for improvement in clinical practice and public health. We have produced world-leading research about how community participation can improve maternal and child mortality, and have expertise in many other areas of global health, such as infectious diseases, child health and nutrition.
Our vision is to collaborate across disciplines to find solutions to global health problems
UCL Institute for Global Health 22 Postgraduate Taught Programmes
Postgraduate Research Programmes
Global Health and Development MSc/PGDip/PGCert This MSc takes a unique cross-disciplinary approach to global health and attracts students from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. The programme challenges students to understand the complex forces that shape health worldwide, by developing their understanding of the principles underlying research, policy and practice in global health, fostering critical thinking, and building transferable skills. Core modules on global health, research methods, health systems and power and politics are followed by a wide range of optional modules from within the department and across UCL.
Global Health MPhil/PhD Our MPhil/PhD programme offers opportunities to students from a range of backgrounds to explore topics within a broad global health agenda. The programme aims to equip students for the diversity and demands of a career in global health. Research areas include: adolescent health; child health and development; climate change and the environment; disability; economics of global health and development; infectious diseases; newborn health; noncommunicable diseases; nutrition; population and family planning; quality of care; urban health; and women’s and reproductive health. MPhil/PhD research at the Institute for Global Health normally has an international dimension, often with field work carried out abroad. This may require travel to the study site to collect preliminary data. The Institute also runs a weekly seminar programme which provides an opportunity for our research community to share experiences and ideas through presentations.
Global Health and Development: tropEd programme MSc This programme combines UCL modules of the MSc Global Health Development with modules taken at tropEd network institutions in the UK, Europe and around the world. This route maximises professional and educational networking opportunities and international experiences that enhance employability. Mobility across leading international institutions prepares students to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments. Students also experience diverse learning styles and perspectives on global health problems. Health Economics and Decision Science MSc This innovative new programme spans the disciplines of economics, statistics and epidemiology – training students in applied problems, while providing the theoretical foundations expected of an outstanding UCL postgraduate degree. Students choose between a decision science or economics stream and complete eight taught modules and a project. Some students will have the opportunity to undertake an industry internship.
i To find out more about our programmes visit: ucl.ac.uk/igh/study
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“This programme offers modules that cut across multiple disciplines with the specific focus on how they determine or shape global health outcomes. Its interdisciplinary nature has forged my understanding of complex issues from different philosophical points of view.” Anthony Mansaray, MSc Global Health and Development, UCL Institute for Global Health
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UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health 25
The UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, together with its clinical partner the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, forms the largest centre of children’s health research in Europe. We offer an unrivalled portfolio of taught postgraduate opportunities in the fields of paediatrics and child health, child and adolescent mental health, cell and gene therapy, paediatric neuropsychology and physiotherapy. Whether you want to join the next generation of academic researchers or healthcare professionals, or build a career in a variety of paediatric or researchrelated fields, our academic staff and facilities will support your journey. Our teaching We practice research-based teaching delivered by world-class scientists. Our flexible, interdisciplinary programmes aim to facilitate the best scientists from all relevant academic and clinical disciplines to work together to address and improve the health of children. Our close relationship with the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children means that much of our research and teaching is carried out jointly and is translationally relevant. Students benefit from excellent facilities in both laboratory and non-laboratory subjects.
Our research The UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health is a word-class Institute, producing highly employable graduates, with an ambitious and resilient outlook and experience in core research skills, collaboration and networking. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health was part of a UCL return to the Clinical Medicine sub-panel of Main Panel A. In this sub-panel, 80% of UCL research was assessed as either world-leading (43%) or internationally excellent (37%). In terms of research power, UCL’s performance is number 1 in the UK.
