Medical | Northampton University, Daleware

Genomic Medicine

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

MSc

Duration: 1 year FT / 2 years PT
ECTS: 90 ECTS credits
(including PG Cert and PG Dip)

Postgraduate Certificate

Duration: 4 months FT / 1 year PT

ECTS: 30 ECTS credits
(standalone course)

Postgraduate Diploma

Duration: 8 months FT / 2 year PT
ECTS: 60 ECTS credits
(including PG Cert)

Overview

Our degrees in Genomic Medicine cover all aspects of genomic science and medicine, and will equip you with the knowledge and skills to be able to interpret and understand genomic data that increasingly impacts on service delivery to patients and the community.

The programme is aimed at students from a wide range of backgrounds, from basic scientists to all levels of healthcare professionals, and will provide a flexible, multi-disciplinary and multi-professional perspective in genomics, applied to clinical practice and medical research.

It is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to be able to interpret and understand genomic data that increasingly impacts on service delivery to patients and the community.

The training provided covers all aspects of genomic science and medicine (not merely DNA sequencing or detection of genetic variation), undertaken in one of the most cutting-edge scientific environments.

The course includes collaborations with:

the Institute of Cancer Research (providing the core Cancer Genomics Module)
Brunel University London (providing the optional Economic Evaluation in Human Genomics Module)

Study programme

This course is made up of three progressional levels (PG Cert, PG Dip and MSc), and you can apply to any level in the first instance. Read more about how this works under ‘Choosing your course’ in the how to apply section.

One of the core modules available within the Master’s degree (MSc) includes opportunities to access the emerging data from the 100,000 Genomes Project through the Genomics England Clinical Interpretation Partnership (GeCIP) training domains.

Structure

Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

As a preferred training provider for Health Education England, this course plays an important role in ensuring NHS staff have the knowledge, skills and experience required to stay at the forefront of this essential field. We have made minor improvements to the course content that will come into effect in October 2018 to ensure that our education continues to respond to the needs of modern healthcare practice.

NHS and Public Health England employees can now apply for a HEE Genomics Education Programme scholarship to cover the tuition fees for individual modules, or longer programmes such as the PG Cert, PG Dip or the Masters. To find out more about this funding and apply please visit the HEE GEP website.

Please note that due to funding restrictions there are limited HEE GEP-funded places available on the October intake. Success in the HEE GEP scholarship application does not guarantee an HEE-funded place at Northampton College .

Core modules

Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics

Provides the basic genomic science knowledge required in later modules, including genomic architecture, regulatory systems, generic variation, function and how this impacts upon disease processes and clinical outcomes.

Omics Technologies and their Application to Genomic Medicine

Provides an in–depth description of the genomic techniques that are used to assess genomic variation in clinical problems, allowing you to critically evaluate which techniques can be used and their limitations in analysing different disease states.

Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease

Explains how pathogen genomics inform the epidemiology of infections, impact drug development and resistance, lead to novel diagnostics/therapeutics/stratified healthcare, and provide insights into host susceptibilities to infection.

Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment

Delivered by the Institute of Cancer Research. Explains the principles of cancer genomics, including predisposition, diagnosis, classification, treatment and patient monitoring with particular emphasis on how genomic analysis impacts these factors and ethical issues.

Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases

Explains the different types of genetic variation, their contribution to rare and complex disease, and how they are detected (with emphasis on the 100,000 Genomes Project), interpreted and communicated.

Bioinformatics, Quality Control, Analysis and Interpretation of Sequencing Data

Provides the principles of computational DNA sequence analysis, including sequence alignment methods and statistical tests, to identify and correctly communicate pathogenic mutations and assess possible functions through database and network programs.

Optional modules.

Group 1

You choose one optional module from below.

Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics

Explains the principles and subtleties of ethics in evaluating genetic/genomic data with an emphasis on emerging genomics technologies and the ways ethics issues are handled around the world.

