Translational Health Sciences FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions?

If you can't find what you're looking for below, please do not hesitate to contact us at ths@conted.ox.ac.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

1. What is the fee structure for the programme and is there a deadline for payment of fees/ Is it possible to pay in instalments?

"Annual Award Fees"

There is an Annual Award Fee for each year a student is on the course, payment for which is typically due before the start of the academic year.

 

"Dissertation Fees"

The Dissertation Fee payment is due shortly before students begin their dissertation which they have 3 terms to complete. The Dissertation Fee is equivalent to 3 module fees. Full details of prices are on the award web pages.

In exceptional circumstances it may be possible for a student to pay the Annual Award Fee and /or the Dissertation fee in instalments.

 

"Module Fees"

Modules are invoiced 6-8 weeks before the start of the module. Module Fees for programme students are lower than fees for a student attending as a "short course". All Module Fees must be paid in full prior to commencing the Module.

 

 

2. Are fees the same for international applicants?

Yes. The fees are the same for both international and domestic students.

 

3. What are the scholarship options for this programme?

There are currently no scholarships that are unique to the MSc in Translational Health Sciences programme. However, there may be other scholarships available more widely across the postgraduate programmes at the University, in any given year. For up-to-date details of funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships and benefit information, please visit our Fees and Funding page

 

4. Is it possible to get a fee waiver?

Fee waivers are not normally granted for this programme of study.

 

5. Can the modules on this course be taken on a standalone basis?

All modules on the award can also be taken separately, as ‘standalone’ short courses - either for credit (on successfully passing the module assignment), or ‘not for credit’.

 

6. What is the average time commitment for the programme? Time commitment per module?

Modules are run over a nine-week blended learning cycle. An initial period of self-directed study is spent working 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. Modules are spaced out throughout the academic year, allowing a choice of options to be taken over a year (for full-time students) or longer for students attending part-time. Not all modules are guaranteed to run every year. If you are studying the course as a part-time student, there are six modules that require your attendance on the programme. Each module requires you to attend a week (5 days) in Oxford for supported face-to-face teaching (A total of 6 weeks attendance in Oxford). For additional note: If you are a part-time student you are required to attend a minimum of one module in each academic year on course.

 

7. If I complete individual ‘short course’ modules can I transfer the credit for a master's?

Students can request to import a short course taken for academic credit into the MSc, if completed within 2 years of starting the programme. However, it should be noted that this is not an automatic process and importing modules is always subject to formal approval.

 

8. What is the grading system for this programme?

The MSc programmes are graded as follows: Distinction (70% and above) Merit (65-69%) Pass (50-64%) Fail (49% and below) For note: Only the MSc programmes are formally graded. Students only receive a percentage mark for individual modules and the dissertation.

 

9. Are you required to take all of the listed modules in order to complete the Programme?

Students are required to complete one core module indicated for the programme, plus a choice of 5 other option modules from the option list (a total of 6 modules, plus the dissertation)

 

10. What topics do dissertations for this programme typically cover?

The dissertation module gives you the opportunity to apply particular theoretical and methodological approaches you learnt in the taught modules to a real-world problem or issue. There are three types of dissertation you can undertake:

 

• A practical implementation project to study the implementation of evidence or uptake of innovation in a service or policy setting

 

• A scholarly review of the literature

 

• A small primary research study, or a pilot study for a larger piece of research

 

The dissertation will be supervised by your academic supervisor who will oversee the theoretical, methodological and empirical aspects of the work. A non-academic advisor or mentor may also be appointed to provide practical support (e.g. helping a student gain access to a case site) but he or she will not provide academic advice or contribute to assessment.

 

 

11. Is fieldwork compulsory for the dissertation?

No, fieldwork is not a compulsory requirement for the dissertation.

 

There are three types of dissertation you can undertake:

 

• A practical implementation project to study the implementation of evidence or uptake of innovation in a service or policy setting

 

• A scholarly review of the literature

 

• A small primary research study, or a pilot study for a larger piece of research

 

 

12. Can this programme or any of the modules be completed remotely?

All modules require students to attend 5 full days in Oxford for intensive teaching. Each module is run over a nine-week cycle where the first two weeks are spent working on introductory activities using a Virtual Learning Environment, then there is a week spent in Oxford for the face-to-face teaching week. There are then four weeks of post-Oxford activities (delivered through the VLE) which are designed to help you write your assignment. You then have a week of personal study prior to submitting your assignment electronically the following week.

 

13. Is this programme available for a January start date?

No. Both full-time and part-time programmes only commence in October each year.

 

14. Will the modules be available in the future if I am unable to attend this year?

Any module designated as ‘Core’ to the programme will be available in all academic years. Any modules designated at ‘Optional’ are not guaranteed to run every year and may be subject to student demand. However, the vast majority of options do run from year to year. Modules running in any given year can always be confirmed by emailing;

ths@conted.ox.ac.uk

 

15. Are there any student experience videos/ communications we can access prior to applying?

We do not currently have any videos that are accessible. However, we do have students who have shared their course experiences. Read about the experiences of one of our recent graduates here

 

 

16. Do you have to have work experience to be eligible for this course?

This is an applied course aimed at learners whose varied past and current experience in industry, policymaking, academia, front-line service delivery or public service are key contributors to the overall learning experience of the cohort. We expect all students to have some past experience in a work environment.

 

17. Is accommodation available to students on the programme? Is this included in the fee?

Accommodation is not included in the fee for the programme. Full time students can find out more information regarding accommodation options through their college. Part-time students are expected to make their own arrangements for staying in Oxford during the intensive learning week for each module. You can find out more about the availability of rooms to stay in the Department here

 

18. Will a certificate of attendance be provided if the course is not taken for credit?

Yes, a certificate of attendance will be provided, subject to 80% attendance during the Oxford/Intensive week.