Master of Science in Epidemiology
Introduction
The Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division of Wits School of Public Health (WSPH) has since 2000 established itself as an institution of choice for the provision of postgraduate training in epidemiology and biostatistics within the sub-Saharan African region and beyond.
The Division has excelled in providing outstanding Master of Science (MSc) graduates who are well sought after within South Africa and the region. The Division recognises the need to maintain excellence in teaching and through experiences and lessons from the successful existing MSc Epidemiology programme.
The Division also provides teaching and research support to postgraduate students at the Wits Faculty of Health Sciences (WFHS) and the inter-disciplinary Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) PhD programme.
The Division is continuing to contribute to collaborative research on infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases, including environmental and occupational exposures.
Programme
The Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics of WSPH offers a Master of Science in Epidemiology to provide training in the principles and practice underlying the discipline of epidemiology.
This is a full-time degree over 18 months or a part-time degree over three years and consists of course work and a research project.
There are currently six fields of study within the MSc programme:
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Field Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health Informatics
- Implementation Science
- Biostatistics
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 epidemiology courses are well-evaluated and internationally recognized and reflect the values of the School of promoting equity and human rights, and responding meaningfully 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:
- conceptualize epidemiologic approaches to understand the causes of ill health in population-based research;
- critically synthesise published literature in epidemiology and biostatistics;
- design and conduct epidemiological studies;
- conduct sample size estimation for basic epidemiologic study designs;
- choose appropriate statistical techniques and perform analysis of data from epidemiological studies, and
- conduct appropriate and effective dissemination of scientific findings.
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.
Postgraduate applicants can now apply and pay online by following this link: https://www.wits.ac.za/applications/
Applications must include:
- Written motivation by the applicant detailing motivation for applying for the course and how the program fits with their overall career goals. Motivation template: MSc Motivation
- Comprehensive curriculum vitae including a description of relevant research and work experience
- Two referee reports. MSc Referee Report_2019
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates.
- English competency certificate OR evidence of prior undergraduate training in English.
- International applicants holding foreign qualifications need to provide certified copies of South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) certificates OR proof of application to SAQA by the MSc closing date. To apply for SAQA, visit: http://www.saqa.org.za/index.php
Closing date for applications is 31 July of the year prior to that for which admission is sought.
- Application for accommodation link: https://www.wits.ac.za/accommodation/applications/
Closing date for Accommodation is 30 October of the year prior to that for which admission is sought.
- Application for Postgraduate Merit Award link: https://www.wits.ac.za/study-at-wits/fees-and-funding/financial-aid-and-scholarships-office/postgraduate-funding/
Closing date for application for PMA is 31 October of the year prior to that for which admission is sought.