Translational Research

The Wits Master of Science (MSc) in Medicine in the field of Translational Research is the first programme of its kind in South Africa. It is designed to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical application, ensuring that research translates into real-world healthcare impact.

Overview

Students will gain the skills to navigate the full research pipeline, from basic science through clinical trials to implementation in healthcare practice. In a field that is expanding globally, this programme responds to the growing need for highly trained professionals, equipping graduates with a competitive edge.

Key Features

Students are exposed to cutting-edge innovations that are transforming healthcare, with a strong focus on precision medicine. Emphasis is placed on a multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise from medicine, life sciences, engineering, data science, and public health. Regulatory, ethical, and commercial considerations are also covered.

Skills Development

The programme fosters collaboration, innovation, critical thinking, and effective teamwork across scientific and clinical disciplines, integrating molecular techniques with competencies in networking and research dissemination.

Career Pathway

It provides a clear career pathway for Honours graduates (BSc, BHSc, and related fields), preparing them for doctoral study or professional careers in research, academia, and healthcare.

Course dates

  • Starting January 2026
  • 1 Year Full-Time
  • Coursework completed by
  • September 2026
  • Research project reports submitted by mid-December 2026
  • Two-week break in June
  • Research projects will be marked internally and externally with final submissions in May 2027
  • Students will graduate in July 2027

Curriculum

As a Masters by Coursework and Research Report it will consist of two components. Coursework will constitute 70% and the Research Report 30% of the final year mark.

There are 4 modules within the coursework:

  • Research Methodology (35 credits)
  • Molecular Discovery to Clinical Application (40 credits)
  • Introduction to Precision Medicine (20 credits)
  • Translational Research in Practice (25 credits)

Research Project with Report (60 credits) will run throughout the year under the guidance of an experienced supervisor.

Programme structure

Lectures will be twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-12pm and a journal club/seminar session on Mondays. Students will be expected to engage with course material and complete their research project during the rest of the week. Anticipated class size for 2026 is 6 students.

Entry Requirements

A graduate who has been awarded one of the following degrees, with a minimum final year grade average of 65%:

  • Bachelor of Health Sciences with Honours
  • Bachelor of Science with Honours

Pre-admission examination if deemed necessary.

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 application 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.