Genomics and the Patient

Concentrates on the identification and interpretation of final Next–Generation DNA sequencing reports with an emphasis on calculating genetic risk and ethical considerations (less computationally intense).

Group 2

You choose one optional module from below.

Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Medicine

Explains how genomic approaches can be used to understand the mechanisms of differential drug responses and reactions, and to inform patient stratification. An emphasis will be placed upon the current limitations and future prospects of pharmacogenomic studies.

Economic Evaluation in Human Genomics

Delivered by Brunel University London. Explains the methods, assumptions, decision models, and interpretation of, cost estimate analysis, for health care interventions and health outcomes, with a particular emphasis on genomic medicine.

Genome-Based Therapeutics

Covers key concepts in developing gene and nucleic acid-based therapies from genomic studies including efficacy and toxicity.

Professional and Research Skills

An e-learning module. Teaches the differences between audit, research, qualitative, quantitative and systematic review methods, how to conduct literature searches, appraise published data, conduct appropriate statistical tests and understand the data management, ethical and reporting requirements in research studies, with a particular emphasis on the 100,000 Genomes Project and translational research.

Research project

You will complete a 14 week-full time or one-year part-time research project as part of the MSc. We offer four types of project:

laboratory-based
clinical-based
computer-based
literature-based

Assessment is by written dissertation and an oral presentation.

Core module

Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics

Provides the basic genomic science knowledge required in later modules, including genomic architecture, regulatory systems, generic variation, function and how this impacts upon disease processes and clinical outcomes.

Optional modules

You choose three optional modules in total.

Group 1

You choose between one and three optional modules from below.

Omics Technologies and their Application to Genomic Medicine

Provides an in–depth description of the genomic techniques that are used to assess genomic variation in clinical problems, allowing you to critically evaluate which techniques can be used and their limitations in analysing different disease states.

Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease

Explains how pathogen genomics inform the epidemiology of infections, impact drug development and resistance, lead to novel diagnostics/therapeutics/stratified healthcare, and provide insights into host susceptibilities to infection.

Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment

Delivered by the Institute of Cancer Research. Explains the principles of cancer genomics, including predisposition, diagnosis, classification, treatment and patient monitoring with particular emphasis on how genomic analysis impacts these factors and ethical issues.

Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases

Explains the different types of genetic variation, their contribution to rare and complex disease, and how they are detected (with emphasis on the 100,000 Genomes Project), interpreted and communicated.

Bioinformatics, Quality Control, Analysis and Interpretation of Sequencing Data

Provides the principles of computational DNA sequence analysis, including sequence alignment methods and statistical tests, to identify and correctly communicate pathogenic mutations and assess possible functions through database and network programs.

Group 2

You can choose up to one optional module from below.

Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics

Explains the principles and subtleties of ethics in evaluating genetic/genomic data with an emphasis on emerging genomics technologies and the ways ethics issues are handled around the world.

Genomics and the Patient

Concentrates on the identification and interpretation of final Next–Generation DNA sequencing reports with an emphasis on calculating genetic risk and ethical considerations (less computationally intense).

Group 3

You can choose up to one optional module from below.

Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Medicine

Explains how genomic approaches can be used to understand the mechanisms of differential drug responses and reactions, and to inform patient stratification. An emphasis will be placed upon the current limitations and future prospects of pharmacogenomic studies.

Economic Evaluation in Human Genomics

Delivered by Brunel University London. Explains the methods, assumptions, decision models, and interpretation of, cost estimate analysis, for health care interventions and health outcomes, with a particular emphasis on genomic medicine.

Genome-Based Therapeutics

Covers key concepts in developing gene and nucleic acid-based therapies from genomic studies including efficacy and toxicity.

Professional and Research Skills

An e-learning module. Teaches the differences between audit, research, qualitative, quantitative and systematic review methods, how to conduct literature searches, appraise published data, conduct appropriate statistical tests and understand the data management, ethical and reporting requirements in research studies, with a particular emphasis on the 100,000 Genomes Project and translational research.

