Vaccinology

The MSc in Medicine in the field of Vaccinology is a full time 2 year degree. It aims to capacitate the next generation of African scientists to develop a scientific understanding of different aspects of vaccinology, and aid in the development of new vaccines.

Overview

The Master of Science in Medicine in the field of Vaccinology is a full-time degree conducted in-person at FHS. Compulsory coursework, consisting of eleven modules including immunology, vaccine discovery and development, epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccinology, clinical microbiology and infectious diseases, public-health focus on vaccines and project management, is completed in the first year of the degree. Additionally, students prepare their research project protocol for review by the post-graduate committee and ethics committee in first year. Students conduct the research, data analysis and writing of research report during the second year. Additionally, students are expected to complete rotations through different departments and facilities that conduct vaccinology-related work. Students are expected to attend several workshops aimed at developing personal and professional skills, throughout the two-year period.

Who should apply?

The MSc(Med) in the field of vaccinology will appeal to medical, health science and public health professionals who have a desire to contribute to reducing mortality and improving health through vaccination, especially in low- & middle-income countries.

Career Opportunities

To aid in the development of new vaccines and strengthening of immunization programs:

  • Progress to complete PhD
  • Careers in vaccine-related fields including vaccine development, distribution, clinical trials, implementation, public health

Curriculum

First Year:

First Semester

  • Basic Vaccinology
  • Basic Immunology
  • Epidemiology for Health Researchers
  • Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
  • Applied Epidemiology & Statistics Research Methodology

Second Semester

  • Advanced Vaccinology
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Vaccine Development
  • Public Health & Vaccines
  • Project Management for Researchers
  • Research Methodology

Second Year:

Research Project

Students will select a project and write protocol during Year 1. The project will be completed in Year 2, and students will be required to submit a Research report, which will be examined by University-selected expert examiners.

Entry Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree of at least 4 years’ duration from Wits or another university or a bachelor’s degree followed by an Honours degree.
  • Working experience (minimum 1 year) in the field of infectious diseases, immunology, vaccinology/ immunisation or research in a relevant field.
  • South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Certificate of Evaluation for foreign qualifications (www.saqa.org.za)

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.