We aim to improve the health and wellbeing of children, and the adults they will become, through world-class research, education and public engagement
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“Aside from the fact that it is one of the highest ranked universities globally with world-renowned professional staff and facilities, the range of module selection offered by the course allowed me to tailor my study and focus on the areas that I am most interested in. Child health is an expanding field that extends beyond the context of medical science and also involves factors that influence the overall wellbeing of the child as well as their transition into the adults that they will become.” Nitish Basant Adnani, MSc Paediatrics and Child Health, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
ucl.ac.uk/ich 27 Postgraduate Taught Programmes Cell and Gene Therapy MSc/PGDip/PGCert This programme provides an in-depth education in this cutting-edge and rapidly developing field. It is delivered by scientists and clinicians researching, developing and testing new treatments for genetically inherited and acquired diseases using gene delivery technology, stem cell manipulation and DNA repair techniques. The degree will cover all aspects of the subject, including basic biomedical science, the molecular basis of disease, current and developing technologies and clinical applications. Students will also receive vocational training in research methodology and statistics, how to perform a research project and in completing a practical laboratory based project. Child and Adolescent Mental Health MSc/PGDip/PGCert A dynamic blend of clinical and research expertise is reflected in the delivery of this multidisciplinary programme where high standards of clinical care are fostered and students are encouraged to apply their critical and analytical thinking skills to theory, policy and practice in child and adolescent mental health. Modules cover an overview of mental health disorders and the pharmacological and psychological interventions needed to treat them, as well as professionalism and ethics and international aspects of child mental health. Infancy and Early Childhood Development MSc/PGDip/PGCert Aimed at practitioners working with children or those interested in continuing their education in child development, this new programme explores the main theories, methods and research findings relating to infants and young children from a variety of perspectives, including psychology, education and health. It will include coverage of typical and atypical development, maternal/ primary caregiver and broader environmental factors and settings including nurseries and other
informal learning settings, the importance of early social skills and specific childhood disorders and medical conditions. Students will be exposed to age-specific tools for evaluating typical and atypical development and to intervention methods appropriate for certain neurodevelopmental disorders. There will be optional modules to allow specialisation within the areas of psychology, education and health, and students will undertake a research project under supervision. Paediatrics and Child Health: Advanced Paediatrics, Community Child Health, Molecular and Genomic and Global Child Health pathways MSc/PGDip/PGCert Aimed at medical and non-medical professionals specialising in paediatrics and child health, this flexible programme allows you to focus your studies on one of four pathways, each associated with a wide range of modules (see the programme website). The decision of which pathway to follow will depend on your academic interest and can be discussed with programme directors. All students will have a grounding in evidence-based child health and research methodology, and will benefit from the programme’s strong links to Great Ormond Street Hospital. Paediatrics and Child Health with Clinical Practice MSc This new MSc will provide an in-depth knowledge of the theory and practical skills of clinical paediatrics, including pathology, diagnosis and management. The programme combines lectures and seminars at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health in year one with direct exposure to clinical practice in Great Ormond Street Hospital in year two. Subjects include disease pathology, the assessment of patients and the different therapies available, as well as their limitations and side effects.
UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health 28 Postgraduate Taught Programmes (continued)
Postgraduate Research Programmes
Paediatric Neuropsychology: Applied and Clinical Pathways MSc/PGDip/PGCert Students studying this programme may follow one of two routes. The clinical route is open to qualified Clinical and Educational Psychologists and is currently the only paediatric programme in the UK that is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The applied route is aimed at psychology graduates or educational psychologists who wish to further their knowledge in paediatric neuropsychology.
Our aim is to build capacity in children’s fundamental and translational research for the decades to come. We provide a range of opportunities for study and a strong support network for students and supervisors. Our research programmes cover all aspects of child health research, including: developmental biology and cancer; developmental neurosciences; genetics and genomic medicine; infection, immunity, inflammation; population, policy and practice; and rare diseases (cross-cutting theme).
Physiotherapy: Cardiovascular, Paediatric and Neurophysiotherapy pathways MSc/PGDip/PGCert This postgraduate programme integrates the clinical, academic and research components of physiotherapy. Students may select from one of three pathways specialising in either cardiovascular, paediatric or neurophysiotherapy. Flexibility in selection of modules allows for physiotherapists with particular interests to be accommodated. The programme will enable graduates to pursue a career in academia or research, or to use their postgraduate qualification to be successful in applying for more senior clinical or management positions within their career field. Recent physiotherapy graduates have pursued senior careers in healthcare policy, university lecturing, private practice, management or highly specialist clinical practice.