Core modules

Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics

Provides the basic genomic science knowledge required in later modules, including genomic architecture, regulatory systems, generic variation, function and how this impacts upon disease processes and clinical outcomes.

Omics Technologies and their Application to Genomic Medicine

Provides an in–depth description of the genomic techniques that are used to assess genomic variation in clinical problems, allowing you to critically evaluate which techniques can be used and their limitations in analysing different disease states.

Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease

Explains how pathogen genomics inform the epidemiology of infections, impact drug development and resistance, lead to novel diagnostics/therapeutics/stratified healthcare, and provide insights into host susceptibilities to infection.

Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment

Delivered by the Institute of Cancer Research. Explains the principles of cancer genomics, including predisposition, diagnosis, classification, treatment and patient monitoring with particular emphasis on how genomic analysis impacts these factors and ethical issues.

Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases

Explains the different types of genetic variation, their contribution to rare and complex disease, and how they are detected (with emphasis on the 100,000 Genomes Project), interpreted and communicated.

Bioinformatics, Quality Control, Analysis and Interpretation of Sequencing Data

Provides the principles of computational DNA sequence analysis, including sequence alignment methods and statistical tests, to identify and correctly communicate pathogenic mutations and assess possible functions through database and network programs.

Optional modules

Group 1

You choose one optional module from below.

Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics

Explains the principles and subtleties of ethics in evaluating genetic/genomic data with an emphasis on emerging genomics technologies and the ways ethics issues are handled around the world.

Genomics and the Patient

Concentrates on the identification and interpretation of final Next–Generation DNA sequencing reports with an emphasis on calculating genetic risk and ethical considerations (less computationally intense).

Group 2

You choose one optional module from below.

Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Medicine

Explains how genomic approaches can be used to understand the mechanisms of differential drug responses and reactions, and to inform patient stratification. An emphasis will be placed upon the current limitations and future prospects of pharmacogenomic studies.

Economic Evaluation in Human Genomics

Delivered by Brunel University London. Explains the methods, assumptions, decision models, and interpretation of, cost estimate analysis, for health care interventions and health outcomes, with a particular emphasis on genomic medicine.

Genome-Based Therapeutics

Covers key concepts in developing gene and nucleic acid-based therapies from genomic studies including efficacy and toxicity.

Professional and Research Skills

An e-learning module. Teaches the differences between audit, research, qualitative, quantitative and systematic review methods, how to conduct literature searches, appraise published data, conduct appropriate statistical tests and understand the data management, ethical and reporting requirements in research studies, with a particular emphasis on the 100,000 Genomes Project and translational research.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Computer lab teaching
Data analysis sessions
Debates
Discussion sessions
Interactive content including video and module quizzes
Journal clubs
Keynote lectures
Laboratory teaching
Lectures
On-line discussion forums
On-line lecture materials
Problem-based group work
Seminars

Assessment methods

Coursework
Practical
Research project (MSc only)

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in a relevant medical, biomedical or healthcare subject.

In special cases students may be admitted to this course with high-quality work experience in place of the above requirement.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

You can submit one application form per year of entry, and usually choose up to two courses.

We will start reviewing applications in December and will invite successful candidates to interview in the new year.

We will schedule interviews on a rolling basis. Please note that there is not a set application deadline for the MSc Genomic Medicine course but we strongly encourage candidates to apply before 1 July.

.

Choosing your course

This course is divided into three progressional levels of study:

PG Certificate (PG Cert)
PG Diploma (PG Dip)
MSc

Each level of study has its own separate entry point; you can apply to any level in the first instance.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells – Novel Therapies

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

MSc

Duration: 1 year full-time
ECTS: 90 credits
(including PG Cert)

Postgraduate Certificate

Duration: 4 months full-time
ECTS: 30 credits
(standalone course)

Overview

Our degrees in Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells provide state-of-the-art education in next-generation therapies, training you in translational research and rapidly-developing topics in advanced therapeutic medicines.

You will acquire transferable and research skills and knowledge of ethical and regulatory legislation, commercialisation strategies and intellectual property and patent protection.

