Program Overview

Master of Science in Infectious Disease Emergencies

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Master of Science in Infectious Disease Emergencies (MSc IDE) is an interdisciplinary graduate programme offered by the Centre for Infectious Disease Emergency Response (CIDER) at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUSMed), in collaboration with global experts in public health and infectious diseases.

Overview

The programme is designed to prepare professionals for the challenges of managing infectious disease outbreaks and emergencies. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to effectively respond to and lead in pandemic preparedness, disease surveillance, and crisis management.

Why This Programme?

• Maximise the opportunity to learn from our faculty of regional and international experts, who are eager to share their experience and knowledge.
• Learn through adult learning styles supported by conventional didactic methods, facilitating engagement and network building.
• Enjoy flexibility with our novel programme schedule, which combines in-person and virtual learning opportunities, supporting students in balancing at-home commitments with the MSc IDE.

Application for Admission

Application Period

An Academic Year (AY) at NUS consists of two semesters and a special term. For the MSc IDE programme, there is one application period for each AY:

• Programme: MSc IDE
• Intake: Semester 1 (Jul Intake)
• Application Dates: Nov of preceding year to Apr of intake year

Admission Requirements

Admission to the NUS MSc IDE programme is granted on a competitive basis as places in the programme are limited. Applicants should possess the following minimum requirements:

• Academic: M.B.,B.S degree or a Bachelor’s Degree in a health-sciences-related discipline. Alternatively, candidates with other qualifications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Skill/Experience:
  • For candidates with an undergraduate medical degree: One year of general clinical experience, excluding housemanship for Singapore-trained doctors, or one year of work experience in public health / health administration / occupational and environmental health or having entered clinical specialty training.
  • For candidates with an undergraduate non-medical degree: Two years of work experience in public health / health promotion / health administration / occupational and environmental health / clinical research / other related fields.
• English Language: International applicants whose native tongue and medium of university instruction is not completely in English: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 85 (Internet-based), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum Academic score of 6.0. Note: TOEFL / IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date and should not have expired at point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application.
• Other: Not applicable

Mode of Study and Programme Candidature

The NUS MSc IDE programme is offered on the following basis (with estimated time to complete the programme indicated below):

• Full-time: 12–24 months
• Part-time: 24–48 months

Programme Structure

The MSc IDE is a 40-Unit coursework-based Master’s Degree programme comprising:

• Core/essential courses (12 Units)
• Elective courses (28 Units)

Core/Essential Courses

Students must complete the Core/Essential Courses (12 Units):

• Course Code: IDE5001, Course Title: Leadership and Coordination, Units: 4
• Course Code: IDE5002, Course Title: Surveillance and Epidemiology, Units: 4
• Course Code: IDE5003, Course Title: Communications and Engagement in a Crisis, Units: 4

Elective Courses

Students must complete 28 Units of Elective Courses:

• Course Code: IDE5004, Course Title: Clinical Management, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), and Facility Infrastructure, Units: 4
• Course Code: IDE5005, Course Title: Interventions for Outbreak Control, Units: 4
• Course Code: IDE5006, Course Title: Research in a Pandemic, Units: 4
• Course Code: IDE5007, Course Title: Mental Health and Support for the Vulnerable, Units: 4
• Course Code: IDE5008, Course Title: Laboratory, Units: 4
• Course Code: IDE5009, Course Title: Training for Outbreak Response, Units: 4
• Course Code: IDE5010, Course Title: Outbreak Prone Pathogens, Units: 4
• Course Code: IDE5011, Course Title: Infectious Disease Emergency Response Modelling, Units: 4

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the NUS MSc IDE programme, students must meet the following requirements:

• Programme and/or Specialisation: Read and pass a total of 40 Units, comprising 12 Units of Core/Essential Courses and 28 Units of Elective Courses
• Course and/or Qualification: Not applicable
• Grade Point Average (GPA): Minimum 3.0 (out of maximum 5.0)
• Other: Not applicable

Fees

The University reserves all rights to review fees as necessary and adjust accordingly without prior notice:

• Tuition: S$54,128.44 (excluding GST) / S$59,000.00 (including 9% GST)
• Application: S$50.00 (including 9% GST), non-refundable and non-transferable
• Acceptance: S$5,000.00 (including 9% GST), payable upon acceptance of offer, non-refundable and non-transferable, will be credited towards tuition fees
• Miscellaneous Student Fees: As published by Office of the University Registrar, payable every regular semester

Scholarships & Financial Assistance

The scholarships and financial assistance schemes presented here are examples of the kinds of funding from the University as well as third-party sponsors that might be available to eligible NUS Master's Degree (Coursework) programme students and applicants:

• Centre for Infectious Disease Emergency Response (CIDER) Fellowship Grant: Scholarship designed to support students from low- or middle-income countries in advancing their expertise in infectious disease emergency preparedness and response
• Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship: Postgraduate scholarship that may be offered to Singapore Citizens who have a track record of leadership and achievement, as well as the potential to excel in their fields/professions
• National Medical Research Council Research Training Fellowship (NMRC RTF): Fellowship that may be awarded to clinicians and health science / healthcare professionals training to become Clinician Scientists
• Tan Kah Kee Postgraduate Scholarship: Scholarships for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents pursuing their full-time PhD or Master's degrees

Programme at a Glance

• Intake and Application:
  • Next Intake: Aug 2026
  • Application Period: 1 Nov 2025–30 Apr 2026

The Master of Science in Infectious Disease Emergencies programme at the National University of Singapore is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage infectious disease outbreaks and emergencies effectively. With a focus on pandemic preparedness, disease surveillance, and crisis management, this interdisciplinary programme is ideal for healthcare professionals, public health officials, and policymakers seeking to strengthen their capabilities in responding to global health threats. The programme offers a unique blend of academic rigour and practical insights, with a curriculum that includes modules on epidemiology, outbreak management, emergency preparedness, and health systems resilience. Graduates of the programme will be well-positioned to pursue a variety of exciting and impactful career paths, including roles in policymaking and emergency planning, public health departments, hospitals, and healthcare systems, as well as international roles that require specialized expertise in pandemic preparedness and global health security. With its flexible programme schedule and world-class faculty, the Master of Science in Infectious Disease Emergencies at NUS is an excellent choice for those looking to advance their careers in this critical field.