Cambridge MPhil Population Health Science

Hey everyone,

Is anyone here applying to the MPhil in Population Health Sciences, particularly the Health Data Science stream? Or if you've applied in the past, could you share some insights about the application process and interviews? I'm from a computer science background and am unsure about my suitability for the program. I'm concerned they might prioritize applicants with health-related backgrounds.

Reply 1

Anonymous #2

Are you the Anonymous #3 in another post

Reply 2

Anonymous #3

Not true that they prioritize applicants from health related backgrounds. In fact, if you are from a non-health but quantitative background (CS, Math, Stats etc), you have higher chances to get selected for the HDS stream. I applied to HDS but they didn't consider me for it because I'm from a health related background with relatively lower quantitative experience. Also, if you look at the current students in this subject, quite a few of them are from non-health background. Its all about how you link your past degrees, expertise, future plan and interest with the subject.

Considering you are from CS, I would frankly say you have higher chances for HDS if you can show a real interest for PHS. HDS interviews are technical. They might ask you stats/math related questions. You'll get your result 1 month after the interview.

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by Anonymous

Not true that they prioritize applicants from health related backgrounds. In fact, if you are from a non-health but quantitative background (CS, Math, Stats etc), you have higher chances to get selected for the HDS stream. I applied to HDS but they didn't consider me for it because I'm from a health related background with relatively lower quantitative experience. Also, if you look at the current students in this subject, quite a few of them are from non-health background. Its all about how you link your past degrees, expertise, future plan and interest with the subject.
Considering you are from CS, I would frankly say you have higher chances for HDS if you can show a real interest for PHS. HDS interviews are technical. They might ask you stats/math related questions. You'll get your result 1 month after the interview.

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience! That’s reassuring to hear. I was worried they might favor applicants with a health background, but it makes sense that they’d also want people with strong quantitative skills.
The technical part of the interview sounds intense though—do you know anyone who got into the HDS stream? Would be great to hear more about the kind of stats/math questions they were asked. Also, where can I find info about the current cohort? I’d love to see the kind of backgrounds people have.

Reply 4

Anonymous #3

Original post by Anonymous

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience! That’s reassuring to hear. I was worried they might favor applicants with a health background, but it makes sense that they’d also want people with strong quantitative skills.
The technical part of the interview sounds intense though—do you know anyone who got into the HDS stream? Would be great to hear more about the kind of stats/math questions they were asked. Also, where can I find info about the current cohort? I’d love to see the kind of backgrounds people have.