Child Health MD(Res) The MD(Res) programme provides excellent training to PhD level, giving students comprehensive opportunities in fundamental and translational research of childhood health and disease. The programme provides a basis for clinical graduates to complete their clinical and/or research training, and many progress on to successful academic clinical careers. A wide range of projects are available for prospective students who wish to study for an MD(Res) within a clinical setting over a period of two to four years.
Child Health MRes This one-year MRes is designed to meet the needs of medical professionals interested in developing a research orientated approach to child health, enabling them to gain research skills and experience, and to develop transferable academic and professional skills. It is the only programme of its kind in the UK.
Child Health MPhil/PhD Our PhD research programme provides excellent training, giving students comprehensive opportunities in fundamental and translational research of childhood health and disease. All students (science or clinical) initially register for the MPhil degree before being upgraded (typically early in the 2nd year) to the PhD degree. For a successful upgrade to PhD, students must prepare a written report, give an oral presentation and pass an oral examination.
i To find out more about our programmes visit: ucl.ac.uk/ich/education
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“The breadth of information covered on the course has exceeded my expectations, and to have it presented by experts in the field who are conducting research first-hand has been very exciting. Every question I’ve had in the past regarding cell and gene therapy has been answered through my time here at UCL. Beyond that, I feel all of us on the course have gained a comprehensive understanding of the field as it currently stands, which is as empowering as it is necessary for moving forward from here.” Cara-lin Lonetree, MSc Cell and Gene Therapy, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
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UCL Institute of Health Informatics 31
The UCL Institute of Health Informatics pioneers interdisciplinary research into large and complex data and its use in healthcare systems. Information technologies are revolutionising healthcare. We conduct high quality research and teaching that utilises big data and health informatics approaches, with the aim of improving health at local, national and international levels. Our teaching We offer a range of flexible taught and research postgraduate study programmes which combine theory with practice. Students benefit from being at the centre of a unique hub of biomedical and informatics research expertise, drawn from world-leading departments at UCL and specialist centres, including the Francis Crick and Alan Turing Institutes. Our taught programmes are designed in conjunction with employers to ensure that graduates are well regarded by employers in the NHS, industry and academia.
Our interdisciplinary, highly-skilled staff bridge fields including data science, bioinformatics, epidemiology, psychology, computer science and information governance, carrying out world-class research and providing students with the tools they need to carry out research in today’s rapidly evolving field of health informatics. Our research Our cutting-edge programmes of research span the areas of discovery science, precision medicine, learning health systems, public health and citizen driven health. These programmes of research are underpinned by: excellent secure data infrastructure; adding value to key linked data resources to make data research-ready; development of multidisciplinary methodological expertise; engagement with patients, the public and health services; strong local, national and international academic partnerships and excellent multidisciplinary training programmes. We are the UCL base for the Farr Institute London node of the newly established national Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research.
Students benefit from being at the centre of a unique hub of biomedical and informatics research expertise, drawn from world-leading departments at UCL
UCL Institute of Health Informatics 32 Postgraduate Taught Programmes
Postgraduate Research Programmes
Health Informatics MSc/PGDip/PGCert Today’s society faces the challenge of providing high quality, patient-centred, sustainable and affordable healthcare, in an environment of increased demand and scarce resources. The Health Informatics MSc at UCL aims to form future leaders who will address this challenge, transforming healthcare delivery through the use of information and communication technologies. Our graduates are professionals who are able to effectively engage with clinicians, managers, patients and policymakers, with the necessary skills and tools to harness healthcare information for improving clinical practice and service delivery. They possess the knowledge about healthcare problems, the concepts used to analyse them and the principles that govern the successful engineering, application and evaluation of solutions. The programme is taught by ‘blended learning’, and therefore includes interactive online teaching and face-to-face lectures, seminars and workshops including substantial use of examples of real clinical systems.