The course is a unique combination of ‘hot’ and rapidly-developing topics in advanced therapeutic medicines, and will provide academic and laboratory research training in three key areas (streams):

Gene and Nucleic Acid Based Therapies
New Horizons in Pharmacology
Regenerative Medicine

A major focus is training in translational research illustrating all steps required to progress novel therapies from bench-to-bedside and towards drug licensing.

It is the provision of teaching in all three areas of advanced therapeutic development which makes our programme unique.

Study programme

This course is made up of two progressional levels (PG Cert and MSc), and you can apply to either level in the first instance. Read more about how this works under ‘Choosing your course’ in the how to apply section.

If you choose the Postgraduate Certificate, you study four core modules with the option of returning to complete an MSc.

If you choose the MSc, you take the same core modules as Postgraduate Certificate students, as well as choosing a speciality to pursue in greater depth, through a further advanced specialist module and a six-month research project.

Careers

The main purpose of this programme is to facilitate state-of-the-art education in next generation therapies for scientists and clinicians, who will be equipped to significantly contribute to these rapidly expanding fields.

Our degrees in Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells prepare you for careers in industry, further study, positions within the NHS and financial sector.

Structure

Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

Core modules

You take all four core modules below.

Evidence, Information, Communication

Covers the basic ethical principles related to pre-clinical and clinical research, relevant tissue governance (e.g. the Human Tissue Act), and basic statistics amd experimental design. Provides awareness of commercialisation strategies, the importance of intellectual property protection, and the health economy.

Core Studies in Gene and Nucleic Acid-Based Therapies

An introduction to human genetics and genomics underpinning the development of gene and nucleic acid-based therapies. Includes lectures on monogenic and complex diseases, the complexities of genotype/phenotype correlations, principles of gene regulation and suitable animal models to mimic human disease.

Core Studies in Regenerative Medicine

Includes teaching on human studies and discussion of clinical trials to provide a methodological prospective and review the current status of trials using regenerative medicine. Provides an introduction to biomaterials for regenerative medicine, and a discussion of different strategies to engage the public in the research, ethics and clinical translation of regenerative medicine.

Core Studies in New Horizons in Pharmacology

Provides a basic understanding of how drugs target disease, disease mechanisms and how the drug development process has evolved over time. You receive training in developing novel therapeutic agents and assessing safety.

Optional modules

You choose one optional module from below.

Advanced Studies in Gene and Nucleic Acid-Based Therapies

Covers gene and nucleic acid based therapies to an advanced level. Includes discussion of the first approved gene therapy product, and practical experience in preparation for the research project.

Advanced Studies in New Horizons in Pharmacology

Covers how pharmacology continues to identify new endogenous pathways (e.g. cytokines) that can be targeted to develop new drugs to an advanced level. Addresses the idea of how nanomedicine approaches are being used to make new formulations of drugs and what this means in terms of testing efficacy and toxicity. Principles of personalised medicine are also covered.

Advanced Studies in Regenerative Medicine

Covers the tools and technologies utilised in the field of regenerative medicine and the use of stem cells to develop disease models in culture. Lectures cover cutting edge research and new patents relating to regenerative pharmacology, covering the molecular pathways and drugs being used for stem cell differentiation in vitro and for the mobilization and activation of stem cells in vivo.

Research project

You will complete an extensive six-month research project related to one of the optional modules above. You join an established research laboratory to conduct work supervised by academic staff.

The research project culminates in a written project report of approximately 10,000 words and an oral presentation.

Core modules

You take all four core modules below.

Evidence, Information, Communication

Covers the basic ethical principles related to pre-clinical and clinical research, relevant tissue governance (e.g. the Human Tissue Act), and basic statistics amd experimental design. Provides awareness of commercialisation strategies, the importance of intellectual property protection, and the health economy.

Core Studies in Gene and Nucleic Acid-Based Therapies

An introduction to human genetics and genomics underpinning the development of gene and nucleic acid-based therapies. Includes lectures on monogenic and complex diseases, the complexities of genotype/phenotype correlations, principles of gene regulation and suitable animal models to mimic human disease.

