Epidemiology

The MSc in Epidemiology by coursework and research report is offered in the fields of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Field Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Public Health Informatics, Implementation Science and Biostatistics.

Overview

The Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division of Wits School of Public Health (WSPH) has since 2000 established itself as a place of choice for the provision of postgraduate training in epidemiology and biostatistics in the sub-Sahara African region and beyond.

There are six fields of study within the programme:

  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics
  • Field Epidemiology
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Public Health Informatics
  • Implementation Science
  • Biostatistics

Career Opportunities

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

Curriculum

The Programme consists of coursework and a research project. The contents of the six fields of study are as follows:

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Field Epidemiology

Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Public Health Informatics

Implementation Science

Biostatistics

Introduction to Computing in Biostatistics, Epidemiology for Health Researchers I, Biostatistics for Health Researchers I and II, and Research Protocol Development

Introduction to Computing in Biostatistics, Epidemiology for Health Researchers I, Biostatistics for Health Researchers II and Research Protocol Development

Additional core courses

  • Epidemiology for Health Researchers II & III
  • Surveillance
  • Biostatistics for Health Researchers III
  • Introduction to Demographic Methods
  • Research Report

Two electives from:

  • Communicable Disease Epidemiology
  • Non-Communicable  Disease Epidemiology
  • Clinical Trials
  • Clinical Epidemiology
  • Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative
  • Research Methods

Additional core courses

  • Epidemiology for Health Researchers II
  • Surveillance
  • Introduction to Demographic Methods
  • Longitudinal Data and Event History Analysis
  • Applied Field Epidemiology
  • Data Management in Clinical Research Studies
  • Monitoring and Evaluation for Health Programmes
  • Field-Based Research Report

Additional Core courses

  • Epidemiology for Health Researchers II
  • Surveillance
  • Communicable Disease Epidemiology
  • Infectious Disease Modelling
  • Introduction to Demographic Methods
  • Research Report

Two electives from:

  • Biostatistics for Health Researchers III
  • Introduction to Demographic Methods
  • Introduction to Vector-Borne Diseases
  • Vector Control

Additional core courses

  • Longitudinal Data and Event History Analysis
  • Principles and Operations of Relational Databases
  • Health and Demographic Surveillance Database Systems
  • Introduction to Data Management Systems, Structures and Models
  •  Programming for Research Data Management I
  • Data Management in Clinical Research Studies
  • Data Processing, Distribution and Archiving I
  • Field-Based Research Report

Additional core courses

  • Implementation Science 1
  • Quality Improvement Science
  • Monitoring and Evaluation for Health Programmes
  • Introduction to Health Economics
  • Adapting, Implementing & Evaluating Evidence-Based Interventions
  • Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
  • Field-Based Research Report

One elective from:

  • Spatial Analysis and GIS in Public Health
  • Data Management for Clinical Research Studies

Additional core courses

  • Introduction to Statistical Theory in Health Research
  • Generalized Linear Models in Health Research
  • Bayesian Methods in Health Research
  •  Statistical Issues in Randomised Controlled Trials
  • Survey Methods in Health Research
  • Modern Biostatistical Methods
  • Statistical Consulting in Health Research
  • Infectious Disease Modelling
  • Applied Spatial Statistics for Health Researchers
  • Research Report

Entry Requirements

Eligibility

Students come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds including medical, microbiology, dentistry, statistics, computer science, veterinary science, demography, Nutrition and Psychology. 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 also appeal to students who want to become more involved in research in their fields.

ALL Applications must include:

  • Written motivation by the applicant detailing motivation for applying for the course and how the programme fits with their overall career goals. 
  • Comprehensive curriculum vitae including a description of relevant research and work experience
  • Two referee reports. 
  • Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates.

Apply for accommodation at: https://www.wits.ac.za/accommodation/applications/ 

In addition, International Applicants should include:

  • English competency certificate OR evidence of prior undergraduate training in English. (For countries whose medium of instruction is not English)
  • Certified copies of South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) certificates OR proof of application to SAQA. To apply for SAQA, visit: http://www.saqa.org.za/index.php. (Please ensure proof of payment proof and application reference number are included as your proof of application to SAQA.)

Further, candidates applying for part-time study should include

  • A stamped Consent letter from Employer confirming that they will allow the candidate to attend classes and examinations.

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. Refer to Wits Postgraduate Online Applications Guide for detailed guidelines. 
  • 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. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students. 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.