Health Informatics MPhil/PhD PhD students benefit from a world-class research environment. We offer a range of research areas related to health data, information and technology. Research activities are diverse and reflect the challenges within heath informatics, including the design of good information systems that will harness clinical knowledge and improve the delivery of health services and the use of new technology to support healthcare. Students are supported by multidisciplinary supervisory teams. They have access to a sophisticated digital infrastructure and we work with several large longitudinal cohort and panel studies. Students attend specialised courses as appropriate and participate in research seminars. Research areas include: electronic health records and clinical knowledge management; clinical decision support; e-health and m-health; new information and communication technologies for patients and clinicians; big data in health; clinical and applied bioinformatics; electronic health records; clinical knowledge management and more. Students graduating in the last three years have secured employment in local and central government, NHS Trusts and hospitals, clinical trial units and Public Health England (previously known as Health Protection Agency), as well as research posts at UCL and other Higher Education Institutes.
Data Science for Research in Health and Biomedicine MSc/PGDip/PGCert Students will become expert in linking and analysing large complex datasets, using techniques which are transforming medical research and creating exciting new commercial opportunities. Students will gain skills spanning computer science, clinical research, and statistical analysis. They will learn how to design and carry out complex and innovative clinical research studies that take advantage of the increasing amount of available data about the health, behaviour and genetic make-up of small and large populations. Graduates will be equipped for roles in the pharmaceutical industry, the NHS and technology start-ups, as well as academia.
i To find out more about our programmes visit: ucl.ac.uk/health-informatics/study
ucl.ac.uk/health-informatics 33
“It’s a pretty small programme (there are about 15 of us), which means that you get to know everyone. It also means that module tutors have enough time to tackle the specific question or issue you have. What’s also nice is the variety of backgrounds – we have clinicians, health informaticians, and statisticians, so it’s very multidisciplinary.” Ben Howitt, MSc Data Science for Research in Health and Biomedicine, UCL Institute of Health Informatics
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UCL Institute for Women’s Health 35
The UCL Institute for Women’s Health brings together clinicians and researchers from a diverse range of disciplines to make a real and sustainable difference to women’s and babies’ health. We aim to make a real and sustainable difference to the health of women, babies and their families in the UK and internationally by delivering excellence and innovation in research, clinical practice, education and training. From birth to puberty, motherhood to menopause, maturity to old age, the lifecourse of women around the world is filled with opportunities to improve health and wellbeing. We believe that healthcare must be holistic. We aim to improve knowledge, practice and education in all aspects of women’s and babies’ health. Our teaching Our high quality programmes are led by researchers and clinicians with expertise across the whole spectrum of women’s health. Our highly innovative work ranges from molecular science to population health research in the fields of maternal and fetal
Our vision is better lives for women and babies across the world
medicine, neonatology, reproductive health, and women’s cancer. Students train with world-class clinicians and researchers working across the interface between basic and clinical science. Our diversity of expertise ensures a vibrant environment in which students develop research and generic transferable skills, supporting a broad range of future research and employment opportunities. Our research We aim to make a difference to the health of women, babies and their families in the UK and internationally through our research. Our research departments host multidisciplinary teams of clinicians and scientists with expertise in a wide range of disorders affecting women’s health. Our research is focused on reproductive health, maternal and fetal medicine, neonatology, women’s cancer, global health and ethics.
UCL Institute for Women’s Health 36 Postgraduate Taught Programmes
Postgraduate Research Programmes
Prenatal Genetics and Fetal Medicine MSc/PGDip This MSc aims to provide medical and science students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the field of prenatal genetics and fetal medicine, specifically human genetics, human embryonic development and fetal medicine. The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratories demonstrations, student presentations, and observation days in fetal medicine and IVF units.
The Institute for Women’s Health provides a multidisciplinary and cross-cutting environment for PhD and MD(Res) students, covering several themes including gynaecological cancer, proteomics, reproductive health, gene and stem cell therapy, prenatal genetics, maternal and fetal medicine, and neonatology.