Core Studies in Regenerative Medicine

Includes teaching on human studies and discussion of clinical trials to provide a methodological prospective and review the current status of trials using regenerative medicine. Provides an introduction to biomaterials for regenerative medicine, and a discussion of different strategies to engage the public in the research, ethics and clinical translation of regenerative medicine.

Core Studies in New Horizons in Pharmacology

Provides a basic understanding of how drugs target disease, disease mechanisms and how the drug development process has evolved over time. You receive training in developing novel therapeutic agents and assessing safety.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Critical reviews
Discussions
Ethical debates
Journal clubs
Lectures
Practical sessions
Presentations
Problem solving workshops
Research project
Tutorials

Assessment methods

Coursework
Data analysis
Examinations
Journal clubs
Multiple-choice questions
Poster and oral presentations
Practical write-ups

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in an appropriate subject.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

MRes Experimental Neuroscience

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

Mres

Duration: 1 year full-time

ECTS: 90 credits

Overview

The aim of this one-year full-time course is to provide you with a broad research training in neuroscience, which will prepare you for PhD studies and enable you to make a more informed choice for your research.

You will complete three projects during the year, designed to give you practical experience of laboratory research, and chosen to cover a wide range of skills. Projects are provided by academics who are leaders in their fields of research and cover a wide range of disciplines including:

cell and molecular biology
genetics
neuropathology
imaging

You will also be required to write three mini-dissertations on set topics covering all aspects of neuroscience.

Study programme

You begin the course with an introduction to the College and transferable skills sessions.

The course consists entirely of three research projects and mini dissertations. Each project lasts at least 12 weeks and is designed to give practical experience of laboratory research.

You complete a written report of 4,000–6,000 words for each research project, as well as being assessed on practical work by your supervisor, and giving an oral presentation. Each project accounts for 25% of your overall course mark.

You write three mini dissertations on set topics covering all aspects of neuroscience. Topics for the mini-dissertations are set at the start of the rotations. Together the mini dissertations account for the remaining 25% of your overall course mark.

Careers

On completion of the course you should have an understanding of the basic and applied aspects of research in the field of neuroscience and a range of transferable skills.

The skills acquired will also be of value for those wishing to pursue a career in clinical service, industry or scientific publishing.

Structure

Modules shown are for the 2019-20 academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

Core modules

Mini dissertation 1
Mini dissertation 3
Mini dissertation 2
Research Project 1
Research Project 2
Research Project 3

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Laboratory based research project

Assessment methods

Mini-dissertation
Oral presentations
Project dissertation

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in an appropriate subject.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

PhD Epidemiology, Evolution and Control of Infectious Diseases

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

Programme details

Year 1

The 4-year programme begins with a 1 year specialist MRes course. During this first year, students will undertake core training one day each week, including sessions on infectious disease epidemiology, statistics, infectious disease modelling, bioinformatics, genetics and evolution, programming skills and technical workshops. In addition, the MRes course will include a component of generic skills training, including seminars and workshops on grant writing, peer review, information retrieval, ethics, academic writing and presentation.

Alongside the taught courses, students undertake two 5-month attachments in the research groups of potential PhD supervisors. Types of research project include extended systematic literature reviews, primary field data collection, secondary data analysis, laboratory-based analysis and mathematical modelling. During these placements, students will be full members of the research group, attending group meetings and participating in internal seminars in the same manner as PhD students and postdoctoral staff. Year 1 will be assessed on the basis of written reports and oral presentations of the two projects. In addition, students need to pass a separate grant writing exercise as part of the core development programme.

Years 2-4

At the end of the first year students who have achieved a Merit or better in the MRes will move onto the PhD programme. The School of Public Health provides a comprehensive research training programme for all PhD students. In addition, students receive general training in transferable skills through the highly-rated Graduate School.

