Translational Science and Global Health



Overview

Introducing the principles, practice and challenges of translating research evidence to inform global health interventions

The persistence of health inequities is a problem for which there is strong evidence of causal roots in the maldistribution of power, resources and funding within and between countries. Even when evidence is clear, the solutions are far from straightforward. Effective translation of insights from one setting to another therefore depends on understanding and addressing the wider contexts for innovation in specific countries and settings. 

This module aims to introduce you to the principles, practice and challenges of translating research evidence to inform global health interventions.  Lectures and case studies will cover relevant models, frameworks and tools using interdisciplinary perspectives to underscore the contribution of varied approaches to enhancing equity in global health. 

We will use specific case studies across the course to illustrate the relationship between research evidence and the design, evaluation and implementation of global health interventions. We will explore, for example, the tensions between the priorities of local and international bodies, the role of values and power struggles in the policy-making process, and the complexities of implementing global health interventions in shifting geopolitical settings. 

The last date for receipt of complete applications is 5pm Thursday 9th April 2026. Regrettably, late applications cannot be accepted.

Course Aims

On completion of this module, we expect our students to be able to:

  • Give a critical account of translational challenges for health systems in low and middle-income settings

  • Build on other modules to set innovations in the social, cultural and systems context of specific countries and identify options for improved translation

  • Apply relevant frameworks to identify and analyse key factors for translation of health innovations for global health goals

 Research methods and techniques taught in this module:

  • Qualitative: ethnographic and interview approaches to capturing the country-specific contexts of health innovations

  • Quantitative: metrics and indicators for measuring and comparing performance within and between LMIC health systems

Examples of case studies to be discussed in this module:

  • Initiatives to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under five

  • Healthy ageing in a global context

  • Improving the outcome of diabetic pregnancy

Programme details

The first weeks of this module is spent working on introductory activities using a Virtual Learning Environment, a week is then spent in Oxford for face-to-face teaching and group work (this takes place on the dates advertised), there are then a series of extended Post-Oxford activities (delivered through the VLE) over the following 4-6 weeks which are designed to support you in the preparation and delivery of the practical elements of your assignment. You will be required to submit your written assignment electronically (usually on a Tuesday at 14:00 UK Local Time).

 

Fees

Description Costs
Short Course in Health Sciences £3390.00
Students enrolled on MSc in Translational Health Science £2740.00

Funding

Details of funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships and benefit information are available on our financial assistance page.

Discounts

If you are an employee of the University of Oxford and have a valid University staff card you may be eligible to receive a 10% discount on the full stand-alone fee. To take advantage of this offer please submit a scan/photocopy of your staff card along with your application. Your card should be valid for a further six months after attending the course.

Tutors

Dr Asli Kalin - (Module Coordinator)

Dr Asli Kalin is an Academic GP (resident in family medicine) at the NIHR School for Primary Care Research, Oxford.

Dr Helene-Mari van der Westhuizen - (Module Coordinator)

Dr Helene-Mari van der Westhuizen is currently completing a Fellowship in Global Health through the Rhodes Trust and Global Health Security Consortium.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be based on performance in a group presentation and submission of a written assignment which should not exceed 4,000 words.

Academic Credit

Applicants may take this course for academic credit. The University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education offers Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points for this course. Participants attending at least 80% of the taught course and successfully completing assessed assignments are eligible to earn credit equivalent to 20 CATS points which may be counted towards a postgraduate qualification.

Applicants can choose not to take the course for academic credit and will therefore not be eligible to undertake the academic assignment offered to students taking the course for credit. Applicants cannot receive CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points or equivalence. Credit cannot be attributed retrospectively. CATS accreditation is required if you wish for the course to count towards a further qualification in the future.

A Certificate of Completion is issued at the end of the course.

Applicants registered to attend ‘not for credit’ who subsequently wish to register for academic credit and complete the assignment are required to submit additional information, which must be received one calendar month in advance of the course start date. Please contact us for more details.

Please contact ths@conted.ox.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Application

This course requires you to complete the application form and to attach a copy of your CV. If you are applying to take this course for academic credit you will also be required to provide a reference. Please note that if you are not applying to take the course for academic credit then you do not need to submit a reference.

Please ensure you read the guidance notes which appear when you click on the symbols as you progress through the application form, as any errors resulting from failure to do so may delay your application.

Selection criteria

Admissions Criteria:
To apply for the course you should:

  • Be a graduate or have successfully completed a professional training course
  • Have professional work experience in the health service or a health-related field
  • Be able to combine intensive classroom learning with the application of the principles and practices of translational health sciences within the work place
  • Have a good working knowledge of email, internet, word processing and Windows applications (for communications with course members, course team and administration)
  • Show evidence of the ability to commit time to study and an employer's commitment to make time available to study, complete course work and attend course and university events and modules.
  • Be able to demonstrate English Language proficiency at the University’s higher level. 

Accommodation

Accommodation is available at the Rewley House Residential Centre, within the Department for Continuing Education, in central Oxford. The comfortable, en-suite, study-bedrooms have been rated as 4-Star Campus accommodation under the Quality In Tourism scheme, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme. Accomodation is not included in the course fee.

IT requirements

Please ensure that you have access to a computer that meets the specifications detailed on our technical support page.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support