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Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research

Course status:

Closed

Duration:

1-3 years part-time

Study format:

In person and online

Level:

Postgraduate

Delivered in partnership with Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, and the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, the Postgraduate Diploma consists of two compulsory modules and four optional modules selected from an extensive list of subjects. This programme provides students with an opportunity to learn how the principles of health research can be translated into practical actions in selected areas.

Students who transfer to this programme of study from the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research, with three successfully completed modules, are required to undertake three additional option modules to fulfil the requirements of the Postgraduate Diploma.

These are modular part-time programmes, particularly suitable for academically gifted medical and dental trainees with the potential to be the independent researchers of the future.

KEY INFORMATION

Visit graduate admissions

The programme is delivered through Oxford Lifelong Learning, with expertise in curriculum design and teaching drawn from the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, the Oxford University Clinical Academic Graduate School and the Department of Statistics.

Modules

Compulsory modules:

Option modules:

Three further modules may be chosen from List B. One further module may be chosen from either List B or List C.

List B:

List C:

*Please note that not all option modules are guaranteed to run every year.

The majority of modules are run over either an eight or a fifteen-week learning cycle. Most modules are either delivered fully online or in a blended format; however, some modules are only delivered with a blended format that includes a 5-day attendance in Oxford, and some are only run entirely online. In any given year, not all delivery formats for a module may be available.

Blended format: an initial period of self-directed study is spent on introductory activities using a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This is followed by a week spent in Oxford for supported face-to-face teaching, and then a further period of Post-Oxford activities (a mixture of self-directed and supported distance learning also delivered through the VLE). The final week of each module is for self-directed personal study, shortly followed by the assignment submission.

Fully online format: These are delivered through the VLE, with the first week allocated to self-directed introductory activities. There is then either:

– a number of units to work through, which are released week by week. Each unit includes a mixture of supported and self-directed learning with discussion forums, tasks and activities. Students then have five weeks of self-directed personal study with use of a revision forum and the requirement to submit an assignment electronically the following week. Courses usually run over 15 weeks.

– an intensive week of 5 consecutive days of synchronous and asynchronous teaching sessions, and then a further period of activities (A mixture of self-directed and supported distance learning also delivered through the VLE). The final week of each module is for self-directed personal study, shortly followed by the assignment submission. Courses usually run over 8 weeks.

Candidates will:

have successfully completed the final year of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery or Bachelor of Dental Surgery, or equivalent; or
have an appropriate degree or equivalent professional qualification in a profession allied to medicine with at least two years’ post-qualification experience.
demonstrate an approach to study that includes strong critical analysis skills, wide contextual knowledge, and the ability to manage their own time.

Additionally, candidates should:

have a good working knowledge of email, internet, word processing and Windows applications (for communication with course members, course team and administration)
show evidence of the ability to commit time to study, alongside employer support to attend modules, complete coursework and participate in University activities

Successful candidates will normally provide evidence of all of the following:

a professional interest in Health Research, evidenced by prior experience, qualifications and work
motivation and ability to complete the course
a clear and well-argued understanding of the benefits of the course to the candidate’s current employment and future prospects

As a part-time student, you will be required to attend a minimum of two modules (one of which must be a compulsory module) ‘in person’ in Oxford. Each ‘in-person’ module requires you to attend a week (five days) in Oxford for supported face-to-face teaching. Your other four modules can be made up of a mix of ‘in-person’, or fully online modules.

For additional note: All students are required to attend a minimum of one module in each academic year on course. This can either be ‘in person’ or fully online.

The programme is delivered through Oxford Lifelong Learning, with the expertise in curriculum design and teaching drawn from the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, and the Oxford University Clinical Academic Graduate School.

To complete the Postgraduate Diploma, students must:

attend six modules, as detailed above
successfully complete six written assignments, usually of no more than 4,000 words, one for each of the chosen modules

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in an appropriate discipline; or
an equivalent professional qualification in a profession allied to medicine with post-qualification experience; or
have successfully completed the final year of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery or Bachelor of Dental Surgery, or equivalent

For applicants with a bachelor’s degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA normally required is 3.6 out of 4.0.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University’s higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. Further information on English language requirements can be found here.

Please visit the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research page on the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website for details of course fees and costs.

Please see our funding page for help and information with regard to funding postgraduate studies. We further recommend that applicants search for funding opportunities via the online Fees, Funding and Scholarship search tool.

In order to be considered for many scholarships, applicants are required to apply by the January deadline. However, some scholarships require additional application materials and may have different deadlines, so applicants should check the application process for each scholarship carefully.

For information about entry requirements and how to apply, please visit the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research page on the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website. This website provides information on fees and entry requirements, along with guidance on preparing and submitting your application.

Application deadlines

12:00 midday UK time on:

Stage 1: Wednesday 28 January 2026 (Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships)
Stage 2: Tuesday 3 March 2026

When to apply

Early application for the programme is strongly advised. After the March deadline, the course will only remain open for that year’s entry if places are still available.

Remember that it can take several weeks to obtain all of the documents you need and to prepare a competitive application. You should also allow your referees plenty of time to submit your references, so we recommend applying as early as possible.

Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process within six weeks of the application deadline.