The Department provides further technical training for PhD students via lunch-time courses on open to both students and postdoctoral staff (for example, computer programming, statistical inference, genetics and evolution), and via informal research discussion groups (again for both students and postdoctoral staff). Students are expected to attend the weekly Departmental research seminars,and are encouraged to be active members of academic community of the MRC Centre and Department.

Throughout the 4-year programme students will also be members of the Graduate School. The Graduate School provides an award-winning and internationally renowned programme of transferable skills training, including personal development & effectiveness, presentation skills, project management, networking and research ethics. There is also a three-day residential course in research and professional skills development which all students are strongly encouraged to attend at the beginning of Year 2.

Funding

Four 4-year Wellcome Trust studentships are available for this course. All studentships provide generous support including a tax-free stipend to cover living expenses. The value of this stipend is reviewed annually. For the 2019 cohort stipends will be not less than £22,278 in year 1, rising to £26,839 in year 4. Stipends are tax-free.

Up to two additional studentships funded by Northampton College are available. These studentships provide a stipend at the research council rates, currently £16,777 in the first year rising to £18,000 for the next 3 years. Stipends are tax-free.

Additionally a number of studentships funded by the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC GIDA) are available. These studentships provide a stipend at the research council rates, currently £16,777 in the first year rising to £18,000 for the next 3 years. Stipends are tax-free.

Tuition fees at the rate applicable to Home (EU) students are provided by the Wellcome Trust and Northampton College and MRC funding. Suitably qualified non-EU students are welcome to apply and we particularly welcome applications from low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Non-EU students will be liable for paying the difference between the home and overseas fee rates. A scholarship is available for up to 1 LMIC student to cover the difference between the home and overseas rates

Additional studentships may become available over the course of the admission process – all eligible candidates will be considered without needing to submit any further details.

Please note that this does not include MRC Doctoral Training Programme studentships for which a separate application process should be followed. Please note that this scheme has an earlier deadline date (19 November 2018 for 2019 entry). Successful students under this scheme are able to join this 4-year programme.

All applications will be considered equally irrespective of financial means, age and nationality.

Research areas

Both the MRes and PhD projects are embedded within the wider research in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology. The research in the department focuses on the transmission, evolution and control of infectious diseases in both human and animal populations. A particular strength is in epidemiological and genetic analysis and mathematical modelling.

The work in the department spans a wide range of disease areas, including emerging infectious diseases, HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, polio, influenza, mosquito-borne viral infections, sexually transmitted infections, neglected tropical diseases and bacterial and fungal infections. Since much of our research has direct relevant to policy, we work in close partnership with a wide range of public and global health organisations – including Public Health England (PHE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

MSc Epidemiology

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

MSc

Duration: 1 year full-time

ECTS: 90 credits

Overview

This course offers training in the methodology, design, conduct and interpretation of epidemiological studies on chronic and infectious diseases.

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution, causes, and possible prevention and control, of diseases in populations.

The MSc in Epidemiology offers training in the methodology, design, conduct and interpretation of epidemiological studies on chronic and infectious diseases.

It is particularly suitable for students who wish to acquire skills in epidemiology and biostatistics, and to get involved with research projects.

Study programme

In the first term, all students follow a common core pathway covering epidemiological methods, biostatistics, and infectious and chronic disease epidemiologyTerm two modules aim to reflect areas of emerging research as well as providing extended tutoring in core epidemiological and statistical concepts and skills, building upon the knowledge, insight and skills gained in term one.

The third term consists of a four-month research project carried out under supervision, possibly in collaboration with other universities and research institutions.

Careers

Upon completion of this course, students usually develop an academic career by beginning a PhD, or move on to work for public health organisations, pharmaceutical companies or non-governmental agencies.

Structure

Modules shown are for the 2019-20 academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

You take all of the core modules below.

Introduction to Infectious Disease Modelling

This module provides an overview of infectious disease modelling and develops skills in designing and analysing infectious disease models for public health policy. Students will be taught how to represent the characteristics of an infectious disease using a mathematical model, how to simulate that model using a computer, and how to analyse that model. Students will also learn how models have been applied in public health policy, and how models are designed to address a research question.

