Epidemiology (MSc)

Public Health remains poorly developed in China and I feel I really need to gain more in-depth skills in public health. Hence after studying as a graduate in Epidemiology and Health Statistics at the Sichuan University in China, I decided to do the MSc Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine: a world-renowned institution with an international reputation in this field. Attending LSHTM would be one of the most broadening experiences in my life.

Studying at the LSHTM proves advantageous in many respects. The course is fantastic and the faculty has wide-ranging interests in various epidemiological researches which mean I could find a personal tutor working on issues in infectious disease with particular emphasis on influenza which is my specific area of interest. Besides I find the lecturers are very enthusiastic and supportive. Importantly, all are experts in the areas they are lecturing on. There are also plenty of seminars on issues in public health which broaden my horizon – an experience I would not have been able to garner at any other place. Above all, it is a very friendly and positive environment to study in and a great place to exchange ideas and make friendships with people from across the world. I find myself immersed in such an academically rich and internationally diverse atmosphere.

After the completion of my course I will move back to China and pursue a career in infectious diseases with particular emphasis on influenza. LSHTM is bound to leave an indelible impression on anyone who passes through. Such an incredible experience is not to be missed!

The most distinctive aspect of the School is the cosmopolitan environment. My class alone had about 50 students and over 20 different nationalities from all continents, which provides a personal gain and helps in adaptation. The diverse array of backgrounds was also notable, from health, to social and engineering backgrounds, each contributing with a personal perspective of epidemiology. Finally, the ease of proximity and accessibility of the technical and administrative staff makes bureaucratic tasks a lot easier.

The course is as great as it is demanding. A positive surprise was seeing the most distinct teaching staff, those in all reference lists of high impact papers, from the very basic lessons in module one, to the core epidemiology of terms 2 and 3. It’s by no means an easy year, and it is not supposed to be, but at the end it’s gratifying to see the progress. I can’t stress enough how medical knowledge is incomplete without an epidemiology base, and how much it will help me in the future.

My academic background is in social science and the studies of sociology, however working within the research field of public health and epidemiology the last four years made me pursue an MSc in Epidemiology at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

The rationale for choosing the School was primarily due to the fact that it is the leading university within Public Health and Epidemiology research. I chose the MSc Epidemiology, as it combines well with Sociology, and gives me a range of methodological tools from health science, which strengthens my multi-disciplinary profile.

Most memorable from this experience at the School is the stimulating academic and social environment. The year is quite intense, but the quality and expertise given by internal and external speakers diminish this. Another aspect is the diversity within students and staff, which is an evident challenge. However awareness and respect from every party minimizes this and converts it into a vital personal and educational experience – a strength that improves the atmosphere at Keppel St, which must be attributed to the School.

After graduating at the School, I’ll return to Denmark pursuing a career within research encapsulating my areas of passion; sociology and public health, either in the private sector within consultancy or as part of a PhD.

I graduated from Oxford University in 2009, then worked as a junior doctor for 2 years. Whilst I’d begun to develop a strong clinical foundation, I felt I lacked a broader view of population and global health and the research and policy that informs and drives changes therein.

Over 2 years as a Clinical Research Fellow with INDOX and the Cancer Epidemiology Unit in Oxford, I was fortunate to be able to do a part-time MSc in Epidemiology, which has helped provide that breadth through very accessible teaching of methodology whilst considering the wider context of epidemiology and clinical research. The School has provided a stimulating environment to learn from leading academics and interact with students from across the world.