UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG

MSc Epidemiology Programme

Introduction:

The School of Public Health at the University of the Witwatersrand offers a Master of Science in Epidemiology to provide training in the principles and practice underlying the discipline of epidemiology. Epidemiology is fundamental to clinical and community medicine and public health. In combination with basic medical science and clinical research, epidemiology provides the tools with which we can learn more about the aetiology and effects of disease, the opportunities for prevention, the cost and effectiveness of various diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and the health status and risks of individuals and populations.

The teaching programmes of the Wits School of Public Health are well-evaluated and internationally recognized. They reflect the values of the School: to promote equity and human rights, and to meaningfully respond to the needs of the people on the African continent.

Graduates enter careers in medical research, public health and community medicine, field-based scientific research, government, NGO?s or international agencies.

Objectives:

By the end of the course, students should be able to: i) conceptualize epidemiologic approaches to understand the causes of ill health in population-based research; ii) critical synthese of published literature in epidemiology; iii) design and conduct of epidemiological studies; iv) conduct sample size estimation for basic epidemiologic study designs; v) choose appropriate statistical techniques and perform analysis of data from epidemiological studies and vi) conduct appropriate and effective dissemination of scientific findings.

Course Structure:

The MSc in Epidemiology is offered as a full-time degree over 18 months or as a part-time degree over three years and consists of course work and a research project. The fields of studies on offer are:

Epidemiology and Biostatistics offers core course training in epidemiology and biostatistics, research ethics, protocol development, demography and surveillance and allows students to select four one-week.modules in public health, project management, chronic disease epidemiology, infectious disease epidemiology, clinical epidemiology and additional topics according to their interest and intended area of specialization.

Population-based Field Epidemiology offers core course training in epidemiology, biostatistics, demography, data management and leadership skills, research ethics, protocol development, and applied field epidemiology. The course is complemented by a research project conducted during a 5-month field placement period in an INDEPTH-affiliated Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in South Africa, Ghana or Tanzania.

Infectious Diseases Epidemiology offers core course training in epidemiology, biostatistics, surveillance, infectious disease epidemiology, modelling in infectious diseases and is complemented by one-week modules in research ethics, protocol development, clinical trials and statistical analysis of clinical trials and two one-week selectives according to students choice.

Who qualifies for the MSc Epidemiology?

Applicants must have a four-year honours degree, an MBBCh or other health related degree. Relevant work experience will be an advantage. This degree will appeal to students who want to become more involved in research in their fields. Students come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds including medical, microbiology, dentistry, statistics, veterinary science and demography

Financial Support

Information about financial aid is available from the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. Tel: 27 11 717-1070. e-mail: nteyin@finaid.wits.ac.za

University Accommodation

Applications for accommodation on the Wits University campus must reach the Office of Residence Life before 30 September each year.
Tel: 27 11 717-9170-4. Fax: 27 11 717-9179.
e-mail: accommodation@residence.wits.ac.za

International Students

Students from the SADC countries and abroad are a vital part of this University and are strongly encouraged to apply. Specific procedures apply to international students so apply well in advance. For more information contact the International Office. Tel: 27 11 717-1054. Fax: 27 11 717-1059. e-mail: studysa@international.wits.ac.za

For further information about the MSc in Epidemiology Program

Mrs Angeline Zwane
Tel: (011) 717 2596
Email: Angeline.zwane@wits.ac.za

Postgraduate Application Forms are available from:

The Postgraduate Officer
Faculty of Health Sciences
7 York Road
Parktown
2193
Tel: 27 11 717-2076
Fax: 27 11 717-2119
e-mail: healthpg@health.wits.ac.za


Applications must include:

Wits University post-graduate application forms. Click here to download form
Written motivation by the applicant detailing motivation for applying for the course and how the program fits with their overall career goals.

  • Comprehensive Curriculum vitae including a description of relevant research and work experience
  • Two confidential referee reports.
  • Certified copies of prior qualification(s).
  • Original transcripts of qualifications.
  • Evidence of familiarity with computer packages such as MS word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS access etc.
  • Foreign Qualifications evaluation for non South African applicants.
  • English competency certificate or evidence of prior undergraduate training in English.

 

Closing date for applications: 30 September  of the year prior to that for which admission is sought.

Download the documents in the application pack by clicking on the files below:

Application instruction letter
Application form
International clearance information
International fees quotation form
Medical aid cover
MSc Motivation
MSc Referee s report
Residence application form
Brochure