Reproductive Science and Women’s Health MSc/PGDip This MSc aims to provide medical and science students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the field of reproductive science and women’s health, covering topics from IVF to pregnancy and childbirth, reproductive health, and women’s cancers. As with the MSc Prenatal Genetics and Fetal Medicine, a diverse approach is taken to teaching delivery on this programme and includes observation days in IVF and reproductive medicine units. Reproductive Science and Women’s Health MRes This MRes gives students the opportunity to take a programme with greater emphasis on research skills and experience, and on development of transferable academic and professional skills. Students choose taught modules and select research areas from a variety of subjects across reproductive science and women’s health, spanning the four themes of the institute: maternal and fetal health, neonatology, women’s cancer and reproductive health. You will learn how to conduct an independent research project as well as gaining practical experience and theoretical understanding in research methodologies and critical analysis.
Women’s Health MD(Res) Our MD(Res) programme aims to develop critical thinking independent researchers with good knowledge of research methodologies and skills that will enable critical analysis and application of scientific knowledge to their clinical practice. Most students undertaking study for an MD(Res) are employed as clinical fellows and will register part-time. Whether studying full or part-time, MD(Res) students register for two years and must complete within three years (full-time) or four years (part-time). Women’s Health MPhil/PhD The aim of our PhD programme is to develop critically thinking independent researchers. They will have a good knowledge of research methodologies, relevant theoretical knowledge, and transferable skills that will enable critical analysis and be able to apply these skills to improve scientific understanding within the research community. The standard period for a full-time PhD at UCL is three years, with completion within four years at most. Part-time students register for five years and must complete within seven years.
i To find out more about our programmes visit: ucl.ac.uk/womens-health/study
ucl.ac.uk/womens-health 37
“My advice to new students would be to make the most of all the outstanding clinicians, researchers, nurses and midwives that this course exposes you to. The people who will lecture you are some of the top experts in their field, and it is a great opportunity to learn from the best.” Amy Geard, MSc Prenatal Genetics and Fetal Medicine, UCL Institute for Women’s Health
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“I’m really interested in how using information technologies can improve health. Technology of whole genome sequencing is really appealing to me, and I have been able to learn more about that during my PhD at UCL. Now I feel confident enough to become a competent international researcher and become one of Indonesia’s experts on infectious disease epidemiology and informatics. I am very proud to be part of UCL.” Dewi Nur Aisyah, PhD, UCL Institute of Health Informatics, Department of Infectious Disease Informatics
Postgraduate Research 39
We are one of the largest academic groupings of its kind in the world. Alongside academic and research staff in our seven institutes, our 400 research students play an integral part in projects focused on all areas relevant to population and lifelong health, including: – – – – – – –
Biological sciences and genetics Sexual and reproductive health Child health and rare diseases Infectious disease epidemiology Mental health and ageing Global health Risk factors in disease, such as individual behaviours and the social, political and economic determinants of health.
We prioritise capacity building in early stage researchers, providing clinical and health research skills training across the core disciplines in the basic, clinical and applied health sciences. In addition, we are explicitly contributing to new and emerging disciplines in population health sciences such as health informatics, genetic epidemiology and implementation science. Our reputation The Faculty is one of the two leading Population Health schools in the UK and top among the Russell Group universities as demonstrated by the Research Excellence Framework 2014 results. We are also the UK leader in terms of research income and this is reflected in the excellent funding support of our PhD students from Research Councils UK (RCUK), Wellcome Trust, British Heart Foundation, and other sources. The Faculty also prides itself in having particularly strong links to enterprise in its research, with many research students benefiting from joint funding by industry.
Global impact We deliver global impact through a network of innovative international activities, collaborations and partnerships. Global challenges are addressed through our disciplinary excellence and distinctive cross-disciplinary approach made possible by the multi-faculty nature of UCL. For example, Health Informatics has close relationships with Engineering; Epidemiology and Population Health works strongly with Geography; and we play an active role in UCL’s Grand Challenges, especially the Grand Challenge of Global Health, which maintains a diversity of links across UCL’s faculties. Our students also have unparalleled opportunities to engage with partners outside UCL, such as Great Ormond Street Hospital and major NIHR networks in the fields of primary care and public health. As a postgraduate research student you will have unparalleled opportunities to establish yourself in the diverse disciplines of population health sciences and we pride ourselves in generating the future leaders in this arena.