Principles and Methods of Epidemiology

This module ensures students will be familiar with the core concepts of epidemiology and acquire the skills necessary to describe, analyse, interpret and appraise epidemiological studies. Further modules and projects require such knowledge, and a good grasp of these basics is thus essential for successful completion of the degree.

Disease Masterclass

This module aims to provide students with an overview of core health challenges and lines of epidemiological research being undertaken, across a range of infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Introduction to Statistical Thinking and Data Analysis

The aim of this module is to give students an understanding of the importance of statistical thinking in epidemiology, randomised trials and public health, to enable them to critically evaluate the results of standard statistical analyses published in journal articles and to carry out a range of statistical analyses using

You choose six optional modules from below.

Bayesian Statistics

The module introduces the students to the concepts of Bayesian models and inference commonly used in Biostatistics. Throughout the entire module several examples from epidemiology, social science, and clinical trials will be introduced to complement the theory. The students will also become familiar with the software package OpenBUGS, which will be used to implement the Bayesian models presented.

Spatial Analysis

This module will introduce students to the main statistical methods used in spatial epidemiology and provide them with the theoretical and practical skills to analyse and interpret geo-referenced health data.

Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology

This module provides students with a fundamental understanding of the core concepts of molecular and genetic epidemiology and the application of molecular and genetic epidemiologic findings to public health and translational medicine. The module will encompass the appropriate study design for molecular and genetic epidemiologic investigations, biomarker development and the integration of biomarkers into epidemiologic studies, and the application of new and emerging molecular technologies in epidemiologic research.

Genetics of Infectious Disease Pathogens

The aim of this module is to introduce students to both the theoretical concepts and the practical methodology used in the genetic epidemiology of infectious pathogens. The module content includes pathogen population genetics, phylogenetics, phylodynamics and antimicrobial resistance.

Further Methods in Infectious Disease Modelling

The module aims to provide students with the ability to interpret key evidence generated by modern infectious disease modelling methods that appears in non-specialist high impact journals. By the end of the course, students will also be able to design, execute and interpret results from streamlined versions of those same models. Although students will be given the opportunity to implement complex models using mathematical techniques and basic programming tools, they will not be expected to independently generate results from novel complex models.

Outbreaks

Building on the skills gained by students in earlier modules (including the prerequisite module Further Methods in Infectious Disease Modelling), this module aims to give a broad and “real-life” view of using epidemiological research (specifically mathematical models and statistical analysis) to address key public health questions relating to the control of outbreaks. The module includes important contemporary topics such as the broader ecological context of infectious disease emergence and transmission, as well as state-of-the-art techniques required to calibrate mathematical models and make the best use of data.

Advanced Regression

This module will allow students to become familiar with the principles of advanced regression for high-dimensional data so that they are able to apply such techniques on real data problems (e.g. complex omics data). In particular, students will learn how to perform advanced statistical analyses, including penalised likelihood and nonparametric regression models using R.

Advanced Topics in Biostatistics

The module will introduce some of the issues faced while analysing complex datasets in advanced epidemiology. From these illustrations, methodological developments to address the resulting technical/computational challenges will be described, assessed and compared. Each of these established methods will be associated with a practical session during which students will implement the method.

In Term 3, individual research projects are carried out under supervision.

It is possible that the projects may be carried out in collaboration with other universities and research institutions, but this is not common and not always recommended.