How to apply 40 Undergraduate Programmes BSc
Postgraduate Taught Programmes MSc, MA, MRes
Identify the degree programme at the UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences you wish to study and check that you meet the entry requirements for the programme you are interested in.
Identify the degree programme at the UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences you wish to study and check that you meet the entry requirements for the programme you are interested in.
If you are an international applicant you will have to check international qualification equivalencies, and English language requirements may also apply.
If you are an international applicant you will have to check international qualification equivalencies, and English language requirements may also apply.
The UCAS code for our BSc Population Health programme is 170C. UCL’s UCAS code is UCL U80. There is no campus code.
Check application deadlines. For most taught programmes application is made directly to UCL.
Submit your application to UCAS https://www.ucas.com
If you intend to apply for scholarships or other forms of funding you should start researching your options at least 12 months before intending to start your studies. In many cases you will need your offer from UCL before you are able to apply for funding, so make sure you plan your application far enough in advance. If you have relevant questions please contact the relevant Institute or Academic Deparment within the Faculty using details given at ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate or contact UCL Admissions postgraduate-admissions@ucl.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 3108 7288. Submit application to UCL ucl.ac.uk/graduate/apply Use the Applicant Portal to track and progress your application
41 Postgraduate Research MD(Res), MPhil, PhD Identify a research area/programme you are interested in and check that you meet the entry requirements. If you are an international applicant you will have to check international qualification equivalencies, and English language requirements may also apply. Investigate research opportunities – these can be either defined studentships or speculative. PhD studentships
Speculative opportunities
Studentships are defined research projects packaged with funding. They are advertised throughout the year.
Many departments welcome speculative research enquiries. Well qualified candidates should contact relevant academics directly, or in some cases, submit speculative applications. The process varies by Institute; if you are unsure contact the relevant Institute within the Faculty.
As the availability of studentships changes constantly, you should check UCL listings, our Institute websites, Doctoral Training Centre websites and websites such as findaphd.com Studentships funded by the UK Research Councils are usually not available to students from outside the EU. If you are applying for funding from your government check the requirements and deadlines – these can often be earlier than you expect. Follow the application guidance of the studentship.
To find potential research supervisors, you can search: 1. UCL’s Graduate Prospectus to find relevant academic Institutes ucl.ac.uk/graduate 2. UCL IRIS to find academics relevant to your research interest ucl.ac.uk/IRIS 3. UCL Discovery, to find papers and authors relevant to you ucl.ac.uk/discovery If you identify an academic who is keen to work with you the next stage will be to liaise with them to identify appropriate funding to cover your fees and stipend.
Submit application to UCL ucl.ac.uk/graduate/apply Use the Applicant Portal to track and progress your application
UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences
UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science UCL Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care UCL Institute for Global Health UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health UCL Institute of Health Informatics UCL Institute for Women’s Health Follow our work ucl.ac.uk/population-health-sciences @UCLPopHealthSci UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences Maple House 149 Tottenham Court Road London W1T 7JA
Disclaimer All details correct at the time of printing: May 2017. UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences has sought to ensure that the information given in this publication is correct at the time of going to press but cannot guarantee that it is accurate. The information contained within this publication is subject to change. We may, for example, need to withdraw or vary any degree programme and/or alter entry requirements, fees, facilities and/or services described. For the most up-to-date information, please see UCL’s online Undergraduate Prospectus ucl.ac.uk/undergraduate and Graduate Prospectus ucl.ac.uk/graduate. You should check information on the UCL online Prospectus before applying.
All photography © Elaine Perks other than: cover, p.10, p.30 (iStock) p.3 (Alejandro Lopez) p.4, p.5 bottom left, p.20, p.21 (UCL Institute for Global Health) p.5 bottom right (Matt Clayton) p.16 (Mary Hinkley) Design: Unlimited Print: Belmont Press