Projects are expected to take four months of full-time study, with one (or more) member(s) of Imperial academic staff assigned to advise and monitor students. There may also be external supervisors.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Class tutorials
Computer-based practical workshops
Final research project (dissertation)
Formative and summative assessment via Blackboard e.g. in-class quizzes
Group work sessions
Group workshops and revision sessions
Lectures
Mentimeter
Seminars and practicals
Small group tutorials
Teaching materials published via Blackboard

Assessment methods

Articles and case study reviews
Computer based tests
Essays
Individual and group presentations
MCQs and online quizzes
Mini research project
Reports and paper reviews
Written examinations

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in mathematics, statistics, medicine (human or veterinary) or biological sciences.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

PG Dip Digital Health Leadership

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

MRes

Duration: 1 year part-time(only online)

ECTS: 90 credits

Overview

This world class, year long, training course underpins the NHS Digital Academy, a virtual organisation set up to develop a new generation of excellent digital leaders who can drive the information and technology transformation of the NHS.

Part of a suite of work governed by the National Information Board, the Academy will support the Five Year Forward View Next Steps strategy by providing staff with the skills they need to use information and technology to reduce pressure on services and improve care quality.

The academy was set up in response to Professor Robert Wachter’s Making IT Work report, which observed that the NHS was lacking in leaders who could drive forward this digital transformation. Commissioned by NHS England the Academy is delivered by a partnership of Northampton College ,.

Study programme

The programme will employ a blended learning approach, including online and residential learning. The online component of the programme will be highly engaging for participants, both supporting individual learning and creating a vibrant community of digital leaders.

You are expected to commit to five to eight hours (sometimes up to 10-15 hours) of study per week and attend up to twelve days of in-person residential sessions spread across 12 months. The April 2019 cohort will meet for residential learning on the following dates:

10-12 April 2019
12-14 June 2019
6-8 November 2019
One day in late January/early February 2020 (TBC)

You are supported to immediately apply what you have learnt by carrying out a transformational change project within your organisation in parallel with taught modules.

You are also supported both online and offline by a mentor network consisting of experienced academics and industry professionals.

Who should apply?

The NHS Digital Academy programme is for CIOs, CCIOs and aspiring digital leaders across the NHS and social care.

The programme is suited for those who are:

a senior leader within the NHS and social care sector
ready and committed to developing your leadership skills and behaviours whilst undertaking a digital health related academic qualification (PG Dip Digital Health Leadership)
excited by the opportunity to immediately apply new skills, learning and behaviours to a transformational change project within your organisation

Careers

The Academy will nurture the growth of a vibrant, self-sustaining professional community – a well-connected network of CIOs, CCIOs and digital leaders who are constantly innovating, collaborating and sharing ideas.

We want our participants to raise the bar in terms of best practice in the digital leadership profession, and act as exemplars to others in the field. Peer support networks will be encouraged on a geographical basis so that people can build strong relationships and stay connected.

Structure

Modules shown are for the 2019-20 academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

Each module contains between four and seven weeks of online learning, followed by a three-week online assessment period. There are also up to 12 days of in-person residential learning.

Essentials of health systems
Adopting and tailoring the project and programme lifecycle
Health information systems and technologies
User-centred design and citizen-driven informatics
Decision support, knowledge management and actionable data analytics
Leadership and transformational change

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

The programme prominently features online learning, using best-in-class digital learning platforms to deliver the majority of modules. You will also have up to 12 days of in-person teaching and learning, and will include the following:

Lectures
Interactive workshops
Group work

Assessment methods

You will have both formative and summative assessments. The summative assessments will include:

Scenario-based multiple choice assessments
Engagement and participation in the online learning platform
Reflective essays relating to the application of skills acquired during the programme to workplace projects
Blog posts and videos assessed against learning outcomes
Practical exercises at residential sessions and write-ups of these exercises
Structured essay outlining a personal leadership development plan
Collaborative group exercises
Participation in group work and interactive residential sessions

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

In order to be considered for the NHS Digital Academy, you must:

be a Chief Information Officer, Chief Clinical Information Officer or aspiring digital leader in the NHS or social care

have five years of relevant experience in informatics or digital health

have executive level support from your organisation

be available to attend all residential learning sessions (listed in the overview section of this page)

provide two references (professional or academic)

Our minimum academic requirement is at least a 2.2 USA Honour’s degree in relevant degree subject.

If you do not hold a degree, please do still apply as we will consider your application.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.